The domain is incompatible with the existing default value

Error Message

After creating new domains and subtypes for a feature class, the following error is encountered when attempting to apply the new domain to a subtype.

Error:   
The domain is incompatible with the existing default value.

However, the same domain and default value can be applied to other feature classes with the same schema.

Cause

The error may be due to the default value set for the field. The existing default value interferes with the domain applied by the user.

Solution or Workaround

Use one of the options below to resolve the error.

Reset the default value

1. In the Catalog window, right-click the feature class > Properties.
2. Click the Subtypes tab.
3. Select the subtype in the Default Subtype drop-down list.
4. Remove the values in the Default Value field for the respective field name and click Apply.
5. Change the domain to the new domain name.
   
   
    
6. Set the default value in the Default Value field and click Apply > OK.

Remove the default values and create a new subtype

1. In the Catalog window, right-click the feature class > Properties.
2. Click the Fields tab and remove the default values listed for each field.
   
   
    
3. Create a new subtype and apply the default domains and values. For more information on how to create subtypes, refer to: ArcMap: Creating subtypes.