virtually merging feature sources

[mikedav1]

Hello,

I have multiple shp files in different folders but with same fields.

I want to merge them to look like one layer, including in toc (not group) and in legend.

and without making a new feature set as I keep getting new shp files.

something like virtual view

[DanPatterson]

You have to

Append (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation

to make one file with the contents of all the others.

Just make a copy of the first file so it doesn't get altered, then use it as the destination file for the append process.  No other files will be altered either

[mikedav1]

Thanks, but this duplicates the data and creates a new feature class

[DanPatterson · Accepted solution]

That it does, but you can archive the originals in another location.

There is no "virtualization" until the data are put together at some point.  If you are trying to simplify the table of contents, you have ruled out the obvious of grouping the layers, toggling them all on, then collapsing the group

[Robert_LeClair]

In addition to the Append geoprocessing tool, you could use the Merge geoprocessing tool that takes all of your input shapefiles and creates a new output feature class.  Using this gp tool you don't have to create a copy of one of the shapefiles.