topic Re: Pasting features into layers that are off in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Pasting features into layers that are off

DerekLindner — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:05:45 GMT

Hello readers & contributors,

I'm a part time non-advanced Pro user and have a layer pasting inquiry.

I would like to paste features into layers that are OFF.

If I find new creeks & lakes to be added to a provincial watershed atlas, these few additions are obscured by the density of the existing 1.5 million feature class when it is on during copy selection.
I have to hand pick the features that I want to copy because some are duplicates.

The work around I currently have is to make a copy of the layer with invisible symbology or pause the regen.

I would be great if I could paste new features into a layer that is off so
I only see the layer count increase when pasting is successful.

I appreciate any advice but I would need guidance with all code suggestions.

Thanks for reading,

Derek L.

Re: Pasting features into layers that are off

LindsayRaabe_FPCWA — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:21:18 GMT

What about setting a Minimum/Maximum Scale for the layer? This way, it hides the layer when you're working unless you zoom in/out to a point within the range of scales you set, but it is still technically turned ON so you can paste features into it.

Re: Pasting features into layers that are off

DerekLindner — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:24:46 GMT

Thanks Lindsay, This is a great workaround. I set Min to 500,000 and regen is much more manageable. I appreciate the Feature Layer custom screenshot. Regards, Derek.

Re: Pasting features into layers that are off

LindsayRaabe_FPCWA — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 01:30:43 GMT

OFFICIAL

You're welcome. Glad it helped.

Re: Pasting features into layers that are off

JenniferCadkin — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:46:20 GMT

This is a known Enhancement request if you would like to subscribe

ENH-000118513 Enable copying and pasting feature class without having to turn on the layers.

Re: Pasting features into layers that are off

DerekLindner — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:33:50 GMT

Thank you very much Jennifer. I've been posting my inquiries to the community for workarounds before submitting an idea. I'm glad it exists already but I'm unable to find it. Do you mind posting the ENH- link. Regards, Derek L.