One Map, 3 different Layouts (11x17, 24x36, 36x48), I miss my .mxts, what do I do?

Question

I have yet to figure out what is the best way to replace my .mxts. I have 1 map document (.mxd), but need to be able to print in 3 different sizes. Data Driven Pages doesn't seem to help me with this.

JoshWhite · Answer

You can still create multiple layouts for one mxt.  I do this all of the time.  The main difference is that you save your layout as a mxd instead of mxt. Just save the mxd with the appropriate layout in:

C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop 10.0\MapTemplates (Windows 7, I'm sure its very similar in previous versions of Windows)

Then when you click the Change Layout button on the Layout toolbar it will still bring up the same dialog from previous versions.

I think you can actually save them other places but this will assure that it is in the same place as all the built in templates.  You just create a new folder and it should create a new tab in the dialog.

Also, Data Driven pages is not designed for this, they are for creating mapbooks.  I'm not sure why they couldn't just call the feature Mapbook but I'm sure Esri has their reasons.

BrigitDuley · Answer

In v10, you seem to be stuck either printing at 200% or 300% or creating separate mxds for each.

The only problem with creating seperate mxds for each, is if I make a change on a shapefile, I would have to make that change 3 times, that would increase my work time by 3 and I am sure my Manager would not like that. 
I have been creating the ledges and putting them off to the side as I change paper sizes, kind of a pain!
Do you know if making Map Templates would solve that problem? I have not done much work with that in the past or even now in 10.

MarkEllis · Answer

In v10, you seem to be stuck either printing at 200% or 300% or creating separate mxds for each.