Where is a relate between a layer attribute table and another table saved?

The relationship between a layer's attribute table and another table is saved within the map document. When you establish a relate in ArcGIS, it creates a connection that links data from different tables, allowing you to work with associated records effectively. This relationship is maintained in the context of the map document, meaning that it informs how the layers and their attributes are related during your work session.

By storing the relate in the map document, you retain the integrity of that relationship, ensuring that it is preserved when the map is opened later. This functionality is particularly important for projects that involve complex datasets where multiple attributes are analyzed together, as it allows users to dynamically interact with related data without duplicating it.

In contrast, a feature class or table does not inherently store such dynamic relationships outside of the context created by a map document. Similarly, exported files would generally serve to create static copies of data rather than maintain the interactive functionality of a relate.