ArcReader: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

ArcReader: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

What is ArcReader?

ArcReader is a free, lightweight desktop application from Esri designed to view, explore, and print maps and globes created with Esri’s ArcGIS products. It opens published map files (PMFs) and allows non-GIS users to interact with maps—zoom, pan, identify features, and toggle layers—without needing a full ArcGIS license.

Key capabilities

• Open PMF files: View maps and layouts published from ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.
• Basic navigation: Zoom, pan, full extent, previous/next extent.
• Layer control: Turn layers on/off and expand group layers where the publisher allowed it.
• Identify features: Click features to view pop-up information provided by the map author.
• Measure and find: Use measuring tools (distance/area) and search for attributes if enabled.
• Printing and exporting: Print maps or export to common formats within limits set by the publisher.

System requirements (typical)

• Windows 10 or later (ArcReader is Windows-only).
• 2+ GB RAM (4+ GB recommended).
• 500 MB free disk space for installation.
• Graphics driver compatible with DirectX 9 or later.

Installing ArcReader

1. Download ArcReader from Esri’s official site or your organization’s software portal.
2. Run the installer and accept the license terms.
3. Choose the installation folder and complete the setup.
4. Launch ArcReader from Start Menu.

Opening and navigating a map

1. File > Open > select a .pmf file (or use the Open toolbar button).
2. Use the Zoom In/Out and Pan tools in the toolbar, or the mouse wheel and click-drag.
3. Click the Home/Full Extent button to return to the initial view.
4. Use Previous/Next Extent to step through your navigation history.

Working with layers and contents

• Open the Contents pane to see visible layers.
• Toggle visibility with checkboxes.
• Expand groups to reveal sublayers (if the map author permitted).
• Right-click (if enabled) to access attribute tables or layer-specific actions—note: ArcReader’s interactivity is limited by how the map was published.

Identifying features and using pop-ups

• Select the Identify tool, then click on a feature to view its attributes in the identify window.
• Pop-up content is determined by the map author—some maps include images, links, or formatted text.

Measuring and finding

• Activate the Measure tool to measure distance or area: choose units from the dropdown.
• Use the Find/Search tool to locate features by name or attribute values if the published map includes searchable fields.

Printing and exporting maps

• Use File > Print to print the current view. Print options depend on the PMF’s layout settings.
• Exporting may be limited; if allowed, choose File > Export and select format (PNG, JPEG, PDF).

Tips for map authors to optimize ArcReader use

• Publish PMFs with clear layer names and useful pop-up content.
• Enable layer groups and searchable fields for better end-user experience.
• Include a legend and scale bar in the layout to make maps self-explanatory.
• Test the PMF in ArcReader before distributing.

Common limitations

• Cannot edit data or add new layers.
• Limited symbology and analysis tools compared to ArcGIS Desktop.
• Dependent on the map author’s settings—some features may be disabled.

Troubleshooting basics

• If a PMF won’t open, confirm it was published for ArcReader and isn’t corrupted.
• Update graphics drivers if display issues occur.
• Reinstall ArcReader if the application fails to launch.
• Check file permissions if you can’t view attached data or pop-ups.

Next steps

• If you need editing or advanced analysis, consider ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap.
• For sharing interactive web maps with broader access, explore ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Web AppBuilder.

This guide covers the essentials to get started with ArcReader—open a PMF, navigate, inspect features, and print. For advanced workflows, consult Esri’s documentation or your organization’s GIS team.