Save a map file

A map can exist outside of your project as a map file (.mapx). This makes it easy for others to access the maps you've built. You can share map files over the network or by email, and add them to new or existing projects.

When you add a map file to their project, it draws exactly as it was saved provided the data referenced by the map layers is accessible. The data displayed in the map is not saved with it when you save the map as a map file. If you want to save the map and its data together, create a map package instead.

Note:

Map files (.mapx) saved using ArcGIS Pro 2.0 cannot be imported by previous versions of ArcGIS Pro.

  1. On the Share tab, in the Save As group, click Map File Map Service Definition File. Alternatively, right-click the map in the Contents pane and click Save As Map File.
  2. Type the name for the new map file.
  3. Click Save.

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