Creating a layer package

A layer package (.lpk file) includes the layer properties and the dataset referenced by the layer. With a layer package, you can share everything about the layer—its symbolization, labeling, field properties, and data.

Layer package details

Other users can add layer packages directly into their maps without knowing how to access the database or classify the data. Layer packages can be created in ArcMap, ArcGlobe, and ArcScene and can be shared between these applications, as well as ArcGIS Explorer. When using ArcGlobe or ArcScene, 3D properties can be added to a map layer and included in a layer package.

While a layer package is larger than a layer file (because it includes data), you will not need to provide access to your data sources.

Packaging unsupported layers and datasets for previous versions results in those items not opening in previous versions of the software. A warning occurs when packaging a layer if content will not be available in previous versions of ArcGIS. When packaging layers, ensure that the layers and data sources you're using are available in previous versions of the software.

Additionally, a layer can be saved as a schema-only layer package. This type of package allows you to share the layer design and the corresponding data model design without sharing the data. When you unpack a schema-only layer package, you are prompted to create a geodatabase or choose an existing geodatabase. The data model for the layers is loaded into that geodatabase. You can then load your own datasets for the layers.

Tip:

For a finer degree of control over how data is packaged, use the Package Result geoprocessing tool. For example, you can specify that only data within the current map extent is packaged or that enterprise database data is to be extracted for inclusion in the package.

Creating a data layer package

To create a data layer package, complete the following steps:

1. Right-click the layer and select Create Layer Package.

   The Layer Package dialog box appears.

   

   Tip:

   To share multiple layers in your map, select the layers and click Create Layer Package.

2. Specify where to save the layer package and name it—either as a file on disk or in your ArcGIS Online account for sharing.
3. Optionally, include data from an enterprise geodatabase (check Include Enterprise Geodatabase data instead of referencing the data).
4. Click Item Description and provide information about the layer package in the Summary and Tags text boxes.
5. Click Additional Files and specify any files you want to include in the layer package.

   You can include content such as detailed documentation, reports, graphs, and so on. You cannot include the following file types in the package: .js, .vbs, .py, .pyc, .pyo, .bat, and .ocx. Also, only signed .dll and .exe files can be included.

   Learn more about signing .dll and .exe files

6. You must analyze your layer before you can save it to disk or share it on ArcGIS Online. When you click Analyze, the layer is checked for errors and warnings. If any are found, a list of the errors and warnings appears in the Prepare window.

   Right-click each message to get more information, read the help for the error, and click suggested fixes.

   

   When you run Analyze on a layer to create a layer package, the layer is checked for errors and warnings. If any are found, they appear in this window.

7. Click Share to create your layer package.

Creating a schema-only layer package

The steps for creating a schema-only layer package are the same as the steps above for creating a layer data package except that in step 3, choose Package schema only to create a schema-only layer package.

Tip:

Choose Package schema only to share a layer without its data. When the layer is unpacked, you are prompted to create the datasets for the layers in a geodatabase.

Packaging 3D map layer properties

Enable 3D properties for a layer package to use that layer package effectively between the various 3D visualization environments (ArcGlobe, ArcScene, and ArcGIS Explorer). Set the properties first; then save them to a local layer file.

For more information about using layers and layer packages in ArcGIS Explorer, see Working with ArcGIS layers and layer packages.

1. Start ArcGlobe or ArcScene and add the map layer (or layer package) that you created in ArcMap.
2. Set the 3D properties.

   For example, set the height properties to extrude features in 3D, set the distance range for a map layer's visibility in 3D, and so on.

3. Right-click the layer in ArcGlobe or ArcScene and choose Create Layer Package.
4. Follow the steps in Creating a layer data package above to complete the creation of the layer package.