Opening .apr file in ArcGIS for Desktop?

Cracking Open Those Old .apr Files in ArcGIS Desktop: A Human’s Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon an .apr file. Chances are, if you’re in the GIS world, you know it’s something to do with Esri’s ArcGIS software. But what is it exactly, and how do you actually use it? Well, those .apr files? They’re basically project files from ArcView GIS 3.x, an older, but not forgotten, version of Esri’s stuff. Think of it like finding an old photo album – it holds memories (or, in this case, maps and data!), but you need the right viewer to see them properly.

ArcView eventually morphed into the ArcGIS Desktop suite we know today, with ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and all those other handy tools. The good news is, ArcGIS Desktop can usually open these .apr files. But, like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, there can be a few quirks along the way. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Getting That .apr File Open in ArcMap: A Step-by-Step

Alright, first things first, fire up ArcMap. You can’t do anything until you get ArcMap running!

Now, here’s where it gets a little fiddly, but trust me, it’s worth it.

A Few Wrinkles to Iron Out

Okay, so sometimes things don’t go quite as smoothly as planned. Here are a couple of things to watch out for:

• Data Paths Gone Wild: This is a classic. Before you even think about importing, double-check that all the data paths in the .apr file are correct. If ArcMap can’t find the data, your layers will be MIA. You can try editing the .apr file in a text editor to fix these paths, but always, always, ALWAYS make a backup first. Trust me on this one.
• Table Joins: A Blast from the Past: ArcView 3.x was all about table joins. My recommendation? Remove table joins within the .apr project by saving the data created by the table join as a new shapefile. Then load the new shapefile into the project.
• Version Shenanigans: Make sure your ArcGIS Desktop version is up to the task. An old version might choke on a newer .apr file, and vice versa.
• Corrupted Files: The Worst-Case Scenario: Sometimes, files just get messed up. If you’re pulling your hair out, the .apr file might be corrupted. Try a backup or a fresh copy.
• ArcGIS Pro: A Different Beast: Heads up! ArcGIS Pro doesn’t play directly with .apr files. You’ll need to import the .apr file into ArcMap first (as described above) and then bring the resulting .mxd file into ArcGIS Pro. It’s a two-step process, unfortunately.

The Future is Pro (and ArcMap is Getting the Boot)

Speaking of ArcGIS Pro, Esri is pulling the plug on ArcGIS Desktop (including ArcMap) on March 1, 2026. I know, it’s sad to see it go, but ArcGIS Pro is the future. It’s got more bells and whistles, and it plays much nicer with the rest of the ArcGIS ecosystem.

Making the Jump to ArcGIS Pro

So, how do you actually make the switch?

The Bottom Line

Opening .apr files in ArcGIS Desktop is doable, but it’s a bit like driving a classic car – you need to know its quirks. With ArcMap heading for retirement, now’s the time to start thinking about migrating to ArcGIS Pro. It’s a bit of a learning curve, sure, but it’s worth it in the long run. You’ll be future-proofing your work and unlocking a whole new world of GIS possibilities. Happy mapping!