The import geometry type does not match destination geometry type

Error Message

This error message occurs when importing layer symbology into ArcMap:

"The import geometry type does not match destination geometry type"

Cause

This message means that the .lyr file selected has a different geometry type than the current layer. Symbology can only be imported from a .lyr file of the same geometry type. For example, for a polygon layer, symbology can only be imported from a polygon.lyr file.

This message may also appear if importing symbology from a .lyr file with a broken data path. Symbology cannot be imported from .lyr files with broken data paths.

Solution or Workaround

1. Open ArcCatalog and browse to the location of the .lyr file.
2. Double-click on the .lyr file to open the Layer Properties dialog box.
3. Select the Source tab.
4. Click Set Data Source and browse to the correct data source.
   

   Note:
   If the .lyr file was created from a map service, then you can only look for a map service layer, regardless of the geometry type that is present in the service. 

   
   
5. Click OK to close the Layer Properties dialog box.
6. Open ArcMap.
7. It is now possible to import symbology from the .lyr file.
   

   Note:
   For more information on absolute and relative paths, see the "Referencing data in the map" topic in the ArcGIS Desktop Help >  Contents tab > ArcMap > Creating Maps > Referencing data in the map.