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
SaveToLayerFile(in_layer, out_layer, {is_relative_path}, {version})
Parameter | Explanation | Data 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.
| Boolean |
version (Optional) | The version of the output layer file.
| 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