Managing tool layers

Legacy:

The capability to create a tool layer was removed at version 10.1. Tool layers in ArcMap documents created prior to version 10.1 can still be used in 10.1.

With a few exceptions, tool layers are managed in the same way as any other group layer in ArcMap.

Create a tool layer

Legacy:

Prior to version 10.1, tool layers were a prerequisite for authoring and publishing geoprocessing services. At version 10.1, you no longer need tool layers to author and publish geoprocessing services. To create geoprocessing services at 10.1, you publish a geoprocessing result found in the Results window.

Executing the tool layer

Right-click the layer and click Open. Fill in the parameter values and click OK.

Note:

Tool layers always execute in the foreground.

Viewing execution messages

Once the tool has been executed for the tool layer, you can view messages by right-clicking the tool layer and clicking View messages.

Note:

A result is not written to the Results window when you execute a tool layer.

Saving a tool layer

Tool layers can be saved in the same way as any other layer. Right-click the layer and click Save to Layer File.

Renaming a tool layer

To rename a tool layer, click the layer and press the F2 key. Alternatively right-click the tool layer, click Properties, and change its name on the General tab of the Group Layer Properties dialog box.

Packaging a tool layer

Tool layers are not written to map packages or layer packages.

Learn more about sharing geoprocessing workflows