topic Re: No Layer List option in webmaps in ArcGIS StoryMaps Questions

No Layer List option in webmaps

RachelS — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:59:47 GMT

Hi,
I've uploaded a webmap to my StoryMap but there doesn't seem to be any option to show the layer list, so only the top layer is visible.
Is this by design that only 1 layer can be visible with no option to turn on other layers or is there any way around this?

Thanks

Rachel

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

Georgios-NektariosTselos — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:03:07 GMT

Hi @RachelS ,

Yes, this is by design: ArcGIS StoryMap do not support a Layer List like Web AppBuilder or Experience Builder. Only the top visible layer in your web map will appear, and there is no built-in way for viewers to toggle layers on or off.

However I suggest to you to try the following :

Set all desired layers to be visible by default in the Web Map

Open your web map in the Map Viewer.
Turn on the layers you want to be visible.
Save the web map.When embedded in the StoryMap, those layers will appear—though users won’t be able to toggle them individually.

Or you could try to Use ArcGIS Experience Builder and then add thiw project to your ArcGIS StoryMap

Kind Regards

Nektarios

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

RachelS — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:29:07 GMT

Hi @Georgios-NektariosTselos

Thanks for clarifying this. I'm going to have to rethink how I display my data as it's to show changes in point data over time.

Regards

Rachel

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

Georgios-NektariosTselos — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:42:48 GMT

Check these 2 links I beleive that you will help you with your issue.

Also you could use ArcGIS Experience Builder with the Time Slider widget to let users interactively explore changes over time.Create a time-enabled layer in your web map.Embed that Experience Builder app inside your StoryMap using an Embed block.

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

RachelS — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:31:56 GMT

Thanks @Georgios-NektariosTselos ,

I'll have a look.

Rachel

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

OwenGeo — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:14:37 GMT

There are many ways to update the appearance of a map or scene, which includes the map extent and zoom level as well as layer visibility, in a StoryMap. Check out these articles about map choreography and map/media actions.

You can visit our gallery to see many examples of map choreography and map/media actions to get an idea of how these work and how they can be used to engage your audience and tell your story.

When creating maps to use for storytelling, we recommend keeping a simple structure that minimizes the use of layer groups. This will enable you to control the visibility of individual layers when configuring the appearance of the map in the StoryMap builder.

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

RachelS — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:21:45 GMT

Thanks @OwenGeo

That's really interesting and the media actions may work well for me.

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

JudithPCC — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:34:27 GMT

I really wish ESRI would reconsider this and allow map layers to be explored by users. It does tend to complicate the story since each layer must be shown separately. Alternatively, if legends could be used with the swipe tool, that would help as well.

Re: No Layer List option in webmaps

OwenGeo — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:18:42 GMT

@JudithPCC --

Having a layer list panel is on our list, but it hasn't been added to the roadmap at this time. It would be helpful to have an idea on the Ideas Board to track interest this request; I don't believe there is one yet.

Legends have been available for the swipe block for quite a while in the swipe options (gear menu).