topic Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working in ArcGIS Pro Questions

ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

DanielMatranga — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 20:12:03 GMT

When I try to import symbology via the Python command window, it appears to work, but instead, the symbology has NOT changed, and I get this message below within the Symbology pane. I actually have to remove the layer from the map entirely, and re-add it to the map in order to update the symbology at all.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

ToddHorner — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 14:42:11 GMT

I'm experiencing the same exact issue. I'm using Arcgis Pro 2.2.4.

Using the Apply Symbology from Layer tool through the UI works fine. Through the Python window, however, no luck. After running the tool using the UI, I copied the code snippet from the geoprocessing history window. Running that code results in the behavior described above.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

ToddHorner — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 14:54:41 GMT

To add to my above comment. When I run the tool from the UI, my window looks like this:

This works fine. When I copy the code snippet from the geoprocessing history, the code looks like this:

Executing this code results in the behavior described above by Daniel Matranga.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

GabrielMarcus1 — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 21:30:52 GMT

I'm having a similar issue. I wrote a script that downloads a file from the National Weather Service, and attempts to apply symbology from a lyrx file. I was experiencing the issue you mentioned, but after I changed the python line to ApplySymbologyFromLayer_management instead of arcpy.management.ApplySymbologyLayer as the copy Python command outputs, that issue resolved.

I'm not sure why the output from "Copy Python Command" is different from what is suggested in the docs for this command.

The issue I am having is a bit different. The attribute table seems to be erased after I apply symbology. It's almost as if the lyrx file that I'm getting the symbology from is substituted with the orig layer.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

DrewFlater — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:17:09 GMT

This bug with Apply Symbology From Layer not working in Python has been fixed in the ArcGIS Pro 2.3 release. For reference you can use Esri bug BUG-000106281.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

GabrielMarcus1 — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:35:08 GMT

When will the non-beta be available though?

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

MichaelLowry2 — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 07:47:06 GMT

BUG-000106281 about this issue is apparently fixed for Pro SDK at release 2.3,

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/release-notes.htm

but I still cannot apply symbology from a layer file to a layer in my map through a script tool in Pro.

I have tried both call methods:

arcpy.management.ApplySymbologyFromLayer(target_layer, symbology_layer)

arcpy.ApplySymbologyFromLayer_management(target_layer, symbology_layer)

And I have tried .lyr and .lyrx

I know it is a problem with Pro, because if I run the exact same script tool in ArcMap (10.3) it works properly.

Any information or suggestions?

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

MarcoBoeringa — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 11:45:36 GMT

Have you also attempted to first explicitely add both the "target_layer" and "symbology_layer" to a Map in Pro using arcpy "addLayer", and then run the "arcpy.ApplySymbologyFromLayer_management" command, instead of first updating symbology, and then adding the symbolized layer to the Map?

In my experience, this seems to solve the issue with the styling not updating. After that, I simply delete the no longer needed "symbology_layer" using arcpy "removeLayer" in the Map document of Pro.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

EricAnderson17 — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 16:28:11 GMT

There is a defect logged for this when used in a script tool:

BUG-000119907: The Apply Symbology From Layer tool (arcpy.ApplySymbologyFromLayer_management) does not work if used in a Python script from the toolbox in ArcGIS Pro 2.3.

Please contact Esri Support if you wish to be attached to this defect so you can track its status.

-Eric

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

BrianBulla — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 05:09:20 GMT

Hi Eric Anderson‌,

Do you know if there is also an issue running ApplySymbologyFromLayer in C# code like the following:

Map map = MapView.Active.Map;

                pBar.Minimum = 0;
                pBar.Maximum = map.Layers.Count;

                this.Cursor = Cursors.Wait;

                GPExecuteToolFlags flags = GPExecuteToolFlags.GPThread;

                foreach (Layer layer in map.GetLayersAsFlattenedList().OfType<FeatureLayer>())
                {   
                    var gpresult = await Geoprocessing.ExecuteToolAsync("ApplySymbologyFromLayer_management", new string[] { layer.Name.ToString(), @"K:\DSM Shared\ArcMap Symbology\10.2 Schema\Editing Symbols\" + layer.Name.ToString() + ".lyr" }, null, null, flags);
                    pBar.Value = pBar.Value + 1;
                }‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

EricAnderson17 — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 17:52:57 GMT

Hi Brian,

I have not heard of any issues with using the ApplySymbologyFromLayer tool within C# code, but if you'd like to log a case with our Technical Support team we can definitely help investigate this issue with you.

Best regards,

Eric

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

BrianBulla — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 18:05:47 GMT

Hi Eric. I will post on the ArcGIS Pro Forum first, and if that doesn't work out, then I'll submit a ticket.

Thanks,

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

AaronFerrari — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 13:10:07 GMT

In 2.4, I am having an issue where, when I use the python code, it works and runs through all of the layouts in all maps, but the changes are only reflected in the "Active" map. Is this part of the same bug?

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

RolandDuhaime — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 14:27:40 GMT

I created an iterative model in model builder and the .lyrx symbology isn't being applied to the layer. I can batch iterate the layers in my map but when I save and close the map... the updated symbology is not saved in the project. When I save and then open the project, the symbology has reverted back to the symbols that appeared before the batch import. This is a bug.

The only way I am able to apply the .lyrx symbology for each of the many layers, is to import the .lyrx file for each layer... using this approach the symbology can be saved and the next time I open the project, it has been preserved. I have to do this for many layers, so it isn't an ideal approach.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

KoryKramer — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 14:10:03 GMT

It sounds like you're seeing BUG-000120906: The Apply Symbology From Layer and Make Feature Laye.. You could go there and click the Subscribe button.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

LeandraGordon — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 06:06:36 GMT

I tried using ApplySymbologyFromLayer in model builder and can confirm it doesn't work in Pro 2.7 as a standalone model on existing layers.
The model seems to get confused on what is a Variable Name and what is a Variable Value:

1. Looks ok:

2. Looks ok

3. The Variable Name is now the Variable Value:

It doesn't work in a Python Toolbox either -> https://my.esri.com/#/support/bugs/BUG-000136115

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

ToyotaT18 — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 03:39:59 GMT

Hi Marco could you expand on this answer? I'm running into the same issue, where the symbology isn't updating.

If my 'target' dataset is sitting as a feature class in a fgdb, how do I use 'addLayer', i.e. what do I pass to it? I've tried using MakeFeatureLayer but it never seems to like the output from that. I've also tried grabbing an existing layer from a map, using this with addLayer (which does add the layer again), but then the ApplySymbologyFromLayer still doesn't work. This is all running from an arcpy script tool.

I'd appreciate any solutions to this!

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

LeandraGordon — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 23:34:59 GMT

Quick update to bug: The problem seems a little better in Pro 2.8.1 but still has major problems with some LYRX files (the one with the colour ramp doesn't work). But seriously if this is part of your standard mapping automation workflow I and you have a choice I would start looking at alternative products.

Re: ArcPy Apply Symbology from Layer not working

Anonymous User — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 23:43:46 GMT

I was getting stuck on this too but was able to achieve essentially the same result by creating a custom style (rather than using a symbology layer) and then batch running Match Layer Symbology to a Style on the workspace.