May 23, 2025

In ArcGIS Pro 3.5, Calculate Field does not honor selection or layer filters when using SQL as the expression type on file geodatabase data

By Kory Kramer

Update June 12, 2025

The ArcGIS Server 11.5 Calculate Field patch is available: https://support.esri.com/en-us/patches-updates/2025/arcgis-server-11-5-calculate-field-patch

Update June 5, 2025

This issue is fixed in ArcGIS Pro 3.5 Patch 1 (3.5.1). Each patch is cumulative of all previous patch fixes. It is highly recommended to apply the most current patch immediately after installing ArcGIS Pro 3.5.

Description

The ability to set the expression type to SQL in the Calculate Field geoprocessing tool when working with file geodatabase (.gdb) data was introduced in ArcGIS Pro 3.5. A potential data corruption bug has been discovered wherein Calculate Field does not honor the active selection or layer filters (for example, definition query, time filter, range filter, or spatial filter) when using a SQL expression on file geodatabase data, resulting in all rows being calculated.

Cause

BUG-000176644: Calculate Field does not honor active selection or layer filters when using a SQL expression on file geodatabase data, resulting in all rows being calculated.

Workaround

When using Calculate Field, to preserve the original values of your data, make a copy of the input table as a backup, or use the Enable Undo option in the Geoprocessing pane.

Do not use SQL as the expression type until this bug is addressed with a patch. Use Python or Arcade as the expression type.

Do not publish web tools from ArcGIS Pro 3.5 to ArcGIS Enterprise 11.5 that include Calculate Field using SQL as the expression type.

Conclusion

This issue will be addressed in 3.5 Patch 1 (3.5.1), planned to be available the first week of June 2025. Until a patch is available, the software update service will be disabled in ArcGIS Pro. A corresponding ArcGIS Enterprise patch will also be made available.

Customers who understand this issue and the workaround can download ArcGIS Pro 3.5 from My Esri.

Kory Kramer

Kory Kramer is a Product Manager for ArcGIS Pro, collaborating across multiple teams to contribute to the direction of product development. He is dedicated to listening to users and finding ways to convert that feedback into a product that continues to add customer value. In his free time, he tries to get outside as much as possible – often on trails, sometimes on a bike. He has recently started composting and is trying to get bats to take up residence in his backyard bat house.

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