Using the Export Attachments Tool in ArcGIS Pro

The Export Attachments tool helps you save files (like photos or documents) attached to your map features or table rows. It takes these attachments out of your ArcGIS Pro project and puts them in a regular folder on your computer.

Before You Start

Make sure:

  • You're using ArcGIS Pro 3.3 or later 
  • Your map features or table has attachments
  • You know where to save the files on your computer

Steps to Use the Tool

  1. Open Your Project
    • Start ArcGIS Pro and open your project
  2. Find the Tool
    • Look for the Geoprocessing pane (usually on the right side)
    • In the search box, type "Export Attachments"
    • Click on "Export Attachments (Data Management)" when you see it
  3. Set Up the Tool
    • For "Input Dataset": Choose your map layer or table that has the attachments
    • For "Output Location": Pick a folder on your computer where you want to save the files
  4. Run the Tool
    • Click the "Run" button at the bottom of the tool panel
  5. Check Your Results
    • Go to the folder you chose
    • You should see the attachment files there

exportattachments

Tips

  • If you only want to export some attachments, select those features on your map before using the tool
  • The tool will keep the original file types (like .jpg for photos); however, you can also select naming conventions based on a field name
  • If there are files with the same name, the tool will add numbers to avoid overwriting

Need Help?

If something doesn't work:

  • Make sure your layer or table has attachments
  • Check that you can write files to the folder you chose
  • Look at the messages in ArcGIS Pro after running the tool for any error information

Read the official documentation for the Export Attachments tool in the ArcGIS Pro Tools reference page: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/tool-reference/data-management/export-attachments.htm

Not upgraded to ArcGIS 3.3? ESRI provides documentation for exporting individual layer attachments

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/3.0/help/editing/edit-file-attachments.htm