Migrate to User Types

ArcGIS Desktop retires in 2026

Don’t get left behind. Access the most secure, advanced version of ArcGIS in a comprehensive geospatial platform.

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More control, less complexity

User types simplify licensing by bundling ArcGIS features for specific roles. Team members get the tools they need—without the distraction of unnecessary functions.

To get started with the most advanced ArcGIS capabilities, you’ll need one of the following user types:

  • Creator

    Provides access to ArcGIS Pro Basic

    Leverage essential capabilities for creating dynamic maps and sharing content with pre-built apps. Manage groups, members, content, and work assignments for smooth collaboration.

  • Professional

    Provides access to ArcGIS Pro Standard

    Access advanced editing and data management capabilities across ArcGIS. The Professional user type includes everything in the Creator user type.

  • Professional Plus

    Provides access to ArcGIS Pro Advanced

    Create production-ready cartography and perform comprehensive analysis that scales to big data. Develop your own models or utilize pre-built machine learning and deep learning models. The Professional Plus user type includes everything in the Professional user type, as well as nine popular extensions.

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Explore the new user types

A more advanced desktop experience

Migrating to user types gives you access to the most powerful geospatial capabilities through ArcGIS Pro. Enjoy flexibility across desktop, web, and mobile, supporting your work anytime, anywhere—crucial for staying ahead of the competition.

  • 3D map of Asia with bar graph-like columns. The columns are shaded in various shades of purple, with the darkest purple concentrated over the Indian subcontinent and lighter shades extending north and east.

    Advanced geospatial analysis

  • A 3D model of a city center. Several buildings are highlighted in shades of pink and green, indicating zones or areas of interest within the city.

    Real-time data visualization

  • Aerial imagery of a suburban area with a dense forest to the right. The rooftops are highlighted in blue, indicating potential for solar panel installations.

    AI and machine learning

  • A 3D model of an airport terminal and the surrounding tarmac. The terminal is shown with purple and blue accents to highlight different areas. Grey jet bridges extend from the terminal to designated areas on the tarmac, marked with pink stripes. Black and blue lines indicate taxiways and other markings on the ground.

    Integration with other enterprise systems

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Benefits of migrating

  • Enhanced cybersecurity and data protection

    Protect your organization from threats with regular security updates. Unsupported software may expose your organization to security risks, impacting data safety.

  • Ongoing software updates and support

    Get continuous updates and award-winning technical support. Staying on ArcGIS Desktop means increasing and costly maintenance efforts as support phases out over time.

  • File and data compatibility

    Ensure easy data access and sharing with support for modern file formats and data sources. The limited compatibility of ArcGIS Desktop could hinder workflows that depend on newer data.

  • Efficient workflows and increased productivity

    Enhance productivity with fast workflows and improved collaboration tools. The older infrastructure of ArcGIS Desktop may lead to slower, siloed processes that can limit efficiency.

  • Sustainable growth

    Adapt to industry demands with an advanced, scalable platform. ArcGIS Desktop may restrict flexibility, impacting your ability to expand GIS capabilities.

  • Top talent retention and attraction

    Attract and retain top talent with the most advanced spatial technology. Relying on ArcGIS Desktop could make it challenging to meet professionals’ expectations for modern tools.

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Get help right away

Prepare for migration with these questions

Account managers and sales representatives are ready to help you migrate to updated user types and ArcGIS Pro. Consider these questions first:

  • How many team members use ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap)?
  • What kind of GIS activities do they typically engage in?
  • How are you currently using ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap)?
  • How do you plan to evolve your use of GIS?
  • Are you using any custom or third-party tools, add-ins, or scripts?

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We’re here to help

With support at every step, you’ll have a seamless transition to the next generation of ArcGIS. Whatever challenges arise, we’re committed to making your migration a valuable, rewarding investment.

  • Dedicated service experts

    Work directly with Esri BeLux’s professional consultants and technical support teams to create a migration plan that best suits your organization.

  • Comprehensive documentation

    We’ll help you find the resources you and your teams need to ensure success, from setup all the way through implementation.

  • Engaging training sessions

    Our team will work with you to craft learning plans that ensure your team gets the most out of the latest tools and capabilities in ArcGIS.

  • A vibrant user community

    Find tips, tricks, support, and best practices in Esri Community. Connect with and learn from users who have successfully migrated from ArcMap.

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Don’t wait to migrate

ArcGIS Desktop will only be supported until March 1, 2026.

Unlock the full power of the ArcGIS platform now!

Request a quote

Ready to migrate to User Types and the full geospatial platform? Fill out the short survey and get a response within 3 working days.

Request quote

Talk to someone who can help

Contact your account manager or a sales representative via the links below to receive priority support when migrating to user types and ArcGIS Pro.

Book a Call

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