Share a map package

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. You can also use map packages to create an archive or a snapshot of a particular map in its current state.

Data source considerations

When sharing a map within your organization, it's likely that enterprise database and UNC path data are accessible to those using the map package. In this case, unchecking the Include Enterprise and UNC Path Data option limits access to these resources. Enterprise database and UNC path data are referenced rather than copied to the map package.

However, when sharing a map outside your organization, enterprise database and UNC path data are not accessible. You can check the Include Enterprise and UNC Path Data option to include the data in your package. If you check this option, data from enterprise databases, UNC path folders, and feature services is extracted and copied to file geodatabases.

Caution:

If the coordinate system of the map is a projected coordinate system, all layers in the map that are copied are projected into this coordinate system during packaging. If you do not want the layers of the map to be projected, either change the coordinate system of the map to match the data or switch to a geographic coordinate system. For more information on setting the coordinate system of the map, see Work with coordinate systems.

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:

1. On the ribbon, click the Disseminate tab. In the Share group, click the Map drop-down menu . On the Map drop-down menu, click Package Map.

   The Package Map pane appears.

2. Specify where to save the package, either to your online account or as a file on disk.
3. Provide the name and, if saving the package to a file, the location for the new package on disk.
4. Optionally, complete the Summary and Tags fields.

   A summary and tags are required when sharing to an ArcGIS Enterprise 10.9 or earlier portal.

   You can enter a maximum of 128 tags.

5. Check the Include Enterprise and UNC Path Data check box if you want data from enterprise databases, UNC path folders, and feature services to be copied to file geodatabases.

   If this option is not checked, layers will continue to reference enterprise geodatabase and UNC path data.

6. If you are uploading the 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 folder in the text box.
7. If you are uploading your package to an online account, specify how it will be shared:
   • Owner—Only the owner (and organization members with privileges to view content owned by other members) can access the item. This is the default option.
   • Organization—Share your content with all authenticated users in your organization. This option is available when you are signed in with an organizational account.
   • Everyone (public)—Share your content with the public. Anyone can access and see it.
   1. Optionally, under Groups, select groups to which you belong to share your content with their members.
8. 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.

   Learn more about signing .dll and .exe files

9. Under Finish Sharing, click Analyze to review for potential 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.

   Learn more about analyzing GIS resources

10. Once the package is validated, click Package to create the package.

See Import an ArcGIS AllSource map package or map file to learn how to unpack the map package.