Creating a new feature class by saving the contents of a map layer in ArcMap

If you are working with a dataset in ArcMap, you can export it to create a feature class or a shapefile.

1. Right-click the dataset in the Table Of Contents that you would like to export.

   This brings up the context-sensitive menu.

2. Click Data > Export Data.
This brings up the Export Data dialog box.

If you are working with a dataset in ArcMap, you can export it to create a feature class or a shapefile.

3. From the drop-down list, choose whether you would like to export all features or just those in the view extent.
4. Choose one of three radio button options for which coordinate system the exported dataset will inherit. These include the following:
• The same coordinate system as the data source referenced by the layer you are exporting
• The coordinate system of the data frame (ArcMap) or scene (ArcScene) to which the layer you are exporting belongs
• The coordinate system of the feature dataset into which you choose to export data
5. Specify the output data you would like to create.

Do one of the following:

Type the name of the output directly into the field. It will be saved in the current output location. Move the cursor over the Browse button to get a tip showing you the current output location. (If the current location is a file geodatabase, it will have a .gdb extension; if it’s a personal geodatabase, it will have an .mdb extension; if it's a Personal or Workgroup geodatabase on a database server, it will have a .gds extension; if it’s a connection to a spatial database, it will have an .sde extension).

Or:

Click Browse and use the browser to specify the location and name of the output data.

If you save the output to a folder (e.g., a directory on disk), it will be saved as a shapefile. You can use spaces in the shapefile name. If you don't specify an .shp extension, ArcMap will automatically add it for you.

If you save the output into a geodatabase (a file, personal, or enterprise geodatabase), it will be saved as a geodatabase feature class. You cannot use spaces in the name of a feature class.

Note:

If you type the name of the output directly into the field instead of using the Browser, you can specify a full path name, but only if the path name is to a location currently accessible in the Browser (or ArcCatalog or Catalog window) via an existing folder connection or database connection. For example, to specify a new feature class called states in an existing personal geodatabase called USA.mdb, you can type d:\data\usa.mdb\states. This will only work if the Browser (or ArcCatalog or Catalog window) already contains a folder connection to either d:\ or d:\data.