ArcMap

Save To Layer File

Summary

Creates an output layer file (.lyr) 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.

Syntax

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

The map layer to be saved to disk as a layer file.

Layer
out_layer

The output layer file (.lyr) to be created.

Layer File
is_relative_path
(Optional)

Determines if 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)

The version of the output layer file.

  • CURRENT —The current version. This is the default.
  • 10.4 —10.4
  • 10.3 —10.3
  • 10.2 —10.2
  • 10.1 —10.1
  • 10 —10
  • 9.3 —9.3
  • 9.2 —9.2
  • 9.1 —9.1
  • 9.0 —9.0
  • 8.3 —8.3
String

Code sample

SaveToLayerFile example 1 (Python window)

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

import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.SaveToLayerFile_management("studyquads.shp", "C:/output/studyquadsLyr.lyr", "ABSOLUTE")
SaveToLayerFile example 2 (stand-alone Python script)

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

# Name: SaveToLayerFile_Example2.py
# Description: Saves an inMemory 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.lyr"

# Execute MakeFeatureLayer
arcpy.MakeFeatureLayer_management(in_features, "study_quads_lyr", where_clause)

# Execute SaveToLayerFile
arcpy.SaveToLayerFile_management("study_quads_lyr", out_layer_file, "ABSOLUTE")

Environments

Licensing information

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

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