Are you tired of using the same old styles in ArcGIS Pro? Do you want to add a personal touch to your maps? Then it’s time to create your own custom style! With this guide, you’ll learn how to do just that. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create a unique style that will make your maps stand out. So, let’s get started and bring some personality to your maps with custom styles in ArcGIS Pro!

Overview of Styles in ArcGIS Pro

What are Styles?

Styles in ArcGIS Pro are a set of properties that determine the visual appearance of geographic features on a map. These properties include color, symbol, transparency, and more. Styles are used to create a consistent look and feel for your maps, making them easier to read and understand. They can be applied to layers, classes, and even individual features, allowing for a high degree of customization. Styles can also be saved and shared, making it easy to create a consistent look and feel across multiple maps and projects.

Types of Styles in ArcGIS Pro

There are two main types of styles in ArcGIS Pro: Symbolizer Styles and Styler Styles.

1. Symbolizer Styles: These styles are applied directly to a layer’s symbolizer, and are used to control the appearance of the layer based on its properties. Symbolizer Styles can be further divided into two categories: Simple and Complex.
   • Simple Styles: These styles use a single symbolizer type (such as a fill color or a line style) to represent the layer. For example, you can set a layer’s fill color to green and its line style to solid, which will apply a green fill and a solid line to the layer.
   • Complex Styles: These styles use multiple symbolizers to represent the layer. For example, you can set a layer’s fill color to a gradient, its line style to dashed, and its marker to a specific symbol.
2. Styler Styles: These styles are created and managed through the Styler window, and are used to apply custom styling to multiple layers at once. Styler Styles can be further divided into two categories: Global and Group.
   • Global Styles: These styles are applied to all layers in the map. For example, you can set a global style that changes the fill color of all layers to green.
   • Group Styles: These styles are applied to a specific group of layers. For example, you can set a group style that changes the line style of all layers in a particular group to dashed.

In addition to these two main types of styles, there are also a number of specialized styles in ArcGIS Pro, such as Label Styles and Feature Styles. These styles are used to control the appearance of labels and features, respectively.

Creating a Custom Style in ArcGIS Pro

Steps to Create a Custom Style

Creating a custom style in ArcGIS Pro involves several steps that can be completed in a few minutes. Follow the steps below to create a custom style:

1. Open ArcGIS Pro and navigate to the project you want to create a custom style for.
2. Open the Layer Properties dialog box for the layer you want to create a custom style for by clicking on the layer in the table of contents and selecting Layer Properties from the Layer tab.
3. In the Layer Properties dialog box, click on the Style tab.
4. Click on the New Style button to create a new style.
5. In the New Style dialog box, give your style a name and choose a folder to save it in.
6. Click on the Create button to create the new style.
7. ArcGIS Pro will create a new style based on the default style for the layer. You can now edit the style to customize it to your needs.
8. To edit the style, click on the Edit button in the Layer Properties dialog box.
9. The Style Editor dialog box will open, allowing you to customize the style.
10. You can add new style elements, such as symbols, colors, and labels, by clicking on the corresponding buttons in the toolbar.
11. You can also edit the existing style elements by selecting them in the style editor and modifying their properties.
12. Once you have finished customizing the style, click on the Save button to save your changes.
13. The new style will be saved in the folder you chose, and you can apply it to the layer by selecting it from the list of styles in the Layer Properties dialog box.

By following these steps, you can easily create a custom style in ArcGIS Pro that meets your specific needs.

Customizing Symbology and Labeling

When creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro, one of the most important aspects to consider is the symbology and labeling of your map layers. This involves controlling the visual appearance of your data, such as the color, size, and transparency of symbols, as well as the formatting of labels and text.

Here are some steps to follow when customizing symbology and labeling in ArcGIS Pro:

1. Open the Style pane in ArcGIS Pro by clicking on the Styles button in the Map tab.
2. Select the layer you want to customize the symbology and labeling for.
3. Click on the Custom Style dropdown menu and select New Style.
4. In the Style pane, click on the Symbology tab.
5. From here, you can customize various aspects of your symbology, such as the color, size, and transparency of symbols, as well as the visibility of different classes or groups of features.
6. You can also use the Labeling tab to customize the formatting of labels and text, such as the font, size, and color.
7. To save your custom style, click on the Save button in the Style pane.

By following these steps, you can create custom styles in ArcGIS Pro that reflect your data and enhance the visual appeal of your maps.

Adding a Custom Style to a Map

To add a custom style to a map in ArcGIS Pro, follow these steps:

1. Open the project containing the map you want to add the custom style to.
2. In the Map view, click on the Layers tab.
3. Select the layer you want to apply the custom style to from the list of layers.
4. Click on the Properties button to open the layer properties.
5. In the layer properties, click on the Style tab.
6. Click on the New Style button to create a new style.
7. Enter a name for the new style and click OK.
8. Click on the Add Style button to add the new style to the list of styles.
9. In the list of styles, select the new style you just created.
10. Adjust the style properties to achieve the desired appearance for the layer.
11. Click OK to save the new style.
12. In the Map view, the layer will now display the custom style you created.

It’s important to note that you can create multiple custom styles and apply them to different layers in the same map. This allows you to easily customize the appearance of different layers to suit your specific needs. Additionally, you can always return to the layer properties and make further adjustments to the style as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Custom Styles

Customizing the appearance of maps is an essential aspect of cartography, and creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro can help you achieve the desired visual representation of your data. However, despite the many benefits of custom styles, you may encounter some common issues while creating them. This section provides a troubleshooting guide to help you resolve these issues.

Inconsistent Symbol Sizes

One of the most common issues when creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro is inconsistent symbol sizes. This can occur when the scale-based symbols do not maintain a consistent size across different map scales. To resolve this issue, you can adjust the symbol size using the Scale-Based Symbol Properties dialog box. This dialog box allows you to set the minimum and maximum scale ranges for the symbol, as well as specify the symbol size at specific scale intervals. By adjusting these settings, you can ensure that your symbols maintain a consistent size across different map scales.

Incorrect Symbol Appearance

Another common issue when creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro is incorrect symbol appearance. This can occur when the symbols do not display as expected, or when the colors, fills, or transparency are not applied correctly. To resolve this issue, you can check the Symbol Quality settings in the Symbol Properties dialog box. This setting controls the level of detail in the symbols, and can affect their appearance on the map. You can also check the color ramps and fills to ensure that they are applied correctly.

Layer Interference

Layer interference can also be an issue when creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro. This occurs when the symbols or colors of one layer interfere with those of another layer on the same map. To resolve this issue, you can adjust the Rendering settings in the Layer Properties dialog box. This setting controls how the layer is rendered on the map, and can affect its appearance in relation to other layers. You can also adjust the Transparency setting to ensure that the layer does not interfere with other layers on the map.

Performance Issues

Performance issues can also arise when creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro. This can occur when the style takes a long time to load or when it affects the performance of the GIS software. To resolve this issue, you can optimize the style by reducing the number of symbols, colors, or layers used. You can also optimize the rendering settings to improve performance. Additionally, you can test the style on different computer configurations to ensure that it performs well on different systems.

In conclusion, creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro can be a powerful tool for customizing the appearance of maps. However, you may encounter some common issues while creating them. By troubleshooting these issues, you can ensure that your custom styles are displayed correctly and do not interfere with other layers on the map.

Best Practices for Creating Custom Styles in ArcGIS Pro

Naming Conventions for Styles

Proper naming conventions for styles in ArcGIS Pro are crucial for ensuring consistency and clarity in your map designs. Following a consistent and clear naming convention can help you quickly identify styles, avoid naming conflicts, and easily share your work with others. Here are some guidelines to consider when naming your custom styles in ArcGIS Pro:

• Use a descriptive and concise name that clearly communicates the style’s purpose.
• Avoid using spaces or special characters in style names.
• Use camel case or underscores to separate words in style names.
• Be consistent in your naming convention throughout your project.
• Include the version number or date when necessary to avoid confusion or conflicts.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your custom styles are well-organized, easy to understand, and maintainable over time.

Keeping Styles Organized and Up-to-Date

When creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro, it is important to keep your styles organized and up-to-date. This helps to ensure that your maps are consistent and easy to update. Here are some tips for keeping your styles organized and up-to-date:

• Create a separate folder for your custom styles: This helps to keep your custom styles separate from the default styles and makes it easier to find the styles you need.
• Use descriptive names for your styles: Use descriptive names for your styles that accurately reflect the style’s purpose. This makes it easier to find the style you need when you need it.
• Keep your styles up-to-date: Regularly review your custom styles and update them as needed to ensure that they are still relevant and up-to-date.
• Use version control: Use version control software to keep track of changes to your custom styles and to collaborate with others on your map projects.
• Use layers as a reference: When creating custom styles, use layers as a reference to ensure that your styles are accurate and up-to-date.
• Keep your styles consistent: Use consistent naming conventions and symbol sizes throughout your custom styles to ensure that your maps are consistent and easy to update.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your custom styles are organized and up-to-date, making it easier to create high-quality maps in ArcGIS Pro.

Collaborating with Colleagues on Custom Styles

When creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro, it is important to consider how you will collaborate with your colleagues. This is especially important if you are working on a project with a team. Here are some best practices for collaborating on custom styles:

Centralizing Style Files

One of the best ways to collaborate on custom styles is to centralize your style files. This means storing your style files in a shared location that is accessible to all team members. This can be a network drive, a cloud-based storage service, or a version control system like Git.

By centralizing your style files, you can ensure that everyone on the team is using the same set of styles. This can help to maintain consistency across the project and make it easier to share updates and changes with the team.

Using Version Control

Another important aspect of collaborating on custom styles is using version control. Version control systems like Git allow you to track changes to your style files over time and collaborate with other team members on those changes.

With version control, you can easily see who made changes to a style file, when those changes were made, and why they were made. This can help to prevent conflicts and ensure that everyone on the team is working with the most up-to-date version of the style file.

Communicating Changes

Finally, it is important to communicate changes to your custom styles with your team. This can help to ensure that everyone is aware of any updates or changes to the styles and can adjust their work accordingly.

You can communicate changes through a variety of channels, such as email, instant messaging, or team meetings. It is important to provide clear and concise instructions for how to use the new styles, as well as any reasons for the changes.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your team is able to collaborate effectively on custom styles in ArcGIS Pro.

Additional Resources for Creating Custom Styles in ArcGIS Pro

If you are looking to further enhance your skills in creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro, there are several additional resources available to you. These resources include:

• Esri’s official documentation on creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro, which provides detailed information on the various properties and options available when creating custom styles.
• The ArcGIS Pro SDK, which allows developers to create custom styles and other functionality for use in their own applications.
• The ArcGIS Pro user community, which includes forums, blogs, and other resources where users can share tips, tricks, and best practices for creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro.
• Online training courses and workshops, which can provide hands-on experience and expert guidance on creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can improve your skills and knowledge of creating custom styles in ArcGIS Pro, and become a more proficient user of this powerful GIS software.

FAQs

1. What is a custom style in ArcGIS Pro?

A custom style in ArcGIS Pro is a unique visual representation of map elements, such as symbols, colors, and labels, that can be created and applied to a map to enhance its aesthetic appeal and improve its functionality. Custom styles can be used to create a consistent look and feel across multiple maps, making it easier to analyze and communicate information.

2. How do I create a custom style in ArcGIS Pro?

To create a custom style in ArcGIS Pro, follow these steps:

1. Open ArcGIS Pro and create a new map.
2. Add the desired map elements, such as symbols, colors, and labels, to the map.
3. Click on the “Style” tab in the ribbon at the top of the ArcGIS Pro window.
4. Click on the “New Style” button in the “Styles” group.
5. In the “Style Name” field, enter a name for your custom style.
6. Use the controls in the “Style Builder” window to customize the appearance of your style.
7. Click “OK” to save your custom style.

3. How do I apply a custom style to a map in ArcGIS Pro?

To apply a custom style to a map in ArcGIS Pro, follow these steps:

1. Open the map you want to apply the custom style to.
2. Click on the “Style” tab in the ribbon at the top of the ArcGIS Pro window.
3. Click on the “Select Style” button in the “Styles” group.
4. In the “Style Builder” window, select the custom style you want to apply.
5. Click “OK” to apply the custom style to the map.

4. Can I edit an existing custom style in ArcGIS Pro?

Yes, you can edit an existing custom style in ArcGIS Pro by following these steps:

1. Open the map that uses the custom style you want to edit.
2. Click on the custom style you want to edit in the “Styles” group.
3. Use the controls in the “Style Builder” window to make the desired changes to the style.
4. Click “OK” to save your changes to the custom style.

5. How do I delete a custom style in ArcGIS Pro?

To delete a custom style in ArcGIS Pro, follow these steps:

1. Open the map that uses the custom style you want to delete.
2. Click on the custom style you want to delete in the “Styles” group.
3. Click “Delete” to remove the custom style from your ArcGIS Pro project.

Map Trick: Create a Style in ArcGIS Pro in Minutes