idea Configure new file types (e.g. PDF) for Catalog window through ArcMap in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Configure new file types (e.g. PDF) for Catalog window through ArcMap

GraemeBrowning — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:33:22 GMT

With the advent of the Search and Catalog windows in ArcGIS Desktop, I would like to no longer have the ArcCatalog take up any screen real estate. Something that I think I still need ArcCatalog for is to be able to configure new file types, such as PDF, so that they can be displayed and opened in the Catalog window.

The technique for this is described at http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//001000000007000000.htm (for universal world files but applies equally to PDF).

Rather than have to open ArcCatalog to do the above, then close and re-open ArcMap to have the new settings read, I think it would be MUCH nicer to simply open Customize | ArcMap Options and see a Catalog tab with the functions from the File Types tab of ArcCatalog Options.

Re: Configure new file types (e.g. PDF) for Catalog window through ArcMap

GraemeBrowning — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:49:59 GMT

I'm curious why anyone would demote this idea. For me, the idea of no longer having to exit ArcMap, start ArcCatalog, change an ArcCatalog Option, exit ArcCatalog and then restart ArcMap to make a new file type available to the Catalog window seems very appealing. Am I missing something?

- Graeme

Re: Configure new file types (e.g. PDF) for Catalog window through ArcMap - Status changed to: Closed

ValeriaChavez — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:44:55 GMT

Hi @GraemeBrowning
ArcGIS Desktop is in mature support and will be retired March 1, 2026 so we won’t be considering this idea. We recommend that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro, our fully supported desktop GIS application.

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas. We truly appreciate your contributions to continuously improving the software to help you do your work and look forward to what ideas you have for ArcGIS Pro.