Creating a map by uploading zip files for layers

[mkhenson]

For years, I have used arcgis online, and added new layers by uploading a zip file that contains the shape file data.  I notice that the new arcgis online doesn't have that option.  How would I upload my data (shape files) now to an online map?  Thanks

[DebapriyaPaul]

Hi @mkhenson, thank you for posting this question! We can upload files to ArcGIS Online both from the Content page and directly to Map Viewer. 

We can browse to a file using the New item workflow from the Content page in ArcGIS Online. 

We can also use Map Viewer to Add layer from a file to select a zipped shapefile. Additionally, we can drag and drop a file to Map viewer to visualize it on the map. 

I'm curious to understand if you see these options available to you in ArcGIS Online? What type of ArcGIS Online account are you using (Public or Organizational)? 

[mkhenson]

[mkhenson]

please notice, in the image I just uploaded that the "zip" option is not available.

[DebapriyaPaul]

Thanks for sharing the screen capture. From the image, it looks like you are working with a Public account in ArcGIS Online. Public accounts do not allow publishing hosted feature layers, which is why we do not see additional options to upload a file geodatabase/shapefile/service definition in the Add layer workflow.

[mkhenson]

Ive been using the classic viewer with this account.  If I can't use it as is, how to I change it to private?

[DebapriyaPaul]

With Map Viewer Classic retiring in Q1 2026, Public accounts no longer have access to opening content in Map Viewer Classic since the Q1 release in 2025. Interestingly, you mentioned using Map Viewer Classic with the same account. I'm wondering if your subscription has recently converted to a Public account. 

Would you mind emailing me (dpaul@esri.com) to look into it closer? 

[mkhenson]

email sent...

[DebapriyaPaul]

Thank you, @mkhenson. 

As you are working with an ArcGIS Online Public account, the Add layer from file workflow in Map Viewer does not allow uploading zipped shapefiles/File geodatabases. When we upload a file to Map Viewer, it publishes a hosted feature layer using the uploaded file, which can then be consumed across multiple web maps. As this capability is not available with a Public account in ArcGIS Online, we do not see it available in your workflow.

The option to upload zipped files is supported in Map Viewer Classic, which creates feature collections stored in the web map or can be saved as a layer in our content. Feature collections are read-only layers with limited capability and are currently not supported in Map Viewer.

Here's a document that lists all supported file types that can be added to the map when using an ArcGIS Online organizational subscription.

Hope this helps, and please feel free to reach out if you have any follow-up questions!