MXD File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
Format Name ArcGIS Map Document
Extension .mxd
Developed by ESRI
Type of Format Geospatial data file
MIME Type application/octet-stream
File Signature 50 00 6F 00 77 00 65 00 (Hex)
Software ArcGIS Desktop
Associated Applications ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro (with conversion)
Primary Usage Storing map layers, layout, and settings
Contains Map data, references to GIS data, symbology, layout information
Editable Yes (with compatible GIS software)
Backwards Compatibility Limited
Forward Compatibility Via conversion tools in newer software versions
Open Format No
Encryption Support No
Compression No native compression support
Advantages Widely used in GIS, comprehensive feature set, integration with ESRI products
Disadvantages Proprietary format, requires specific software to edit/view
Replacement Format .aprx (ArcGIS Pro projects)
Accessibility Files can be accessed and managed through ArcGIS Desktop