The Deep End of Desktop GIS
ArcGIS Pro is Esri's flagship desktop GIS application. It's the tool to reach for once your project needs large datasets, heavy editing, advanced spatial analysis, or publication-quality maps. ArcGIS Pro is the most widely used desktop GIS software at the University.
What ArcGIS Pro Does
ArcGIS Pro handles the geospatial work that ArcGIS Online can't: editing large or complex datasets, running advanced spatial analysis and geoprocessing (1,000+ built-in tools), building 2D, 3D, and time-aware maps, and producing publication-ready cartography. It's tightly integrated with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise, so a project can move between desktop and web without starting over.
Additional functionalities or benefits
Built for Serious Analysis
ArcGIS Pro lets you chain geoprocessing tools into reusable, no-code workflows. Prefer to script it? The tool includes a full Python API (ArcPy) and a built-in Jupyter notebook environment.
Handles Big, Complex Data
From satellite imagery and lidar to versioned multiuser editing, ArcGIS Pro is built to manage the kind of large, layered datasets that web-based tools weren't designed for.
Publication-Ready Output
Advanced cartography and design tools, including a direct export to Adobe Illustrator means your final map can be presented in a journal, on a report, or at a conference.
Installation Takes a Bit of Setup, Here's the Path
Unlike ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro that has to be installed onto your computer. It requires a Windows computer, and it's free through the University's Esri site license.
Steps
- Check that your computer meets Esri's system requirements for ArcGIS Pro.
- Install the .NET Desktop Runtime (x64 version) — required before ArcGIS Pro will run.
- Sign in to ArcGIS Online with your UMN Internet ID. Allow up to 10 minutes after signing in for your account to activate.
- Follow Esri’s instructions to download ArcGIS Pro.
- Then, follow Esri's instructions to install ArcGIS Pro.
- Run the installer and open ArcGIS Pro.
- On first launch, expand Your ArcGIS organization's URL, type umn, and select Continue, then choose UMN Internet ID and sign in.
Using a Mac?
ArcGIS Pro requires Windows. Mac users can run it through Boot Camp or a virtual machine, but U-Spatial doesn't provide technical support for macOS or virtualization software. As such, a Windows lab computer may be the simpler path.
Learn more about running ArcGIS Pro on a Mac.
Can't Install It Yourself?
If you need ArcGIS Pro for coursework and can't install it on your own device, check with your instructor, as many departments provide access through a virtual desktop environment. Faculty and staff should contact their unit's IT staff for available options.
Documentation & learning resources
Installing ArcGIS Pro
Full installation walkthrough, including the .NET runtime requirement.
View Installation Guide →ArcGIS Pro Installation Guide
Read Esri’s official ArcGIS Pro Installation Guide.
Official Esri Installation Guide →Run ArcGIS Pro on a Mac
Esri's guidance on Boot Camp and virtual machine setups.
View Mac Setup Guide →Training opportunities
Find workshops and tutorials designed to help you build, share and manage spatial data.
External & Vendor Training
Hosted outside of the UMNArcGIS Pro Full Beginner's Course
This ArcGIS Pro Tutorial is your Complete GIS Tutorial – 37 lessons in one awesome video!
Introducing ArcGIS Pro
Explore the main components of the ArcGIS Pro user interface—the ribbon, views, and panes.
ArcGIS Pro Tutorial Series
Get started with the essentials of ArcGIS Pro.
Mapping and visualization in ArcGIS Pro
Learn essential techniques of map design, layout, and data visualization in ArcGIS Pro.
ArcGIS Pro FAQs
Quick answers to what people ask us most about installing and using ArcGIS Pro.
Can I install ArcGIS Pro on my personal computer?
Yes.
ArcGIS Pro is free for UMN students, faculty, and staff and can be installed on a personal Windows computer that meets Esri's system requirements. Mac users can download Esri for Mac with a few workarounds, or they can use a lab computer instead.
How long does ArcGIS Pro installation take?
Plan for 30–60 minutes, although it may go faster.
Between installing the .NET Desktop Runtime, downloading ArcGIS Pro, and the up-to-10-minute account activation delay after your first sign-in, budget the better part of an hour for a smooth first install.
Do I need ArcGIS Pro, or is ArcGIS Online enough?
Depends on your project.
If you're working with large datasets, doing heavy editing, or need publication-quality printed maps, ArcGIS Pro is the right tool. For lighter mapping, sharing, or quick analysis, ArcGIS Online is usually the faster way to get started.
Can I use ArcGIS Pro after I graduate?
Access ends with your UMN affiliation.
Like other Esri software, your ArcGIS Pro license is tied to your UMN Internet ID. If you'll need desktop GIS software after leaving the University, QGIS is a free, open-source option that keeps working.
My installation isn't working. Who do I contact?
Start with the Help Desk!
Most installation issues come down to a missing .NET Desktop Runtime or an account that hasn't finished activating. If you've checked both and you're still stuck, contact the Help Desk.
Free for the UMN Community
What It Costs
ArcGIS Pro is free for every University of Minnesota student, faculty, and staff member, covered by the University's site license with Esri.
Esri resources obtained through the University may not be used for commercial purposes. Use is limited to academic, research, and outreach work.
Costs Beyond the University
For those who aren't affiliated with the University, ArcGIS Pro comes with a charge that varies by user type. See Esri's pricing page for up-to-date details, or sign up for a free trial.
Get Started with ArcGIS Pro Today
Ready to unlock advanced spatial analysis and mapping? Download ArcGIS Pro or sign in with your UMN Internet ID to begin your geospatial projects.