idea Enable Templates on Non-Hosted Feature Layers within Web Maps in ArcGIS Online Ideas

Enable Templates on Non-Hosted Feature Layers within Web Maps

SarahFrost — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:44:18 GMT

Whereas Web AppBuilder allowed app authors to configure preset values and users could choose whether to use those within the Smart Editor widget in WABs, editing is now configured with Forms and Templates in Web Maps which are then recognized within the Edit Widgets in Experience Builder or Instant Apps.

My organization primarily houses our own data, so we're working with non-hosted data instead of hosted data. Previously, we could preset values for users to optionally utilize while adding features to layers. Now, because Templates only work with hosted feature layers, we are unable to replicate the workflows we've used for years as we migrate beyond WABs.

Big bummer! It would be great if Templates, or any solution, allowed us to achieve the same workflows as we have historically.

Re: Enable Templates on Non-Hosted Feature Layers within Web Maps

EmilyGeo — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:36:02 GMT

Hi @SarahFrost,

thanks for sharing your idea and explaining your workflow. That help us understand your needs. In the meantime, you can configure templates with default values for your non hosted layers using ArcGIS Pro. Hope that helps!

Re: Enable Templates on Non-Hosted Feature Layers within Web Maps

SarahFrost — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:07:41 GMT

@EmilyGeo Thanks for taking a look at my idea! To clarify, when creating templates within Pro, then consuming those data via services within online maps, will an Edit Widget still recognize the templates in Experience Builder? Many thanks!

Re: Enable Templates on Non-Hosted Feature Layers within Web Maps

EmilyGeo — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:47:13 GMT

Hi @SarahFrost,

yep! Templates you create in ArcGIS Pro are consumed in the web map and on down to the apps you build with them - including Experience builder, Instant apps, etc.