This documentation focuses exclusively on ArcGIS Pro-based Printing, which is the current and recommended Printing architecture.
The Legacy Printing solution is still supported in some environments but is no longer the focus of new feature development.
This section helps you:
▪learn the key differences between Legacy Printing and ArcGIS Pro-based Printing.
▪determine which printing generation is installed.
Compare Legacy Printing and ArcGIS Pro-based Printing
The table below compares the key features of Legacy Printing and ArcGIS Pro-based Printing.
Area |
Legacy Printing |
ArcGIS Pro-based Printing |
Architecture |
Chromium-based |
ArcGIS Pro-based |
Printing installation |
On-prem SaaS subscription |
On-prem SaaS subscription |
Layouts |
Proprietary layout templates |
ArcGIS Pro layouts |
Layout storage |
Managed outside of ArcGIS |
Stored as ArcGIS layout portal item |
Layout editing |
Managed in Studio Printing Designer (Legacy mode only) |
Editable in ArcGIS Pro, Studio Printing Designer, and Studio Desktop |
Supported layout formats |
JSON |
PAGX |
Output formats |
Single-page PDF only |
Multi-page PDF, JPG, PNG, SVG, AIX |
Advanced print workflows |
Not supported |
Supported (grid, line, seamless, map books, template packages) |
Vector-based output |
Not supported |
Supported |
Legend |
Basic |
Advanced (dynamic legend pages, smart legends) |
Print preview |
Mask showing map frame extent |
Colored polygon showing map frame extent |
Print history |
Not available |
Available |
Debugging and logging |
Limited |
Enhanced debugging and log downloads |
Asynchronous printing |
Not supported |
Supported |
Supported applications |
Studio Web, Studio Workflow, Experience Builder |
Studio Web, Studio Workflow, Studio Desktop, Experience Builder |
Determine the Installed Printing Generation
The table below lists the indicators in the Printing Designer to identify the Printing generation.
Legacy Printing Indicators |
ArcGIS Pro-based Printing Indicators |
Only print templates are supported. |
Print layouts and layout packages are supported. |
Print template thumbnails are labeled "Legacy". |
Print layout thumbnails are labeled Pro, and print layout packages are labeled Layout Package. |
The term "template" is used. |
The term "layout" is used. |
Print template imports use the JSON file format. |
Print layout imports use the PAGX file format. |
For more information, see this VertiGIS Support article.
