Common Questions (FAQ)

Use ArcGIS Publisher, an extension to ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo that converts Esri map documents (MXD) or ArcGlobe documents (3DD) to Published Map Files (PMF) for use with ArcReader.

No, ArcReader cannot create or modify the published maps. You need ArcGIS Publisher to create or edit a PMF.

ArcReader is part of the ArcGIS family of software products. It is built from the same ArcObjects components as ArcGIS for Desktop (ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo). ArcReader works with maps authored by ArcMap or ArcGlobe and published with ArcGIS Publisher.

ArcReader can only read data through a PMF. The PMF supports access to all standard vector and raster formats supported by ArcGIS. The PMF does not include the data. Rather, the PMF references the data whether it is on a local drive, a shared network drive, or an Internet service. The PMF preserves a live connection to the data, so the user's data view is dynamic.

ArcReader is exclusively a map viewer for working with previously authored PMFs. ArcReader cannot add data to a PMF.

ArcGIS Publisher includes access to the ArcReader developer component for embedding ArcReader or creating custom applications for viewing Published Map Files.

ArcReader is free and is included with all ArcGIS 9 products. ArcReader can also be downloaded from the Esri Web site.