{"id":21421,"date":"2015-01-11T05:58:32","date_gmt":"2015-01-11T11:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/?p=21421"},"modified":"2025-04-04T12:49:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T17:49:30","slug":"how-to-use-arcgis-desktop-arcmap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/how-to-use-arcgis-desktop-arcmap\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Use ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-image21421_730210-0f .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}.kb-image21421_730210-0f img.kb-img, .kb-image21421_730210-0f .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-image21421_730210-0f img.kb-img, .kb-image21421_730210-0f .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-image21421_730210-0f img.kb-img, .kb-image21421_730210-0f .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);}}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image21421_730210-0f\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1022\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap.png\" alt=\"ArcMap\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-5651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap.png 1022w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-300x125.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-678x283.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-768x320.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-50x21.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-174x74.png 174w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-200x83.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-425x177.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-550x229.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-115x48.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-850x354.png 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcMap-372x155.png 372w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1022px) 100vw, 1022px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Guide to ArcGIS Desktop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, let&#8217;s learn <strong>how to use ArcGIS<\/strong>. From the menu to the viewing modes, let&#8217;s learn the user interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, we will give you advice on how to <strong>customize ArcGIS Desktop<\/strong> so it perfectly suits your needs and the tools you use most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you ready to get started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s do this.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd{margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;}.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);padding-top:5px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:30px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id21421_f805a9-dd alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column21421_12a7df-42 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0\"]{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading21421_59ddad-d0\"><strong>Get to know ArcGIS Pro:<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-bottom:5px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id21421_7fee69-4d alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3{position:relative;}.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column21421_cb9991-b3 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kadence-post-image{padding-top:0px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kt-feat-image-align-left{grid-template-columns:30% auto;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kt-post-grid-wrap{gap:5px 20px;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kt-blocks-post-grid-item{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;overflow:hidden;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kt-blocks-post-grid-item header{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .kt-blocks-above-categories{font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-transform:uppercase;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .entry-title{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:20px;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .entry-content{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:14px;line-height:24px;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kt-blocks-post-footer{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:12px;line-height:20px;text-transform:uppercase;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .entry-content:after{height:0px;}.kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a .kb-filter-item{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:2px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:5px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style><div class=\"wp-block-kadence-postgrid kt-blocks-post-loop-block alignnone kt-post-loop21421_023f7b-7a kt-post-grid-layout-grid \"><div class=\"kt-post-grid-layout-grid-wrap kt-post-grid-wrap\" data-columns-xxl=\"2\" data-columns-xl=\"2\" data-columns-md=\"2\" data-columns-sm=\"2\" data-columns-xs=\"1\" data-columns-ss=\"1\"data-item-selector=\".kt-post-masonry-item\" aria-label=\"Post Carousel\"><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-79250 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-gis-analysis tag-arcgis-tutorials\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-nocrop\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.5%;\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcgis-pro-tips-tricks\/\" aria-label=\"20 ArcGIS Pro Tips and Tricks\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-200x113.jpg\" class=\"attachment-Small Size size-Small Size wp-post-image\" alt=\"ArcGIS Pro Tips and Tricks\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-678x381.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-550x309.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-115x65.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks-360x203.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ArcGIS-Pro-Tips-Tricks.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h6 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcgis-pro-tips-tricks\/\">20 ArcGIS Pro Tips and Tricks<\/a><\/h6><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-79194 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-gis-analysis tag-arcgis-tutorials\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-nocrop\" style=\"padding-bottom:53.5%;\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/map-notes-arcgis-pro\/\" aria-label=\"What Are Map Notes in ArcGIS Pro?\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"107\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-200x107.png\" class=\"attachment-Small Size size-Small Size wp-post-image\" alt=\"Map Notes in ArcGIS Pro\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-200x107.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-300x161.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-678x363.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-768x412.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-1536x823.png 1536w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-425x228.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-550x295.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-115x62.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-1000x536.png 1000w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro-360x193.png 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Map-Notes-ArcGIS-Pro.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h6 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/map-notes-arcgis-pro\/\">What Are Map Notes in ArcGIS Pro?<\/a><\/h6><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div><!-- .wp-block-kadence-postgrid --><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">User Interface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you&#8217;re first learning how to use ArcGIS, it&#8217;s good to get your bearings.  Upon installation, you will have access to <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/what-is-arcgis\/\">ArcMap<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arccatalog\/\">ArcCatalog<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcscene-arcglobe-3d-gis-software\/\">ArcGlobe<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcscene-arcglobe-3d-gis-software\/\">ArcScene<\/a>. Each application specializes in different tasks. But today, let&#8217;s focus on ArcMap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, open ArcMap. As you can see, ArcMap is crammed with menus, tools, and toolbars.  The screenshot below shows where everything is in ArcMap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1609\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ArcMap-User-Interface.jpg\" alt=\"ArcMap User Interface\" class=\"wp-image-97332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ArcMap-User-Interface.jpg 1609w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ArcMap-User-Interface-300x140.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ArcMap-User-Interface-678x317.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ArcMap-User-Interface-768x359.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/ArcMap-User-Interface-1536x719.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1609px) 100vw, 1609px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table of Contents<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Table-of-Contents.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"188\" height=\"175\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Table-of-Contents.png\" alt=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"wp-image-5656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Table-of-Contents.png 188w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Table-of-Contents-50x47.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Table-of-Contents-115x107.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Table-of-Contents-167x155.png 167w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 188px) 100vw, 188px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The table of contents (TOC) is like a container. It stores your map layers such as tables, vectors, and rasters. In the TOC, it holds your data frame. If your table of contents disappears in ArcMap, you can make it reappear by clicking (Windows &gt; Table of Contents)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DATA FRAME:<\/strong> A data frame represents an individual map. Each data frame stores a collection of layers. You can also set the size, scale, and coordinate system for each data frame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also in the table of contents, you can list items by drawing order, source, visibility, and selection. For each option, it changes the appearance of the table of contents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Display Window<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you turn on\/off a layer in your table of contents, the layer will be visible\/non-visible in the display window. You can set the display window to Data View and Layout View.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"311\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window.png\" alt=\"Display Window\" class=\"wp-image-5657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window.png 612w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-300x152.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-50x25.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-200x102.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-425x216.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-550x279.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-135x70.png 135w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-115x58.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Display-Window-305x155.png 305w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Viewing Modes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are four buttons on the bottom left corner of the display window. They change exactly how the display window will show data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DATA VIEW:<\/strong> The data view gives a full viewing screen and is for data exploration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LAYOUT VIEW:<\/strong> In layout view, you set up exactly how your map layout will appear. For example, you set up cartographic elements such as legends, neatlines, and annotations. Most likely, this is how you will export maps for professional reports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>REFRESH<\/strong>: The refresh button reloads data in the display window if it didn\u2019t completely load.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PAUSE:<\/strong> The pause button stops data from loading in the display window.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-Views.png\" alt=\"ArcMap Modes\" class=\"wp-image-5662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-Views.png 296w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-Views-50x21.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-Views-80x35.png 80w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-Views-174x74.png 174w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-Views-200x86.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-Views-115x49.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ArcToolbox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ArcToolbox has geoprocessing tools to analyze your data.  ArcToolbox conveniently organizes each tool into toolsets. Basically, toolsets are a set of tools for a specific task. For example, the conversion toolset changes the format of your data set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRO TIP #1:<\/strong> If your ArcToolbox disappears, click  Geoprocessing &gt; ArcToolbox<br><strong>PRO TIP #2:<\/strong> If you can\u2019t find the tool in ArcToolbox, click  Geoprocessing &gt; Search to find tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"207\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcToolbox.png\" alt=\"ArcToolbox\" class=\"wp-image-5669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcToolbox.png 207w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcToolbox-50x37.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcToolbox-200x149.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ArcToolbox-115x86.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toolbars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Toolbars have buttons for specific tasks. Each tool has an icon. For example, the Editor toolbar allows users to rotate, split, reshape, and cut for editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRO TIP:<\/strong> Add additional toolbars by clicking  Toolbar &gt; Customize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"135\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars.png\" alt=\"Arcmap toolbars\" class=\"wp-image-5673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars.png 625w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars-300x65.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars-50x11.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars-620x135.png 620w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars-200x43.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars-425x92.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars-550x119.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Arcmap-toolbars-115x25.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Menu Bars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Menu bars are for common functions like saving and printing. The menu bar consists of pull-downs with common tasks. Like most desktop applications, it\u2019s how users intuitively select from a list of commands. For example, the geoprocessing menu gives quick access to the 6 most commonly used <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/geoprocessing-tools\/\">GIS processing tools<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id21421_82364a-13 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id21421_82364a-13 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id21421_82364a-13 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:25px;grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id21421_82364a-13 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id21421_82364a-13 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id21421_82364a-13 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id21421_82364a-13 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column21421_ec1087-a5 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<ul id=\"block-43f11a4f-4cb8-4b68-a5f3-55c68a8f98d6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/buffer-tool-multiple-ring-geodesic-euclidean-round-square\/\">Buffer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/clip-tool-gis\/\">Clip<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/intersect-tool-gis\/\">Intersect<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column21421_f10b20-d8 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<ul id=\"block-43f11a4f-4cb8-4b68-a5f3-55c68a8f98d6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/union-tool\/\">Union<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/merge-tool-gis\/\">Merge<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/dissolve-tool-gis\/\">Dissolve<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Also, you can open panels for searching, Arctoolbox, environment settings, geoprocessing results, ModelBuilder, and Python windows.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ArcGIS License Levels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ArcGIS Desktop has <a href=\"https:\/\/pro.arcgis.com\/en\/pro-app\/get-started\/license-levels.htm\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">three license levels<\/a>. Each one has different capabilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Basic (ArcView)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standard (ArcEditor)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advanced (ArcInfo)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"687\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature.png 687w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-300x154.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-678x347.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-50x26.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-200x102.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-425x218.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-550x282.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-135x70.png 135w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ArcGIS-License-Manager-Feature-115x59.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BASIC (ArcView):<\/strong> With the basic license, users miss out on some of the extra functionality found in the standard and advanced products. ArcView is still full of GIS spatial analysis and basic map creation tools. But it lacks some of the geodatabase, conversion, and advanced manipulation tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STANDARD (ARCEDITOR):<\/strong> With ArcEditor, you get all of the state-of-the-art tools in ArcView. But ArcEditor adds extra editing capabilities and multi-user editing abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ADVANCED (ArcInfo):<\/strong> ArcInfo is the highest licensed product in ArcGIS. It gives you the complete list of tools readily available at your fingertips. For example, you get advanced feature manipulation, processing, and high-end cartography tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ARCGIS ADMINISTRATOR:<\/strong> ArcGIS Administrator is the license administrator where you can specify your license types (basic, standard, and advanced \u2013 concurrent or single use).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Map Exchange Document (MXD)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you open ArcMap and save a map, it\u2019s saved as a map document with an MXD extension. When you reopen the MXD, all the data, display window, and everything will be the same as it was.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget that if you want to learn more about Esri&#8217;s latest release you should check out our articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcgis-pro\/\">ArcGIS Pro Review: 17 Reasons to Map Like a Pro<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/esri-arcgis-software-review-guide\/\">ArcGIS Review: Is ArcMap the Best GIS Software?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you want an in-depth comparison of the two top GIS software options today, then consider reading the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcgis-pro-vs-qgis-3\/\">35 Differences Between ArcGIS Pro and QGIS 3<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-arcgis-differences\/\">27 Differences Between ArcGIS and QGIS \u2013 The Most Epic GIS Software Battle in GIS History<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is an overview how to use ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap). We teach you the user interface, toolbars, licenses, menu bars, extensions, windows and more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5651,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[483],"class_list":["post-21421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gis-analysis","tag-arcgis-tutorials"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Use ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) - GIS Geography<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This is an overview how to use ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap). 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