topic Re: ArcPy function to create new project in ArcGIS Pro Questions

ArcPy function to create new project

YahyaMasri — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:07:31 GMT

I was wondering if there is a ArcPy function to create a new project from scratch given a root directory where I would want the project to be created.

Re: ArcPy function to create new project

CodyPatterson — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:18:49 GMT

Hey @YahyaMasri

Here's a link to a similar post, would this work for you?

https://community.esri.com/t5/python-questions/arcpy-function-for-creating-a-new-arcgis-project/td-p/1119035

The gist is to have a blank template project, and then copy that project to make a new blank one.

Cody

Re: ArcPy function to create new project

YahyaMasri — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:26:55 GMT

Thanks for the quick reply, Cody!

Is there no other way to create a new project if there is for example no blank template project? Thanks for the help and the link!

Re: ArcPy function to create new project

CodyPatterson — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:29:28 GMT

Hey @YahyaMasri

No problem! From what I've found, it doesn't appear to currently be a function within the documentation, I saw someone had mentioned a create() function, but that doesn't exist.

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/arcpy/mapping/arcgisproject.htm

Definitely suitable for an idea on the ideas forum!

Cody

Re: ArcPy function to create new project

DavidSolari — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:02:41 GMT

You can use the ConvertWebMapToProject function with a minimal map definition to get a project file in memory, which you can then save to disk:

z = arcpy.mp.ConvertWebMapToArcGISProject("""{ "mapOptions": { "extent": { "xmin": -12933906.537, "ymin": 3993856.886, "xmax": -12933371.998, "ymax": 3994375.189, "spatialReference": { "wkid": 102100 } } }, "operationalLayers": [], "baseMap": [], "exportOptions": {}, "layoutOptions": {}, "reportOptions": {} }""").ArcGISProject.saveACopy(r"C:\path\to\project.aprx")

A bit hacky but it works. If you want a more comprehensive project as a base you're better off with @CodyPatterson's template method.

Re: ArcPy function to create new project

JoshuaBixby — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:50:57 GMT

This is by far the best workaround currently available at Pro 3.5. I will say, the minimum webmap definition needed to get ConvertWebMapToArcGISProject to work is:

{"mapOptions":{"extent":{}}}