ArcGIS StoryMaps
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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Sources
- doc.esri.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/latest/get-started/· checked 2 Oct 2026
- esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-storymaps/· checked 2 Oct 2026
- doc.esri.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/latest/reference/li· checked 2 Oct 2026
- doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/get-started/faq.htm· checked 2 Oct 2026
- doc.esri.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/latest/learn/storym· checked 2 Oct 2026
- doc.esri.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/latest/reference/se· checked 2 Oct 2026
- esri.com/en-us/about/about-esri/company· checked 2 Oct 2026
- storymaps.arcgis.com· checked 28 Sept 2026





