Exporting a Map
Credits: L. Meisterlin (2022)
Included in this tutorial
the Share Tab
Exporting a Map Layout
Tips for exporting maps with rasters
Software version in examples: ArcGIS Pro 2.9.1
Tutorial Data: The tutorial includes demonstration with sample data available here.
This tutorial demonstrates quickly exporting a simple map from ArcGIS Pro to an Adobe Illustrator Exchange (AIX) file, for use in Adobe Illustrator with ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud. (This file format preserves the layer structure.) Note that you will need your ArcGIS Pro account login to open these files in Illustrator.
That said, there are several other format options for exporting a map. The dropdown menu offering these choices is shown in the demonstration gif below. Many of the options export vector files (e.g., PDF) for graphic manipulation later. You can also print directly from the Share menu or copy a layout’s contents to your clipboard.
the Share tab
The various ways to share a map or project (including exporting the layout) are all collected under the Share tab on the main menu ribbon. There, in addition to the export options shown here, you will find the options for packaging and sharing the map project as well as creating templates or sharing the layout.
the Share tab on the main menu ribbon
Exporting a map layout
To export a map layout:
Make sure you are currently in Layout View
Click through Share (on the main menu ribbon) > Export Layout. This will summon the Export Layout panel.
Specify the location, name, and type of your exported file.
Read through and specify any other options, including resolution and whether character symbols should be converted to shapes (polygons).
When you are ready, click “Export.”
The demonstration below exports the layout view as an AIX file. An alternative for an editable vector output is PDF.
the Export Layout options
Tips for exporting maps with rasters
The demonstration above shows exporting vector layers to AIX (which is great for exporting vectors). For exporting rasters, however, this can be less than ideal—especially when exporting with vectors.
It is often better to export rasters separately as a pixel-based image file (png, tiff, etc) to assemble as a composite with your vector layers in the software of your choice.