Open MXD File

[ChrisHolmes]

Hello everyone,

I am using this line of code to open up an mxd file:

os.startfile("c:/chris/{0}/{0} - existing_proposed.mxd".format(string))

It works and opens the file, but it opens in a new instance of ArcMap. Is there a way to have it open in the instance that is already open?

Thanks,

Chris

[DanPatterson_Retired]

Luke  are you suggesting a different workflow might be in order?

[Luke_Pinner]

Possibly... ArcObjects is the only way to do what the OP wants and using COM via comtypes is the most used (by python people) way of accessing AO (there's also the .NET route using pythonnet). But it's a lot a stuff to install and configure...

[DanPatterson_Retired]

I thought so... a need or a nice decision

[curtvprice]

But it's a lot a stuff to install and configure...

So much for "batteries included."  

[Luke_Pinner]

lpinner wrote:

But it's a lot a stuff to install and configure...

And then you have to deal with a python/ArcObjects frankenhybrid

[ChrisHolmes]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Lots to learn!

Have a good day.