How to open an ArcGIS Pro file in ArcMap?

You cannot directly open an ArcGIS Pro project file (.aprx) in ArcMap. Due to fundamental differences in their architecture and data models, these two applications are not natively compatible at the project level. However, you can effectively transfer data and maps between them using various methods, primarily by leveraging ArcGIS Online or sharing common data formats.

Understanding the Compatibility Gap

ArcGIS Pro operates on a 64-bit architecture with a modern display engine and project-based structure (.aprx). In contrast, ArcMap uses a 32-bit architecture and a map document-centric structure (.mxd). This architectural divergence means that an ArcGIS Pro project cannot be opened directly in ArcMap.

The Recommended Method: Sharing via ArcGIS Online (Web Maps)

One of the most efficient ways to transfer your visual map content from ArcGIS Pro to ArcMap is by sharing it as a web map through ArcGIS Online. This method allows you to retain symbology and some map properties.

Step 1: Share Your Map as a Web Map from ArcGIS Pro

1. Prepare your map: In ArcGIS Pro, ensure your map is complete with all desired layers, symbology, and labels.
2. Access the Share tab: Navigate to the Share tab on the ribbon.
3. Share As Web Map: Click on Web Map in the Share As group.
4. Configure Properties:
   • Provide a meaningful Name, Summary, and Tags for your web map.
   • Choose where to save it (e.g., your content in ArcGIS Online).
   • Set the Sharing permissions (e.g., your organization, everyone).
   • Review the Configuration and Content tabs to ensure all layers are properly configured for web mapping.
5. Analyze and Publish: Click Analyze to check for any issues. Once resolved, click Publish to upload your web map to ArcGIS Online.

Step 2: Access the Web Map in ArcMap

Once your map is published as a web map to ArcGIS Online, you can then open it within ArcMap:

1. Open ArcMap: Launch ArcMap on your computer.

2. Sign In to ArcGIS Online:

   • Go to File in the ArcMap menu.
   • Click Sign In....
   • Enter your credentials for the same ArcGIS Online organizational account you used to publish the web map from ArcGIS Pro.

3. Import the Web Map:

   • Again, go to File.
   • Navigate to ArcGIS Online -> My Maps and Data.
   • A dialog box will appear, listing your content on ArcGIS Online. Locate the web map you just shared from ArcGIS Pro.
   • Click Open on the web map to import its layers and symbology into your current ArcMap session.

   This process will add the layers from your web map into ArcMap's table of contents, preserving much of the original symbology. Note that some advanced ArcGIS Pro-specific symbology or effects might not translate perfectly to ArcMap.

Alternative Strategies for Data Transfer

While web maps are excellent for sharing visual map content, there are other methods for transferring raw data or individual layers.

1. Exporting Data to Common Formats

Both ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap can work with standard geospatial data formats. You can export your data from ArcGIS Pro into formats that ArcMap can readily consume.

• Shapefiles: For simple vector features (points, lines, polygons).
• File Geodatabases (.gdb): This is often the most robust method for transferring complex datasets, including feature classes, rasters, and tables, while maintaining schema and relationships. Both Pro and ArcMap can read and write to the same file geodatabase.
• Raster Formats: Export rasters to TIFF, GeoTIFF, or other common image formats.

How to export data in ArcGIS Pro:

• Right-click on a layer in the Contents pane.
• Go to Data -> Export Features (for vector) or Export Raster (for raster).
• Specify the output location and format.

2. Creating Layer Packages (.lpkx)

An ArcGIS Pro layer package (.lpkx) can often be opened in ArcMap. A layer package includes the layer properties, symbology, and the data itself.

• Create in ArcGIS Pro: Right-click a layer in the Contents pane, then go to Share -> Package -> Layer.
• Open in ArcMap: In ArcMap, you can usually drag and drop the .lpkx file into the map or use File -> Add Data and browse to the package.

3. Using Shared Geodatabases

If both applications have access to a network share or a local drive where a file geodatabase resides, this is a straightforward way to share raw data.

• Create a file geodatabase in ArcGIS Pro.
• Add and process data within it.
• ArcMap can then browse to the same file geodatabase and add data from it directly.

Summary of Transfer Methods

Method	Description	Best For	Considerations
Web Map (via ArcGIS Online)	Publish map from Pro to AGOL, then open in ArcMap.	Sharing visual maps, maintaining symbology.	Requires AGOL organizational account, layout not preserved.
Export Data (Shapefile, GDB, etc.)	Export individual layers/datasets from Pro to common formats ArcMap can read.	Transferring raw data, simple features.	Symbology not automatically transferred (unless using layer files).
File Geodatabase (.gdb)	Both Pro and ArcMap can directly read and write to the same geodatabase.	Sharing complex datasets, maintaining data integrity.	Requires shared access to the .gdb.
Layer Package (.lpkx)	Package a layer with its data and symbology from Pro.	Sharing specific layers with their appearance.	Not all Pro symbology may translate perfectly to ArcMap.

To ensure a smooth workflow, identify the specific content you need to transfer (raw data, visual map, or individual layers) and choose the method that best suits your requirements.