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 like 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.
Learn more about creating geoprocessing services at version 10.1
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 like 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, then 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.