AGOL Layer File

[MikeOnzay]

What is a Layer File on ArcGIS Online?  It is one of the filter choices in My Content. I user layer files on desktop all of the time. Does it mean the same thing in AGOL? Where is the documentation about what it is and how to create it?

[LeonS]

I wouldn't have guessed this from the name, but it looks like "Layer files"  are the files that are used (or could be used) to create published Layers in AGOL.  (Feature layers, Tile layers, etc.)  For me, I end up with mostly File Geodatabases or Service Definition files that were created when publishing from Pro.  Also a few Excel files and tile packages.

I couldn't find much in the way of documentation though.

Leon

[ChristopherCounsell · Accepted solution]

In ArcGIS Online, Layers are live. You can add them to maps and interactive with them.

Layer Files in the ArcGIS Online search refer to Layer Files or Layer Packages. They are NOT live but can be downloaded and used in ArcGIS Pro or other locations. They are like a shapefile or file geodatabase but come with other layer properties such as symbology. Layer file = just the reference properties. Layer package = the data and the layer file

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/sharing/overview/layer-package.htm

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/sharing/overview/save-a-layer-file.htm