Save To Layer File (Data Management)

Summary

Creates an output layer file (.lyrx) from a map layer. The layer file stores many properties of the input layer such as symbology, labeling, and custom pop-ups.

Usage

• In addition to map layers, this tool also accepts layers created by tools such as Make Feature Layer or Make XY Event Layer.

• If the input layer has a selection applied to it, the output layer file will maintain this selection.

• Layer files saved from ArcGIS Pro cannot be used in ArcMap.

Parameters

Dialog

Label	Explanation	Data Type
Input Layer	The map layer to be saved to disk as a layer file.	Layer
Output Layer	The output layer file (.lyrx) to be created.	Layer File
Store Relative Path (Optional)	Specifies whether the output layer file will store a relative path to the source data stored on disk or an absolute path. Unchecked—The output layer file will store an absolute path to the source data stored on disk. This is the default. Checked—The output layer file will store a relative path to the source data stored on disk. If the output layer file is moved, its source path will update to where the source data should be in relation to the new path.	Boolean
Layer Version (Optional)	Specifies the version of the output layer file. Current—The current version. This is the default.	String

Python

arcpy.management.SaveToLayerFile(in_layer, out_layer, {is_relative_path}, {version})

Name	Explanation	Data Type
in_layer	The map layer to be saved to disk as a layer file.	Layer
out_layer	The output layer file (.lyrx) to be created.	Layer File
is_relative_path (Optional)	Specifies whether the output layer file will store a relative path to the source data stored on disk or an absolute path. ABSOLUTE—The output layer file will store an absolute path to the source data stored on disk. This is the default. RELATIVE—The output layer file will store a relative path to the source data stored on disk. If the output layer file is moved, its source path will update to where the source data should be in relation to the new path.	Boolean
version (Optional)	Specifies the version of the output layer file. CURRENT—The current version. This is the default.	String

Code sample

SaveToLayerFile example 1 (Python window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the SaveToLayerFile function in immediate mode.

import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.management.SaveToLayerFile("studyquads.shp", "C:/output/studyquadsLyr.lyrx", "ABSOLUTE")

SaveToLayerFile example 2 (stand-alone Python script)

The following Python script demonstrates how to use the SaveToLayerFile function in a stand-alone script.

# Description: Saves a layer to a file on disk

# Import system modules
import arcpy

# Set workspace
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"

# Set local variables
in_features = "study_quads.shp"
where_clause = '"NAME" = \'LA MESA\''
in_layer = "studyquadsLyr"
out_layer_file = "studyquadsLyr.lyrx"

# Run MakeFeatureLayer
arcpy.management.MakeFeatureLayer(in_features, "study_quads_lyr", where_clause)

# Run SaveToLayerFile
arcpy.management.SaveToLayerFile("study_quads_lyr", out_layer_file, "ABSOLUTE")

Environments

Current Workspace, Scratch Workspace

Licensing information

• Basic: Yes
• Standard: Yes
• Advanced: Yes