I have a layer and I have been unsuccesful at importing my a layer into GIS online. Is there a way to import a layer into a GIS online? Or do I need to convert it into a shape file? If so, how do I do so?
You can use the Feature Class to Shapefile tool in the Conversion Tools->To Shapefile toolbox to create a shapefile from a layer. Then you must zip the shapefile and in the AGOL map select the Add Layer From File option to upload the zipped shapefile. The process is also described here: Publish hosted feature layers—ArcGIS Online Help | ArcGIS Remember that you will be limited to 1000 features (Shapefiles—ArcGIS Online Help | ArcGIS ).
If you add the shapefile to the My Content page and publish a hosted feature service to it you will not be limited to 1,000 features. The 1,000 feature only applies when adding the zipped shapefile directly into the web map viewer.
The best way to control all the aspects of your data going up to ArcGIS online would be to publish out from Arc Desktop from a shapefile. You can publish it out to your organization or connect servers
