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Copy

Summary

Copies input data on disk and pastes the output to the same or another location. The data type of the input and output data element is identical.

Usage

  • If a feature class is copied to a feature dataset, the spatial reference of the feature class and the feature dataset must match; otherwise, the tool fails with an error message.

  • Any data dependent on the input is also copied. For example, copying a feature class or table that is part of a relationship class also copies the relationship class. The same applies to a feature class that has feature-linked annotation, domains, subtypes, and indices—all are copied along with the feature class. Copying geometric networks, network datasets, and topologies also copies the participating feature classes.

  • The Copy tool does not copy layers, since a layer is a reference to a feature class.

  • The Copy tool does not allow you to copy a feature dataset into a geodatabase containing a feature class of the same name, regardless of whether the feature class is stand-alone or contained in a feature dataset.

  • Copying a mosaic dataset copies the mosaic dataset to the designated location; the images referenced by the mosaic dataset are not copied.

Syntax

Copy_management (in_data, out_data, {data_type})
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_data

The data on disk to be copied to the same or another location.

Data Element
out_data

The location and name of the output data. The file name extension of the output data must match the extension of the input data. For example, if you are copying a file geodatabase, your output data element must have .gdb as a suffix.

Data Element
data_type
(Optional)

The type of the data on disk to be copied. The only time you need to provide a value is when a geodatabase contains a feature dataset and a feature class with the same name. In this case, you need to select the data type, FeatureDataset or FeatureClass, of the item you want to copy.

String

Code sample

Copy example 1 (Python window)

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

import arcpy

arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.Copy_management("majorrds.shp", "C:/output/majorrdsCopy.shp")
Copy example 2 (stand-alone Python script)

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

# Name: Copy_Example2.py
# Description: Copy major roads dataset to preserve the original data

# Import system modules
import arcpy

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

# Set local variables
in_data =  "majorrds.shp"
out_data = "C:/output/majorrdsCopy.shp"

# Execute Copy
arcpy.Copy_management(in_data, out_data)

Environments

Licensing information

  • ArcGIS for Desktop Basic: Yes
  • ArcGIS for Desktop Standard: Yes
  • ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced: Yes

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