Can data removed from an attribute table be restored in ArcGIS Pro?

Answer

In ArcGIS Pro, once fields and records in an attribute table are deleted, the deleted items cannot be restored. This is designed to permanently remove all entries in an attribute table in ArcGIS Pro to ensure data integrity, prevent duplication, and minimize the retention of outdated or irrelevant data. By doing so, it promotes careful data management practices to maintain the accuracy and reliability of GIS datasets.

Below are some workarounds to re-add records and fields from an attribute table and minimize data loss in ArcGIS Pro.

Undo the deletion action

The Undo operation can undo the deletion if it is recent and the project remains open without significant changes applied. The undo action can only return the deleted values in an attribute table before the edits are saved. It is not applicable for saved edits or deleted columns. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Undo and redo actions for more information on how to revert edits and manage changes effectively.

Restore from backup files

Maintaining regular backups of datasets is a best practice to prevent permanent data loss. Restore data deleted in ArcGIS Pro if a backup of the geodatabase or feature class exists before the deletion.

Re-add data from backup files

• Copy the deleted fields from backup files. Refer to the second workaround in How To: Copy field values to another field in ArcGIS Pro for instructions on copying field values.
• For deleted rows in an attribute table, use the Copy Rows tool to copy the deleted records from the original table using the backup files, then merge them using the Merge tool or append the copied rows to an existing table using the Append tool.
• For deleted fields in an attribute table, use the Join Field tool to permanently join the deleted fields from the original table using the backup files.