topic Re: Multiple/Duplicate Layout Tabs Created When Dbl-Clicking In Catalog in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Multiple/Duplicate Layout Tabs Created When Dbl-Clicking In Catalog

DaveMartin1 — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:22:30 GMT

I'm Importing Layouts from multiple .mxd files into a single Pro Project. When I do, that newly imported Layout shows up both in Catalog under Layouts, and as a tab along the top of the overall window. If I double click a named Layout in the Catalog (trying to open it) Pro creates a SECOND Layout Tab along the top of the window. Each time I Dbl-Clk in Catalog - it creates a new tab. *Is there a way to turn that setting off, so it won't create copies?* (When there are lots of Layouts, they're much easier to see & select in the Catalog list of Layouts).

Note: The same thing happens with Maps that get Dbl-Clkd in Catalog. Multiple Tabs get created.

Appreciate any help...

Re: Multiple/Duplicate Layout Tabs Created When Dbl-Clicking In Catalog

Robert_LeClair — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:07:20 GMT

ArcGIS Pro doesn’t have an application setting to prevent a layout from opening another view/tab when you double-click it in the Catalog pane. A layout can have multiple open views, so each open action can create another tab.

Here are some options you can use instead:

Switch to the already-open layout tab rather than reopening
Close duplicates quickly (right-click a layout tab > Close, or close the tab group).

Re: Multiple/Duplicate Layout Tabs Created When Dbl-Clicking In Catalog

DaveMartin1 — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:14:03 GMT

Bummer!

Seems like this is an area where a software enhancement request is needed. Thoughts?