Map packages (.mpkx files) allow you to share complete maps. A map package is a file that contains a map (.mapx) and the data referenced by its layers. You can use map packages to share maps between colleagues in a work group, across departments in an organization, or with other ArcGIS users through ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise. Map packages also allow you to create an archive of a particular map that contains a snapshot of the current state of the data used in the map.
Data source considerations
If you have enterprise geodatabase data or UNC path data in your map, you can check the Include Enterprise and UNC Path Data option. If your map contains UNC path data, it is copied to a file geodatabase. If this option is not checked, map layers continue to reference enterprise geodatabase data and UNC path data.
When sharing your content in your organization, it is likely that enterprise geodatabase data and UNC path data are accessible for those consuming the package. In this case, uncheck this option (that is, reference the data). However, when sharing your content outside of your organization, enterprise geodatabase data and UNC path data are not accessible so you can check this option to include the data in your package.
Caution:
If the coordinate system of your map is a projected coordinate system, all layers in your map that are copied are projected into this coordinate system during packaging. If you do not want the layers of your map to be projected, either change the coordinate system of your map to match your data or switch to a geographic coordinate system. For more information on setting the coordinate system of your map, see Specify a coordinate system.
Tip:
For a finer degree of control over how data is packaged, you can use the Package Map geoprocessing tool. For example, you can specify that only data within the current map extent is packaged.
Create a map package
To create a map package, complete the following steps:
- In the Package group on the Share tab, click New Map Package
.
The Package Map pane appears.
- Specify where to save your package, either to your online account or as a file on disk.
- Provide the name and, if saving the package to a file, the location for your new package on disk.
- Complete the Summary and Tags fields.
You can enter a maximum of 128 tags.
- Check the Include Enterprise and UNC Path Data check box if you want to extract data from an enterprise geodatabase or UNC path data to a file geodatabase. If this option is not checked, map layers continue to reference enterprise geodatabase data and UNC path data.
- If you are uploading your package to an online account, use the Folder menu to specify where the package will be stored in your portal content. The package is stored in the root of your content by default. Optionally, click the Browse button
to create a folder or choose an existing one. You can also type the name of the desired folder in the text box. - If you are uploading your package to an online account, specify how it will be shared:
- Everyone—This option makes your content public. Anyone can access and see it.
- My Organization—If you are signed in with an organizational account, you see this option. This option allows your content to be shared with all authenticated users in the organization.
- Groups—You can share your content with groups you belong to and their members.
Leave all options unchecked to set the sharing level to the owner of the item.
- Add the items you want to include to Attachments. This option allows you to include other content, such as detailed documentation, reports, and graphs. The following types of files cannot be included: .js, .vbs, .py, .pyc, .pyo, .bat, and .ocx. Also, only signed .dll and .exe files are allowed.
- Under Finish Sharing, click Analyze
to review for problems. Errors and warnings are listed on the Messages tab. Right-click a message to open its help topic or take corrective action in the software. Errors
must be resolved before you can share your GIS resource. Resolving warnings 
is recommended but not required. - Once it's validated, click Package to create your package.
See Import a map or a map package to learn how to unpack your map package.