ArcGIS StoryMaps

C tier on Map Creation SoftwareScore 6.7 · #13 of 26

Android app: Not listed
Free plan: Yes
Runs on: Web

storymaps.arcgis.com

Summary

ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool for presenting maps, apps, and multimedia through narrative formats. Authors can build stories, slide-based briefings, mobile-first frames, or collections, and use reusable themes. The builder supports configured 2D web maps and 3D web scenes, as well as ArcGIS apps created by organization members. Stories can draw on existing ArcGIS maps and scenes, Esri demographic and lifestyle data, and curated maps from ArcGIS Living Atlas. Published work can be shared with an organization, chosen groups, or everyone; organization members can also co-author through groups. Edits save automatically, and authors can republish changes when ready. Full creation capabilities require Creator, Professional, or Professional Plus user types; Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker can view shared content but cannot create it. The free public account has usage limits and lacks some advanced features. A free plan and 21-day trial are listed.

Who it is for

It suits people and organizations creating map-led narratives, briefings, or collections. Organization members who need full creation capabilities need a Creator, Professional, or Professional Plus user type.

What is good

Supports 2D web maps and 3D web scenes.
Stories can include ArcGIS apps and curated maps.
Organization members can co-author through groups.
Builder supports semantic structure and keyboard navigation.

What to know first

Public accounts lack some advanced features.
Viewer, Contributor, and Mobile Worker cannot create content.
Uploaded media and story data use storage credits.
Premium content in published items can consume credits per view.

Verdict

ArcGIS StoryMaps combines narrative formats with maps, scenes, and ArcGIS content. Check account permissions and credit use against your publishing needs.

ArcGIS StoryMaps plans and pricing

All plans

Public account Free Free account for individuals; usage limits apply; some advanced features unavailable; content is not indexed by search engines doc.esri.com · 2 Oct 2026

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