Unable to use Paste Special in ArcGIS Pro

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, Paste Special is a command used to paste copied features from a map to a specific layer. However, in some instances, this function is not available in the Clipboard group.

Cause

This issue occurs if layers that do not contain the copied features are selected in the Contents pane after selecting the features to copy and clicking Copy. In this example, the copied features are in the layer named 'Specific'. Selecting the layer 'All' causes the Paste option to be unavailable as displayed in the image below:

Solution or Workaround

The following workflow describes how to correctly use the Paste Special option to paste the copied features from one layer to another.

1. In ArcGIS Pro, select the desired features. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Select features for editing for more information. Ensure the layer containing the selected features is selected in the Contents pane. In this example, the selected features are in the layer named 'Specific'.

Note:
Alternately, select specific features using existing attributes or location. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Select features using attributes or ArcGIS Pro: Select features by location for the steps to do so.

2. In the ArcGIS Pro ribbon, on the Edit tab, click Copy in the Clipboard group.

3. On the Edit tab, in the Clipboard group, paste the copied features to another layer with the Paste Special option. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Paste to a specified layer for steps to do so.

4. In the ArcGIS Pro ribbon, on the Edit tab, click Save to save the edits made on the layer.