Get started

Work in ArcGIS AllSource is centered around projects. A project is where you store maps, layouts, connections to databases and GIS servers, and so on. There are several ways to get started.

If you have previously used ArcGIS AllSource, do one of the following:

  • Existing projects are listed on the start page. Click a project to open it.
  • If you received a project package in an email and saved it to your local computer, double-click the project in Windows Explorer to open it.
  • If a project package is available in ArcGIS Online or an ArcGIS Enterprise portal, or on a local or network disk, click Open another project on the start page to locate and open the project.

Learn more about opening projects

If you are new to ArcGIS AllSource or you are starting a new assignment, create a project from a project template. Blank templates are provided to start right away with a 2D map. Custom templates can include standard organizational maps, layouts, tasks, and connections to folders, databases, and servers on the network where data is available. Do one of the following to get started:

  • Blank templates are listed on the start page. Click one to create a project.
  • Existing custom project templates are listed on the start page. Click a custom template to create a project.
  • If a custom project template is available in ArcGIS Online, in an ArcGIS Enterprise portal, or on a local or network disk, click Open another template on the start page. Locate and use the template to create a project.
  • To complete a discrete task or start work without creating a project first, click Blank on the start page. You can save a project later if you want to keep the results.

If there are custom project templates you use frequently, you can pin them to the start page. You can configure ArcGIS AllSource to automatically open without a project template each time you start the app.

Learn more about creating projects

Once you identify the folders, databases, and servers you frequently use, add them to your favorites. Your favorite items can be added automatically to new projects in addition to organizational resources added by a project template.

Learn more about project favorites