HOW TO
Yes, it is possible to edit a layer in a layout without modifying the source data. A layout is a set of map elements prepared on a virtual page in ArcGIS Pro for map printing. These map elements are projected on the layout by referencing data from a specified number of layers. As the layout projects the source data from a geodatabase, sourcing the layer data from other geodatabases does not modify the data.
If the objective is to only visualize the layout, making changes to the geodatabase without saving a copy of the project is possible.
Use either one of these workflows to edit a layer without modifying the source data.
Export the edited layer to another geodatabase
Create a project folder copy in Microsoft Windows Explorer
The image below demonstrates a layout with the map elements from a different layer data source. The edited feature layer is reflected in the newly inserted layout with a new map frame containing the feature layer to the layout.
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