User types, roles, and privileges

Organizations can use, create, and share a wide range of geographic content, including maps, scenes, apps, and layers. The ability of individual organization members to access and work with content in different ways depends on the privileges they have in the organization. User types allow organizations to control the scope of privileges that can be assigned to members through roles.

User types

Organizations assign user types to members based on the members' needs and requirements. Members are assigned a user type when they are invited to the organization. The user type determines the privileges that can be granted to the member through a default or custom role. Each user type also includes access to specific apps.

The following user types are offered:

• Viewer—Viewers can view items that are shared with them by other ArcGIS users and have access to a selection of apps. This user type is ideal for members of an organization who need to view ArcGIS content in a secure environment. Viewers can’t create, edit, share, or perform analysis on items or data.
• Editor—Editors can view and edit data in ArcGIS maps and apps that are shared with them by other ArcGIS users. This user type is ideal for users who need to access and edit data that is shared with them and includes access to a selection of apps. The Editor user type can also be used with custom editing applications created by customers or by Esri business partners. Editors can’t analyze, create, or share items or data.
• Field Worker—Field Workers can view and edit data that has been shared with them by other ArcGIS users and have access to a selection of apps. This user type is ideal for users who primarily interact with ArcGIS content through field apps. It allows users in the field to view and edit data directly in ArcGIS Online or in field apps, share their location and record location tracks, and collect and edit data in the field. Field Workers can’t analyze, create, or share items or data.
• Creator—Creators can create and edit content such as maps and apps, perform spatial analysis using the analysis tools in ArcGIS Online, collect data, and collaborate and share content for use in apps. Creators have access to a selection of apps, can view content created by other organization members, and administer users and content in the organization. The Creator user type is a good choice for GIS specialists, asset managers, data journalists, and other content creators and collaborators.
• GIS Professional—GIS Professionals can build advanced 2D and 3D maps, visualizations, and analyses using ArcGIS Pro (Basic, Standard, or Advanced), as well as use ArcGIS Online to create, edit, and collaborate and share content for use in apps. GIS Professionals can also administer users and content in the organization. This user type is a good choice for GIS analysts, geodevelopers, cartographers, and other GIS professionals. The GIS Professional user type can be assigned at the following three levels, which correspond to the three license levels of ArcGIS Pro:
  • GIS Professional Basic—The GIS Professional Basic user type includes ArcGIS Pro Basic, which provides the tools and environment for map creation and interactive visualization.
  • GIS Professional Standard—The GIS Professional Standard user type includes ArcGIS Pro Standard, which provides the tools and environment for map creation, interactive visualization, multiuser editing, and advanced data management.
  • GIS Professional Advanced—The GIS Professional Advanced user type includes ArcGIS Pro Advanced, which provides the tools and environment for map creation, interactive visualization, multiuser editing, advanced data management, advanced analysis, high-end cartography, and extensive database management.
• Insights Analyst—Insights Analysts have all the capabilities required to use ArcGIS Insights, including creating and sharing content and performing analysis. This user type includes an Insights license. It's designed for those who primarily use Insights in their day-to-day tasks and may need to perform administrative tasks in the organization, but who don't need to access other ArcGIS apps. To learn more about this user type, see Licensing in the Insights documentation.
• Storyteller—The Storyteller user type allows users to create stories using ArcGIS StoryMaps. Storytellers can sign in to StoryMaps and create stories using content such as maps, scenes, and apps created and shared by other members of their organization. Storytellers can also create embedded maps on the fly using express maps when creating stories. This user type includes a StoryMaps license.

Note:

Apps that are not included with an assigned user type can be licensed and assigned as needed to specific members as add-on licenses. For example, ArcGIS Business Analyst and ArcGIS Insights can be purchased and assigned to members who have been granted the Creator or GIS Professional user types.

User type examples

The following examples illustrate how user types can be applied in an organization:

• A content creator assigned a Creator user type creates and shares a site selection app with a group of users in their organization. This app allows users to select a specific site and view attribute information about the site that should only be available to employees. A member assigned a Viewer user type can join the group and view and interact with the app.
• A data editor assigned the Editor user type uses the Crowdsource Manager configurable app to review and clean up data submitted by the public. The data editor can view and update the public data entries to prepare them for publication and analysis.
• A GIS specialist in a forestry organization is tasked with creating a tree inventory map for forestry technicians to use. The GIS specialist is assigned a GIS Professional Basic user type, which allows her to create complex data models, including subtypes and domains, using ArcGIS Pro. She then publishes the data to ArcGIS Online and creates a web map for forestry technicians to use in ArcGIS Field Maps. Once the map is created, the GIS specialist can test the functionality in ArcGIS Field Maps and share the web map with the appropriate group. Each forestry technician is given an ArcGIS member account and assigned a Field Worker user type so they can sign in to Field Maps, find their web maps, and edit the data as needed.

Roles

A role defines the set of privileges assigned to a member. Privileges are assigned to members through a default role or a custom role. Members are assigned a role when they are invited to the organization.

If you're not sure what role you were assigned or if you need more information about your role, click the Role Information button in the Role section of your profile.

Note:

Once a member joins, their role can be changed by administrators and those with privileges to change member roles. Changing roles to or from administrator can be done only by administrators.

Default roles

ArcGIS Online defines a set of privileges for the following default roles:

Note:

A member's user type determines the default roles that can be assigned to them. User types compatible with each role are noted below.

• Viewer—View items such as maps, apps, demographics, and elevation analysis layers that have been shared with the member. Join groups owned by the organization. Use geocoding, geosearch, and network analysis (routing and directions). Members assigned the Viewer role cannot create or share content, or perform analysis or data enrichment. The Viewer role is compatible with all user types.
• Data Editor—Viewer privileges plus the ability to edit features shared by other ArcGIS users. The Data Editor role is compatible with all user types except Viewer.
• User—Data Editor privileges plus the ability to create groups and content; use the organization's maps, apps, layers, and tools; and join groups owned by the organization. Members assigned the User role can also create maps and apps, edit features, add items, share content, and create groups. The User role is compatible with the Creator, GIS Professional, Storyteller, and Insights Analyst user types.
• Publisher—User privileges plus the ability to publish features and map tiles as hosted web layers. Members assigned the Publisher role can also perform analysis on layers in maps. The Publisher role is compatible with the Creator, GIS Professional, Storyteller, and Insights Analyst user types.
• Facilitator—Publisher privileges plus the ability to invite partnered collaboration members to groups. This includes the privilege to create and manage partnered collaboration groups, invite members from another organization into groups, and create shared update groups.
• Administrator—Publisher privileges plus privileges to manage the organization and other users. An organization must have at least one administrator. However, there is no limit to the number of Administrator roles that can be assigned within an organization. It is recommended that an organization have at least two administrators, while restricting this role to those who require the additional privileges associated with it. The Administrator role is compatible with the Creator, GIS Professional, Storyteller, and Insights Analyst user types.

Tip:

Although the default Viewer and Data Editor roles do not support joining groups owned by outside organizations, a member can be granted the Join external groups privilege through a custom role created based on either of these default roles.

The following table shows privileges available with the default roles.

Privilege summary	Default role
	Viewer	Data Editor	User	Publisher	Facilitator	Administrator
Use layers, maps, scenes, and apps
Use geosearch
Use geocoding
Use demographics
Use directions and routing (network analysis)
Join groups, except shared update groups
Edit features
Join shared update groups
Use subscriber content
Use spatial analysis
Use GeoEnrichment
Create content
Share maps, scenes, and apps
Create groups
Publish hosted web layers
Perform analysis
Publish imagery layers Note: Requires the ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online user type extension license
Perform imagery analysis Note: Requires the ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online user type extension license
Create and own groups that allow members to update all items in the group
Enable Open Data
Invite users to the organization
Manage all members, content, and groups
Manage licenses and apps
View subscription status reports and activity logs
Configure website and security
Create and modify custom roles
ArcGIS Marketplace provider (requires organization authorization)
Set up a collaboration
Set up organization-specific logins
Disable multifactor authentication on member accounts
Enable and disable Esri access on member accounts
Manage credits
Change member roles
Disable member accounts and delete members
Share organization content with the public when site settings don't allow members to share outside the organization
View the location tracks of other users

Note:

Most of the privileges listed above can also be assigned as part of a custom role; however, some administrative privileges are not available for custom roles as they are reserved for default administrators.

Custom roles

You may want to refine the default roles in your organization into a more fine-grained set of privileges by creating custom roles. For example, your organization may want to assign some members the same privileges as a default Publisher but without allowing them to use GeoEnrichment. This could be achieved by creating a custom role based on the default Publisher role, turning off the GeoEnrichment privilege, and calling the custom role Publisher without GeoEnrichment or something similar.

Only default administrators, or those assigned a custom administrator role with the Member roles privilege, can create and modify custom roles. These administrators can configure custom roles based on any combination of available general and administrative privileges. Once a custom role has been created, any organization member who has the Change roles privilege can assign the role to members. If you have a custom role, you can get information about the privileges it includes by clicking the Role Information button in your profile.

You have the ability to create custom roles that include administrative privileges to manage your organization settings. This allows administrators to delegate a specific set of administrative tasks to users without giving them the full set of privileges in the default administrator role. For example, a user with a custom role that includes the Organization website privilege will have the ability to manage the organization's website settings without the ability to perform other administrative tasks, such as managing security or credits.

The privileges that can be granted to a member through a custom role cannot exceed those associated with the member's assigned user type. For example, a member with a Viewer user type cannot be assigned a role with editing privileges.

Privileges

Privileges allow organization members to perform different tasks and workflows in an organization. For example, some members have privileges to create and publish content, while others have privileges to view content but cannot create their own.

General privileges

Members who perform specific tasks within the organization—create maps or edit features, for example—can be assigned the general privileges they need to work and share with groups, content, and features.

General privileges
Members	View Allows members to view the Members tab of the organization page. Without this privilege, members cannot see the organization page.
Groups	Create, update, and delete Allows members to create groups in the organization and control the groups they own.
	Join organizational groups Allows members to be added to or request to join groups in the organization. Members can only request to join organizational groups if they also have the privilege to view groups shared with the organization. Without the privilege to view groups shared with the organization, members do not see the groups and, therefore, cannot request to join them.
	Join external groups Allows members to be added to or request to join groups external to your organization. Members can only request to join external groups if they also have the privilege to view groups shared with the organization. Without the privilege to view groups shared with the organization, members do not see the groups and, therefore, cannot request to join them.
	View groups shared with organization Allows members to discover and view groups that are configured to allow organization members to view them.
	Invite partnered organization members Allows members to create groups that include members from partnered organizations, as well as invite members of partnered organizations to groups.
	Add members from other organizations Allows members to create groups that include members from other organizations, as well as invite members of other organizations to groups.
Content	Create, update, and delete Allows members to create items in the organization and control items they own.
	Publish hosted feature layers Allows members to publish hosted feature layers from shapefiles, CSVs, and so on.
	Publish hosted tile layers Allows members to publish hosted tile layers from tile packages, features, and so on.
	Publish hosted scene layers Allows members to publish hosted scene layers.
	Publish hosted tiled imagery layers Allows members to publish hosted tiled imagery layers from a single image or collection of images. Note: This privilege requires an ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online user type extension license.
	Publish hosted dynamic imagery layers Allows members to publish hosted dynamic imagery layers from a single image or collection of images. Note: This privilege requires an ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online user type extension license.
	View content shared with the organization Allows members to view content shared with the organization.
	Create and edit notebooks Allows members to create and edit interactive notebooks.
	Schedule notebooks Allows members to schedule future automated runs of a notebook.
	View location tracks Allows members to view members' location tracks using shared track views when location tracking is enabled.
	Publish feeds Allows members to publish feeds to ingest and display real-time data using ArcGIS Velocity. Note: This privilege is only visible if your organization has ArcGIS Velocity licenses.
	Publish real-time analytics Allows members to publish real-time analytics to analyze and process real-time data using ArcGIS Velocity. Note: This privilege is only visible if your organization has ArcGIS Velocity licenses.
	Publish big data analytics Allows members to publish big data analytics to analyze historical observation data using ArcGIS Velocity. Note: This privilege is only visible if your organization has ArcGIS Velocity licenses.
Sharing	Share with groups Allows members to share items they own with groups to which they belong.
	Share with organization Allows members to share items they own with your organization.
	Share with public Allows members to share items they own with the public, including those who are not signed in. Note: This privilege is only visible when the Members can share content publicly setting is enabled for the organization.
	Make groups visible to organization Allows members to make groups discoverable by your organization.
	Make groups visible to public Allows members to make groups discoverable by the public, including those who are not signed in.
	Make groups available to Open Data Allows members to designate groups as being available for use in Open Data sites.
Premium Content	Geocoding Allows members to use ArcGIS World Geocoding Service (or a view of this locator) to convert addresses or places to map points and store the results—for example, when publishing spreadsheets (CSV or Microsoft Excel files) as hosted feature layers. This does not apply to your own locators configured for the organization.
	Network Analysis Allows members to perform network analysis tasks such as routing and drive-time areas.
	Spatial Analysis Allows members to perform spatial analysis tasks such as creating buffers.
	GeoEnrichment Allows members to use GeoEnrichment to enrich features.
	Demographics Allows members to use premium demographic data.
	Imagery Analysis Allows members to perform imagery and raster analysis tasks such as calculating slope. Requires an ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online user type extension license.
	Advanced notebooks Allows members to import and use ArcPy modules in ArcGIS Notebooks.
	Feature report Allows members to create feature reports in ArcGIS Survey123.
Features	Edit Allows members to edit features in editable layers that are not public, based on the edit options enabled on the layer.
	Edit with full control Allows members to add, delete, and update features and attributes in editable hosted feature layers, regardless of the editing operations enabled on the layer.

Administrative privileges

The privileges listed below allow custom roles to assist the default administrators with managing members, groups, and content in the organization.

Administrative privileges
Members	View all Allows members to view all member account information.
	Update Allows members to update member account information, including resetting passwords. Note: Only default administrators can reset the passwords of other default administrators.
	Delete Allows members to delete member accounts.
	Invite Allows members to invite members to the organization.
	Disable Allows members to disable and enable member accounts.
	Change roles Allows members to change roles assigned to organization members. Note: Only default administrators can change the role to and from the default administrator role.
	Manage licenses Allows members to manage licenses for members.
Groups	View all Allows members to view groups owned by members.
	Update Allows members to update groups owned by members.
	Delete Allows members to delete groups owned by members.
	Reassign ownership Allows members to reassign ownership of groups.
	Assign members Allows members to assign members to groups, remove members from groups, and update members' group roles in your organization.
	Link to organization-specific group Allows members to link ArcGIS Online group membership to organization-specific groups.
	Create with update capabilities Allows members to create and own groups that allow group members to update all items in the group (shared update groups).
Content	View all Allows members to view content owned by members.
	Update Allows members to update and categorize content owned by members.
	Delete Allows members to delete content owned by members.
	Reassign ownership Allows members to reassign ownership of content.
	Manage categories Allows members to configure content categories for the organization.
ArcGIS Marketplace subscriptions	Create and manage Allows members to create listings, list items, and manage subscriptions within ArcGIS Marketplace, and manage purchasers and contact information for your organization. Note: Use of this privilege depends on your organization obtaining listing and publishing access to ArcGIS Marketplace.
	Purchase and get free products: Members can send purchase requests and access free products from providers in ArcGIS Marketplace. Note: To allow members to purchase products using credit cards, you must designate them as ArcGIS Marketplace purchasers.
	Start trials Allows members to start trials in ArcGIS Marketplace.
Organization settings	Security and infrastructure: Manage the organization's security settings Allows members to configure the following in the organization settings: General: Organization verification, Short name, Administrative contacts, Esri User Experience Improvement Program Items: Comments New member defaults: User type, Role, Add-on licenses, Groups, Credits, Esri access Security: Policies, Sharing and searching, Multifactor authentication, Password policy, Logins, Access notice, Information banner, Trusted servers, Allow origins, Allow portal access
	Organization website: Manage the organization's website settings Allows members to configure the following in the organization settings: General: Organization profile (Name, Logo, Summary), Organization verification, Contact link, Organization defaults (Region, Language, Short name), Administrative contacts, Esri User Experience Improvement Program, Shared theme, App launcher Home Page: Header, Content blocks, Footer, Colors, and Typography Gallery: Show in gallery Map: Primary map viewer, Basemap gallery, Map defaults (Default basemap, Default extent, Units), Bing Maps, ArcGIS Configurable Apps, Web styles, Analysis layers Items: Metadata, Organization categories Groups: Featured groups, ArcGIS Configurable Apps Open Data:Open Data site
	Collaborations Allows members to configure and manage the organization's collaborations in the organization settings.
	Credits Allows members to configure credits in the organization settings and enable credit budgeting.
	Member roles Allows members to configure member roles in the organization settings and change member roles.
	Utility services: Manage the organization's utility service settings Allows members to configure the following in the organization settings: Utility services: Printing, Geocoding, GeoEnrichment, Directions & Routing Organization extensions: Enable location tracking

Privileges reserved for default administrators

Certain administrative privileges are reserved for members of the default administrator role and are not available for custom roles. For example, only default administrators can remove other administrators from the organization. The following is a list of privileges reserved for default administrators:

• Create and manage administrative reports
• Disable multifactor authentication on member accounts
• Enable and disable Esri access on member accounts
• Change member role to or from administrator
• Delete other administrators from the organization
• Change member email addresses for ArcGIS organizational accounts
• Reset the passwords of other default administrators
• Share organization content with the public when site settings don't allow members to share outside the organization
• Create and own administrative groups

Privileges for common workflows

Some workflows require a combination of privileges. In some cases, members are responsible for performing multiple workflows. For example, a GIS analyst may need to use certain analysis tools as well as publish hosted feature layers, which require the privileges listed in the table below for the Use the analysis tools and Publish hosted feature and WFS layers workflows. If you are unable to perform a function that you think your role should allow you to perform, verify that your administrator has enabled the full set of privileges required for the function.

General workflows

Workflow		Required privileges
Use the analysis tools	Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted feature layers Premium Content: Spatial Analysis Note: Some tools require the following additional privileges: Premium Content: GeoEnrichment Premium Content: Network Analysis Premium Content: Imagery Analysis
Publish hosted feature and WFS layers	Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted feature layers
Publish hosted tile layers	Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted tile layers
Publish hosted scene layers	Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted feature layers Content: Publish hosted scene layers
Publish hosted elevation layers	Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted tile layers
Publish hosted imagery layers	Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted tiled imagery layers Content: Publish hosted dynamic imagery layers
Publish apps from Map Viewer, Map Viewer Classic, or a group page	Content: Create, update, and delete Sharing: Share with groups Sharing: Share with organization Sharing: Share with public
Embed maps or groups	Content: Create, update, and delete Sharing: Share with public
Make groups available to Open Data sites	Sharing: Make groups visible to public Sharing: Make groups available to Open Data
Add, update, and delete features in hosted feature layers that have editing enabled for add or update only	Features: Edit Features: Edit with full control

Administrative workflows

Workflow		Required privileges
Manage content owned by members	Members: View all Content: View all Content: Update Content: Delete Content: Reassign ownership
Manage groups owned by members	Members: View all Groups: View all Groups: Update Groups: Delete Groups: Reassign ownership Groups: Assign members
Manage member profiles	Members: View all Members: Update
View subscription status reports	Members: View all Content: View all Groups: View all
Manage the organization's security settings	Members: View Groups: View groups shared with organization Members: View all Groups: View all Organization Settings: Security and infrastructure
Manage the organization's website settings	Members: View Groups: Create, update, and delete Groups: View groups shared with organization Content: Create, update, and delete Content: View content shared with the organization Sharing: Share with groups Sharing: Share with organization Sharing: Share with public Sharing: Make groups visible to organization Sharing: Make groups visible to public Members: View all Groups: View all Groups: Update Content: View all Content: Update Content: Manage categories Organization Settings: Organization website
Manage the organization's collaborations	Members: View Groups: Create, update, and delete Groups: View groups shared with organization Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted feature layers Content: View content shared with organization Sharing: Share with groups Members: View all Groups: View all Groups: Update Content: View all Content: Update Content: Delete Organization Settings: Collaborations
Manage the organization's credit settings	Members: View Members: View all Members: Update Organization Settings: Credits
Manage the organization's member roles	Members: View Members: View all Members: Change roles Organization Settings: Member roles
Change a member's user type	Members: View Members: View all Members: Update Members: Change roles Members: Manage licenses
Manage the organization's utility service settings	Members: View Content: Create, update, and delete Content: Publish hosted feature layers Organization Settings: Utility services