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Save Arcpro project without a new folder created

RobbynAbbitt

Is there a way to have ArcPro NOT save a new folder for each project. Our workflow has always been to save projects (mxds and now aprxs) into existing folders.

The current settings of saving new folders for every arcpro project is creating an unnecessarily complex and confusing folder structure for our organization.

Thank you in advance.

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jcarlson

When you create a new project, it's a checkbox:

It's also in the General Application settings:

So just change that to not create folders and default to whatever folder you want your project files to end up in, and that should do it.

RobbynAbbitt

Thanks for the quick answer. If you start from a Map template, yes I see the option to turn off the folder.

However, the workflow we sometimes have is to start without a template and then save later if the project is something that needs to be saved. When you follow that path, you do not get the option to not create a folder for the project.

Perhaps this is something I should put in the "Ideas" community to have this same checkbox available when you are saving from an open ArcPro window?

jbelak_audubon

There is nothing useful about this default behavior of automatically creating subdirectories when a project is started without a template and then saved. All it does is create chaos. Why?

LyonMNGIS

@RobbynAbbitt

Did you ever submit an idea for this request? @jcarlson is correct that we can store a map without a project folder, but only if we begin with the map template. I want to create a aprx file when we create a project with no template.

Thanks!

BrianArcher

Agreed! It should be optional...not automatic.

RobbynAbbitt

In ArcPro 3.2 creating a folder is now an option! I still struggle with the creation of geodatabases and toolboxes with the project name, but for now I'm happy that we don't have folders being created every time we open ArcPro.

SimoneSilvestro

Still have to bother abouth this. Is there any option for avoiding creating a folder when starting a project 'without a template'? Running ArcGIS Pro 3.4.0 and I don't see any.

Thank you very much

AnnaBarca1

I have the same issue, using 3.4

Save project as only gives an option to create a new folder (which I have to delete after, move my .aprx file then relink). Painful !

Strangely enough, sometime I have the folder only option, and sometime I have the Project (APRX) only option

NicoleAClothier

Still here in 2025 struggling with this.
Cannot understand why it is a default, how do I tell Esri that I DO NOT want folders with useless sub-directories in?!
Even when I have the checkbox off in general settings, it creates a folder when I save.

JohnnyGumball

same here...it is beyond maddening.

PaulLohr

Just to bolster this problem a bit more in an attempt to get it fixed or receive an explanation...the option "Create a folder for the project" seems to have no effect. I unchecked this option because a folder already exists but "Pro" still creates a folder. I checked the option trying to understand what it does, there was no difference. In both cases a new folder was created.

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