How to Create a Project in ArcGIS Pro
When starting a new GIS task, the first step is to create a project. Most projects are created from a project template, which specifies the project's starting contents. ArcGIS Pro provides a number of default project templates. You can also work in ArcGIS Pro without starting from a template.
A project is a file with the extension .aprx. A new project includes the following items:
- A map, scene, or catalog view, depending on the template used to create the project.
- A connection to a default - Most outputs of geoprocessing operations are saved here unless otherwise directed.
- A connection to a default - Geoprocessing models are saved here unless otherwise directed.
- A connection to a home folder - The home folder contains the project file. By default, it also contains the default geodatabase, default toolbox, and many other files created during an ArcGIS Pro session.
- Connections to default styles.
- Connections to default location - Locators are files or online services that find locations on maps and convert addresses and placenames to spatial data.
- An active portal connection if you are signed in to ArcGIS Pro.
Items created in the project, such as maps, layouts, and reports, are part of the project file and are accessible only when the project is open. Items such as geodatabases, toolboxes, and folders are external to the project. The project file stores connections to these items, not the items themselves.
You can change the default settings for starting ArcGIS Pro and creating projects in the General options on the settings page
Let's Get Started: Create a Project from a Default Template
If you're looking to kickstart your project, consider using one of the default project templates available on the ArcGIS Pro start page or the settings page.
1 - You can access the default project templates in two simple ways:
- Launch ArcGIS Pro to see the start page.
- If you have an existing project open, just click on the Project tab on the ribbon to access the settings page. From there, click on New in the list of side tabs.
2 - Once in the New Project section, select the project template that suits your needs.
- Map - This template sets up a project with an open map that utilizes your ArcGIS organization's default basemap.
- Catalog - Try this template to create a project with an open catalog view for efficient data management.
- Global Scene - This template is perfect for setting up a project with an open global scene that includes your ArcGIS organization's default basemap and a default elevation surface.
- Local Scene - Consider this template for creating a project with an open local scene that uses your ArcGIS organization's default basemap and a default elevation surface.
3 - The New Project dialog box will pop up with a default name and location. By default, the project is saved in the \Documents\ArcGIS\Projects folder within your user profile.
4 - Feel free to give your project a different name in the Name box. Remember, the name you choose will be assigned to the project file and cannot be altered once the project is created. It will also be applied to the default geodatabase, default toolbox, and home folder if created using default settings.
5 - You can also click on Browse to navigate to a specific location or use the Location drop-down menu to select a recent location.
5 - If you prefer not to create a separate folder for this project, you can uncheck the Create a folder for this project option.
- Click on OK. Your project will be created and ready for you to dive in.
Create a Project from a Custom Template
A custom project template is a file with the extension .aptx which can be used to create projects on local or network drives.
Project templates can't be used to create projects in an ArcGIS Enterprise portal.
A project created from a custom template must be created in a new folder. The reason for this is to eliminate the risk of losing data. If a new folder was not created, and multiple projects based on the same template were created in the same folder, any data provided with the template would be overwritten by each successive new project. If the data had been previously edited, the edits would be lost.
Browse to a Template
The first time you create a project from a custom template, you must browse to the template's location on disk or in your active portal. The default location for custom templates saved to your computer is the Documents\ArcGIS\ProjectTemplates folder in your user profile. If the template is stored in your portal, it is downloaded to your computer before a project is created from it. The default download location is the Documents\ArcGIS\OnlineProjects folder in your user profile.
1 - You can browse to a template in either of the following ways:
- Start ArcGIS Pro to display the start page.
- From an open project, click the Project tab on the ribbon to display the settings page. In the list of side tabs, click New.
2 - Click Start with another template (should be on the top right).
The Create New Project From Template dialog box appears.
3 - Browse to a template and click it to select it. (If the template is located in your portal, you can also search for it.) Click OK. The New Project dialog box appears.
4 - Optionally, type a different name in the Name box.
5 - Optionally, click Browse and browse to a location, or click the Location drop-down arrow and choose a recent location.
6 - Click OK. The project is created in a new folder and opened.
Use a Recent Template
After the first time you create a project from a custom template, you can access the template from the Recent Templates list. The list of recent templates includes up to 50 templates.
- Access the list of recent templates in either of the following ways:
- Start ArcGIS Pro to display the start page.
- From an open project, click the Project tab on the ribbon to display the settings page. In the list of side tabs, click New.
2 - Under Recent Templates, click the project template you want. The New Project dialog box appears with a default project name and location.
3 - Optionally, type a different name in the Name box.
4 - Optionally, click Browse and browse to a location, or click the Location drop-down arrow and choose a recent location.
5 - Click OK. The project is created in a new folder and opened.
Work with the List of Recent Templates
You can work with the list of recent templates in the following ways:
- Pin a template - Hover over a template and click Pin to pin the template to the top of the list.
- View the modification date - Hover over a template to display a ScreenTip with the template's modification date. The template's full name and path are also displayed.
- Remove a template - Right-click a template and click Remove Project Template From List. If you click a template that no longer exists at the path shown, ArcGIS Pro prompts you to remove it from the list.
- Browse to a template's location on disk - Right-click a template and click Show In File Explorer
- Remove all recent templates from the list - Right-click a template and click Clear Recent Templates.
Let's Start without a Project Template!
You have the option to work in ArcGIS Pro without having to create a project from a template. In this scenario, the project file is temporary and will be deleted once you finish your session. If a default geodatabase and toolbox are generated along with the project, these files and their contents are also temporary. If you wish, you can always save your progress as a project at any point during your session.
Starting without a template is really convenient when you don't need to save maps, layouts, or other items stored in the project file. For instance, you might be organizing files, running a script, or engaging in data exploration that involves creating maps without the need to save them.
1 - Access the command to start without a template in either of the following ways:
- Begin by starting ArcGIS Pro to access the start page.
- If you already have a project open, simply click on the Project tab on the ribbon to bring up the settings page. Then, in the list of side tabs, click on New.
2 - Next to the default project templates, choose to click on Start without a template. A temporary project named Untitled will open up, allowing you to start your work.
