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Create a story

You can use ArcGIS StoryMaps to author stories, which are like articles or blogs. Stories offer a scrolling narrative experience with immersive sections and can integrate maps and data from your organization.

Use the following steps to author your first story:

  1. Sign in to ArcGIS StoryMaps.

  2. Click Create, and then click Story to create a new story and launch the story builder.

    The story builder is where you assemble stories from a selection of content blocks such as text, media, maps, immersive experiences, and more.

  3. Add details to the cover.

    1. Title the story. Optionally, add a subtitle.

    The author name and publish date are added automatically. You can edit the author name, if needed.

    1. Add an image or video.

  4. Tell your story.

    1. Click the Add button + to open the block palette and add narrative text, maps, media, tables, charts, and immersive content blocks to your story.

    2. Add content to the story by directly typing in text, uploading media files, and embedding content from web links.

    3. Add web maps and web scenes from ArcGIS.

    4. Author express maps.

    Note:

    You can drag content blocks to rearrange their order in the story. ArcGIS StoryMaps automatically saves your work.

  5. In the header, click Design to open the design panel.

    The cover, navigation, and theme options in the design panel allow you to change the appearance of the story. For more information about themes, see Set a theme.

  6. Preview the story.

    1. In the header, click Preview to open preview mode so you can view the story as the audience will see it.

    2. Use the toolbar in the bottom corner of the screen to preview how the story will look on different devices, such as tablets or phones.

    3. Return to the builder by closing preview mode using the toolbar in the bottom corner of the screen.

  7. Publish the story.

    1. In the header, click Publish to open the publish page.

    2. On the publish page, select the audience.

    3. Click the Publish button to run the publishing process.

    Note:

    The publishing process checks to ensure all maps and layers will be accessible to the audience. If issues are detected, you are prompted to address them before continuing. For more information, see Publish.

Your story is now published and ready to be shared.

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