I have created a package file. I want to modify a copy of that packaged file but preserve the original. If I open it directly and modify it, then both package files get modified, the original and the copy.
Why is ArcGIS behaving like this? I am curious because I am learning to use it.
Thanks!
Package Map—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop
uses the *.mxd first and foremost, which means that if you want a different version, then you should give it a different name AND even if you don't change anything in the project and want to make a copy, there is nothing wrong with saving A.mxd as B.mxd even though they are identical. You could exploit this by using the following
original.mxd
backup_2016_07_31.mxd
backup_2016_08_01.mxd
etc
then create packages as you see fit from the mxds which may or may not reflect changes in input data and/or other project changes.
My rule, never overwrite an mxd (except in the most minor of cases), do incremental saves and one ultimate backup every day
Thank you Dan. That is very helpful!