Delete pyramids of file-based raster datasets in ArcGIS 10.0

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to delete pyramids of file-based raster dataset in ArcMap 10.x.

Note:
ArcMap is in Mature support and will be retired March 1, 2026. There are no plans for future releases of ArcMap, and it is recommended that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro. See Migrate from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro for more information.

Procedure

There are two methods available to remove pyramids from file-based raster datasets in ArcMap.

Delete the pyramids in Windows Explorer.

Open the folder containing the raster dataset and manually delete the .rrd or .ovr file associated with the raster dataset.

Delete the pyramids using the Build Pyramids tool

1. Open the Build Pyramids (Data Management) geoprocessing tool. In Arctoolbox, expand Data Management Tools > Raster > Raster Properties > Build Pyramids.
2. In the Input Raster Dataset field, specify the raster dataset with the pyramids that need to be deleted.
3. Click the Environments Button at the bottom of the dialog box.
4. In the Environment Settings dialog box, expand Raster Storage.
5. Under Raster Storage, type zero for Pyramid levels or uncheck Build pyramids to delete the existing pyramids. Click OK.