How to Open an MXD File

ArcMap maps are saved as MXD files.

An MXD file is a map generated by ArcMap, the main component of the ArcGIS geographic information system. ArcMap is used to create and visualize geographic data and can generate unique types of analyses. If you want to send map information between computers and platforms, you must save the information in an MXD file and send it. Furthermore, ArcMap is the only tool that you can use to open MXD files.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Open your favorite Web browser and navigate to the official ESRI (developer of ArcGIS) website. Click on "Programs" in the navigation menu and click on the "ArcGIS for Desktop" link in the resulting webpage.
   • 2
     Click the "Free Trial" button and click the "Get Your 60-Day Trial Now" button in the resulting webpage. Click on "Get Started" to start the download. Save the file anywhere on your hard disk drive.
   • 3
     Double-click the ArcGIS setup file to start the installation. Follow the simple on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
   • 4
     Click the Start button, go to Programs, select ArcGIS and click the ArcCatalog icon to open the program. Click the "Launch ArcMap" button in ArcCatalog to open ArcMap.
   • 5
     Go to the File menu in ArcMap and select "Open." Use the resulting file browser to find and highlight the MXD file. Click the "Open" button to open and view the MXD file inside the ArcMap software.