Copy (Data Management)

Summary

Copies input data and pastes the output to the same or another location regardless of size. 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 allow you to copy a feature dataset into a file 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.

• To define the Output data element parameter from the tool dialog, click the browse button , type a name, and choose a type from the Save as type: drop down list on the browse dialog. If you are copying a feature class to a geodatabase, you will need to select Datasets in the Save as type: drop down list in order to show geodatabases in the browse dialog.

Syntax

Copy_management (in_data, out_data, {data_type})

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
in_data	The data 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 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 (feature dataset or feature class) 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
from arcpy import env

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
from arcpy import env

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

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

# Execute Copy
arcpy.Copy_management(in_data, out_data, data_type)

Environments

Current Workspace, Output CONFIG Keyword, Scratch Workspace

Licensing Information

ArcView: Yes

ArcEditor: Yes

ArcInfo: Yes