Importing an MXD to a Pro Project

DaveMartin1

Hello, I'm a couple days into my transition to ArcGIS Pro.  I have several MXD files, where each one shows a single Buffer polygon - (for notifying residents about upcoming zoning changes).  At this point, each buffer polygon is a separate polygon SHP file. 

Here are some of my questions:

Scenario 1) If I create a new project from a template (to get a new file GDB), when I Import my old MXD, will the original feature classes from that MXD get inserted as new feature classes in the new GDB?

Scenario 2) If I simply Start a new project without specifying a template, and Import the MXD, will the feature classes that show up in the new APRX file - remain the original SHP files that were present in the original MXD file?

Scenario 3) Is it possible to insert multiple Layout Views from different MXD files into a single Pro Project?  If so, can someone explain the procedure?

Thanks - in advance,

Dave M

VenkataKondepati

Hi @DaveMartin1,

 Scenario 1) If I create a new project from a template (to get a new file GDB), when I Import my old MXD, will the original feature classes from that MXD get inserted as new feature classes in the new GDB?

No. Importing an MXD only brings in the map layout, layer styling, and properties. It does not copy or move your source data into the new project file geodatabase (GDB). The layers in ArcGIS Pro will still point directly to your original shapefiles (.shp).

Scenario 2) If I simply Start a new project without specifying a template, and Import the MXD, will the feature classes that show up in the new APRX file - remain the original SHP files that were present in the original MXD file?

Yes. The layers in your new .aprx file will remain linked directly to the original shapefiles. ArcGIS Pro leaves your data storage exactly where it was before the import.

Scenario 3) Is it possible to insert multiple Layout Views from different MXD files into a single Pro Project?  If so, can someone explain the procedure?

Yes, ArcGIS Pro allows you to have as many layouts as you want in a single project.

- Import the first MXD: Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon, click Import Map, select your first MXD, and click OK. This brings in its map and layout view.
- Import additional MXDs: Repeat the same step for your other MXDs. Each import will add a new Map view and a new Layout view to your current project.
- Manage in the Catalog Pane: Open the Catalog Pane (View tab > Catalog Pane). Expand the Layouts folder to see all your imported layouts listed together. Double-click any layout to open it as a tab.

Please refer to the documentation below.
Tutorial: Import an ArcMap document | ArcGIS Pro documentation

For ArcMap users migrating to ArcGIS Pro | ArcGIS Pro documentation