Permanently reorder fields in a feature class using the Feature Class to Feature Class tool in ArcMap

Summary

In ArcMap, it is possible to reorder attribute table fields in a current map. Refer to ArcMap: Rearranging the columns in a table for more information. However, the order of the fields cannot be changed at the database level.

The image below shows the attribute table fields order of the ‘FL_Hospitals’ feature class.

In some instances, it is necessary to permanently reorder the fields in a feature class. Use the Feature Class to Feature Class tool to write the features from the existing feature class to a new feature class, and reorder the fields in the ‘Field Map (optional)’ section.

Note:
The order of the OBJECTID and Shape fields cannot be changed.

Procedure

Warning:   
The workaround provided does not preserve any existing relationship classes in the output feature class containing the reordered fields. Esri recommends copying the dataset to a new geodatabase, and using the new geodatabase before reordering fields so that changes made are not applied to the original geodatabase. 

1. In ArcMap, click the Search button on the Standard toolbar.

2. In the Search window, search for and select the Feature Class to Feature Class (Conversion) tool.

3. Complete the information in the Feature Class to Feature Class dialog box, and run the tool.
   1. Select the existing feature class under Input Features.
   2. Specify an Output Location for the new feature class.
   3. Under Output Feature Class, enter the name of the new feature class.
   4. Under Field Map (optional), reorder the fields by selecting the field name, and clicking the up or down arrow button.
   5. Click OK to run the tool.

A new feature class is created and added to the map. The image below shows the rearranged field order in the new feature class, FL_Hospitals2.