Once the map creation process is complete, it can be printed or exported in several formats depending on the user’s needs.
To print the map, go to the Share tab and locate the Output group. Click on Print Layout, and then configure the printer settings according to the available hardware and preferences.
For digital output, the map can be exported by navigating to Share > Output > Export Layout. The Export Layout panel allows selection from various formats, including EMF, EPS, AI, PDF, SVG, BMP, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and GIF. After choosing the desired format, the map can be exported by clicking the Export button.
Each export format offers options to configure resolution and other parameters. By enabling Clip to graphics extent, the exported map will be limited to the actual layout content, which is useful if the map does not fill the entire page. Enabling Transparent background will produce a map with a transparent background, which is ideal for certain design needs.
When exporting to PDF, additional features are available, such as the ability to enable or disable map layers in a PDF reader. This feature is particularly useful when creating a GeoPDF. However, users should note that if special characters are included in map labels, some elements may not render correctly in the exported PDF. In such cases, using a virtual PDF printer installed on the system is recommended for better compatibility.
Example of a map produced with ArcGIS Pro.
The exported map reflects the final result of the entire map-making process. It is essential to review all components before finalizing the export to ensure a high-quality product that effectively communicates the intended geographic information.