Remove domains from the geodatabase, but maintain their descriptions as text in the attribute table instead of a numerical code

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to remove domains from the geodatabase, but maintain their descriptions as text in the attribute table instead of a numerical code.

Procedure

Note:
If there are multiple domains that need to be removed, step 1 can be run in batch mode; therefore, at step 2, multiple tables are joined to the feature class before it is exported to a new feature class. Steps 4 and 5 can also be run in batch mode.

1. Run the Domain to Table tool in ArcToolbox > Data Management Tools > Domains to create a table that contains the domain code and description.
2. Join the resulting domain table to the feature class based on the existing domain field with the description displayed and the description field of the domain table.
3. Run the Feature Class to Feature Class tool in ArcToolbox > Conversion Tools > To Geodatabase to create a new feature class that contains the joined fields. Highlight and delete unwanted fields in the tool dialog box before clicking OK.
4. Run the Remove Domain From Field tool in ArcToolbox > Data Management Tools > Domains toolset to remove domains from a field in the feature class stored in a geodatabase.
5. Run the Remove Domain From Field tool in ArcToolbox > Data Management Tools > Domains toolset to remove domains from a field in the feature class stored in a geodatabase.
6. Run the Delete Domain tool in ArcToolbox > Data Management Tools > Domains toolset to remove the domains from the geodatabase.