Select (Analysis)—ArcGIS Pro

Summary

Extracts features from an input feature class or input feature layer, typically using a select or Structured Query Language (SQL) expression, and stores them in an output feature class.

Usage

The select or SQL expression is built with the Query Builder or is typed in. For details on the expression syntax, see Write a query in the query builder or SQL reference for query expressions used in ArcGIS.
If a layer is used for Input Features and no expression is entered, only the selected features are written to the output feature class. If a layer is used for Input Features and an expression is entered, the expression is only executed on the selected features, and the expression-based subset of the selected set is written to the output feature class.
If you already have a layer with a selected set of features, use the Copy Features tool to create a feature class instead.

Syntax

arcpy.analysis.Select(in_features, out_feature_class, {where_clause})

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
in_features	The input feature class or layer from which features are selected.	Feature Layer
out_feature_class	The output feature class to be created. If no expression is used, it contains all input features.	Feature Class
where_clause (Optional)	An SQL expression used to select a subset of features. For more information about SQL syntax, see SQL reference for query expressions used in ArcGIS.	SQL Expression

Code sample

Select example 1 (Python window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the Select function in immediate mode.

import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.Select_analysis("majorrds.shp", "C:/output/majorrdsClass4.shp", '"CLASS" = \'4\'')

Select example 2 (stand-alone script)

The following Python script demonstrates how to use the Select function in a stand-alone script.

# Name: Select_Example2.py
# Description: Select roads of Class 4 from major roads in the gnatcatcher habitat study area

# Import system modules
import arcpy

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

# Set local variables
in_features = "majorrds.shp"
out_feature_class = "C:/output/majorrdsClass4.shp"
where_clause = '"CLASS" = \'4\''

# Execute Select
arcpy.Select_analysis(in_features, out_feature_class, where_clause)

Environments

Default Output Z Value, M Resolution, M Tolerance, Output CONFIG Keyword, Output M Domain, Output XY Domain, Output Coordinate System, Extent, Output has M values, XY Resolution, XY Tolerance

Licensing information

Basic: Yes
Standard: Yes
Advanced: Yes