ArcGIS StoryMaps

API—OSS—FREEyesDOCS4/5
AS5.8#16 of 26
outWeb—Windows—Mac—Linux—Android—iOS

Ranked in Map Creation Software ·Free plan

About

ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool for presenting maps, apps, and multimedia through narrative content. Authors can create stories, slide-based briefings, mobile-first frames, collections, and reusable themes. The builder supports configured 2D web maps and 3D web scenes, and can embed ArcGIS apps created by organization members. Stories can use existing ArcGIS maps and scenes, Esri demographic and lifestyle data, and curated ArcGIS Living Atlas maps. Published content can be shared with an organization, selected groups, or everyone; organization members can co-author through groups. Changes save automatically, and edits can be republished when ready. Creator, Professional, and Professional Plus user types have full storytelling capabilities; Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker can view but not create. The free public account has usage limits and lacks some advanced features. ArcGIS StoryMaps is included with ArcGIS Enterprise from version 10.8.1, including disconnected deployments. The listed public account costs 0.00 USD per free, and the service lists a 21-day trial.

Who it is for

It suits organizations that want to combine maps and multimedia in shareable narratives or briefings. Full creation requires a Creator, Professional, or Professional Plus user type.

What is good

  • Supports stories, briefings, frames, and collections.
  • Includes 2D maps and 3D scenes.
  • Organization members can co-author through groups.
  • Automatically saves changes before publishing.
  • Supports accessibility features related to WCAG 2.1.

What to know first

  • Public accounts have usage limits.
  • Public accounts lack some advanced features.
  • Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker cannot create stories.
  • Media and story data use ArcGIS Online storage credits.

Verdict

ArcGIS StoryMaps brings maps, apps, and narrative formats into one web authoring workflow. Confirm account capabilities and credit use for the audience and content you plan to publish.

Compared on map creation software

Free plan
Yesstorymaps.arcgis.com
Interactive visualizations
Yesstorymaps.arcgis.com
Narrative annotations
Yesstorymaps.arcgis.com
Presentation flow
Yesstorymaps.arcgis.com
Share mode
bothstorymaps.arcgis.com

Facts

What it does
ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool for sharing maps, apps, and multimedia in narrative form.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Content formats
It supports stories, slide-based briefings, mobile-first frames, collections, and reusable themes.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Maps and apps
Authors can configure 2D web maps and 3D web scenes in the builder and embed ArcGIS apps created by organization members.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Sharing and collaboration
Published items can be shared with an organization, specific groups, or everyone, and organization members can co-author through groups.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Included maps
Stories can use existing ArcGIS web maps and scenes, Esri demographic and lifestyle data, and curated maps from ArcGIS Living Atlas.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Publishing
Changes are automatically saved, and edits to a published item can be republished when ready to make them visible.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Account requirements
Creator, Professional, and Professional Plus user types provide full storytelling capabilities; Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker can view shared content but cannot create it.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Public account limits
Public accounts cannot use some advanced features, including web embeds, custom themes, templates, translated story links, analytics, and advanced embedding.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Enterprise deployment
ArcGIS StoryMaps is included with ArcGIS Enterprise starting at version 10.8.1, and can be deployed in disconnected environments through ArcGIS Enterprise.doc.arcgis.com · 2 Oct 2026
Accessibility
The story builder supports WCAG 2.1 related features including semantic structure, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and alternative text.doc.arcgis.com · 2 Oct 2026
Integrations
Collections can bundle StoryMaps with ArcGIS content such as dashboards, instant apps, and Survey123 forms.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Security and privacy
For the StoryMaps assistant, prompts are not used to train or improve Esri or third-party models and are not stored or shared without explicit permission.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Credit usage
Uploaded media and story data use ArcGIS Online file storage credits, and published content containing premium content can consume credits per view.doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026
Maker
Esri was established in 1969 and is headquartered in Redlands, California, USA.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026

Company

Founded
1969storymaps.arcgis.com · 28 Sept 2026

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