Regression of the key features of Smart Editor

Question

Hi,

We used a lot the functionalities of smart editing in Web AppBuilder. We enjoy using now Experience Builder but there's a big disappointment with the new form Smart Editor.

Experience Builder does not support any of the key features of Smart Editor : reverse geocoding, automatic calculation from other layers, dynamic default values (date, user) and user-editable calculated fields.

With the retirement of Web AppBuilder (very soon now), this is a critical regression that blocks workflows on SDE geodatabases and AGOL Feature Services.

It is then urgent that Esri quickly brings these functionalities into Smart Editor/Experience Builder.

When can we expect these features to be available ?!

Chartida · Answer

Hi,

I agree with LudovicG, and I would like to clarify an important point.

I think there is a misunderstanding about what Smart Editing means in this context.

Enabling editing on a Feature Layer in Experience Builder is not equivalent to the Smart Editor widget from Web AppBuilder.

In Web AppBuilder, Smart Editor provided edit-time logic such as reverse geocoding when placing a point, automatic attribute calculation from intersecting layers, dynamic default values like date or user, and calculated values that remain editable by the end user.

In Experience Builder, the only available alternative is using Arcade expressions in the web map or form. These expressions are evaluated at display time, not at edit time, they lock the fields and prevent user modification, and they do not support reverse geocoding or external services.

As a result, the Smart Editor functionality has not actually been migrated to Experience Builder.

With the imminent retirement of Web AppBuilder, this is a blocking regression for enterprise workflows using SDE geodatabases and Feature Services.

These capabilities are not optional for us. We need them to run our production workflows. When will Experience Builder provide true Smart Editing capabilities comparable to Web AppBuilder?

Faiez · Answer

Hi!

Smart editing is availabe in ArcGIS Experince Builder via Enable edting option in feature layer.

Web AppBuilder and Experience Builder functionality matrix