You can create layers from a subset of features of an existing layer by selecting them and creating a selection layer. This adds a layer in the map or scene with the same data source but references only the features that were selected. You can use selection layers to select subsets without losing the logic of the original selection set.
Caution:
The selection layer is only useful as a temporary working dataset, for example, as an input into a geoprocessing model. It lists the FeatureIDs (FIDs) or ObjectIDs (OIDs) of the selected features. These are invalidated when the original data source is updated or changed.
Make a selection layer from selected features
Complete the following steps to make a selection layer:
- Select features for a layer using any selection method and ensure that the layer is highlighted in the Contents pane.
- On the Feature Layer tab set, click the Data tab.
- In the Selection group, click Layer From Selection
. A layer is added to the map or scene. The layer name is the name of the original layer, appended by the word selection.
Tip:
You can also make a selection layer from the Contents pane. Right-click the layer, click Selection, and click Make Layer From Selected Features .
Clear or discard selection layers
Once the selection layer is no longer needed, you can remove the selection definition and restore the layer to its original, full list of features.
- Right-click the selection layer in the Contents pane and click Properties
to open the Layer Properties dialog box. - Click the Selection tab and check the Clear selected features to access all features in the source data check box.
- Click OK to remove the selection definition and reveal all features.
Tip:
Alternatively, if the original layer is still in the map, you can right-click the selection layer in the Contents pane and click Remove to discard the layer entirely. The original layer is unaffected.