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FAQ

Listed below are common questions about ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud.

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Can I save my layers and web map to share as items in my organization?

Yes. This functionality is available when you use the Save to my ArcGIS content option in the Compilation window. You can save a new web map or overwrite an existing web map with changes that you make in the Compilation window. (The styling and graphic changes that you make in the Adobe files cannot be saved to layers and maps in ArcGIS.)

Can I use maps and layouts that were exported from ArcGIS Pro?

Yes. When maps and layouts are exported from ArcGIS Pro as an Adobe Illustrator Exchange (AIX) file format, you can open the .aix file in Illustrator for graphic design. When you open the .aix file, the extension converts vector and raster map content into editable, layered artwork that you can save for use in other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

Is changing map projections supported?

Yes, you can change a projection for a mapboard using Current map settings in the Compilation window. For maps exported from ArcGIS Pro in the AIX file format, if the map is projected in ArcGIS Pro, the map will appear with that projection once processed in Illustrator. To ensure that any added data aligns with the layers from the corresponding .aix file, you cannot change the projection in the Current map settings window.

How can I customize the maps that I add to the extension so the layers are easier to use and already include my branding when downloaded to Illustrator?

If you have an ArcGIS organizational account, use the Default mapping profile, which supports adding vector tile layers and maps. You can customize vector basemaps using the ArcGIS Vector Tile Style Editor before adding them to your map in the extension.

Does the extension support only vector content?

No, both vector and raster maps and layers can be used in the extension. The output in Illustrator is vector for feature layers and image for raster layers. In Photoshop, however, both vector and raster layers are output as raster. For a complete list of what's supported, see Data types.

Can I change the style and appearance of the content in a map?

Yes, before you sync a map, you can use the style options in the Compilation window to change the appearance of a layer in the map.

My web map has symbology I used from smart mapping tools. Do these styles carry over into Adobe Illustrator?

Some web map smart mapping symbology does convert differently when it's downloaded into Adobe Illustrator.

Does the extension support all smart mapping capabilities similar to ArcGIS Online?

No. Although the extension does allow you to use the smart mapping capability, there are some limitations.

If the GIS data from the source content is updated, will my corresponding designs be automatically updated to match?

Designs are not automatically updated when underlying data changes, but you can run sync again on the related map in the extension to download layer changes to your artwork as needed. The extension converts GIS content into graphics and embeds the compiled map in the downloaded file, which allows you to add more content later that you can sync to your artwork. (This option requires an ArcGIS or Plus account.)

Are there any use constraints associated with the maps that I include in my designs?

If you use public data in your maps, review this summary of permitted use and data attribution requirements. For complete details, see the full terms of use.

General

Do I need ArcGIS Pro to use the extension?

No, Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud only requires having Illustrator or Photoshop installed and a supported account type to directly access and use maps and layers from ArcGIS, including content available in ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World and your ArcGIS organization (if applicable). If your workflows include ArcGIS Pro, such as to perform GIS operations on data before designing, you can use exported maps and layouts (as AIX) and published content with the extension as well.

Is my use of the extension and data confidential?

There is an optional setting to allow Esri to track aspects of your usage for the purpose of understanding how you're using the extension so we can make improvements. Some examples include the number of downloads and which tools and type of symbols and labels are used. You can opt out by turning off this option in the Settings window. In addition, the map file (Ai document) that's created on our servers and sent back to you is stored for a limited time (approximately six hours) so we can check the file if anything goes wrong. Esri does not share any of this information outside of the product team; it's only used to help us debug and improve the extension.

Can I use the extension with non-English Illustrator?

Yes, you can use Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud with non-English Illustrator. However, the user interface for the extension will display all the controls in English. Greater internationalization support is being considered.

Does the extension automatically update when a new version is available?

If you installed version 1.5 (or later) using a setup file that you downloaded from the Esri website, when a new update is available, you'll see a notification message in the Mapboard window after you sign in. You can choose whether to update immediately or at a later time.

Does Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud consume credits?

Credits are the currency used in ArcGIS Online and across ArcGIS for transactions such as storage, spatial analysis, and using premium ArcGIS Living Atlas content. As indicated in the Functionality matrix, some operations performed in the extension consume credits, such as running the Add Demographic Data analysis tool. Syncing your map to download layers as artwork does not consume credits.

What are my options for getting help with the extension?

You can ask questions in Esri Community by going to the ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud page. If you have an ArcGIS organizational account through an organization with a maintenance plan, Esri Technical Support can help you with the extension.

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Do I need a license to use Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud if I already have an ArcGIS account?

If you have an ArcGIS organizational account, access to Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud is automatically included with the following user types: Viewer, Editor, Creator, and GIS Professional. If you don't have an account, you can sign up directly in the extension for a monthly Plus subscription, which provides limited features at a low cost. See the functionality matrix to compare capabilities by account and user type.

Can I give others access to my account?

This is not permitted. Each username for Plus and ArcGIS organizational accounts is intended for a single user. If multiple people will use the extension in your company, each person must have their own account.

Can I use the extension with an ArcGIS Enterprise account?

Yes, at version 3.0, Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud supports ArcGIS Enterprise 10.9 and later.

Will I get a receipt if I purchase a Plus account?

Yes. It will take 2-3 business days to get a receipt after the credit card is charged.

How safe is my credit card information when I purchase a Plus account?

Esri never receives your credit card information. We follow the industry standard, using a third-party vendor called Paymetric, which is a PCI-compliant payment processor. We do not store your credit card information; we only receive a token that can only be decrypted by Paymetric.

How do I renew my Plus account?

Your account is renewed and payment automatically charged each month until you request that your account be cancelled, which you can request via the Account Management page. Your credit card is authorized three days before the term end date. An email is sent during the authorization of the credit card and an invoice email is sent once the order is processed. Your access is extended for 30 days from the start date.


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