Adding Custom Icons to Your ArcGIS Pro Map Symbols

How to add a new icon in ArcGIS Pro symbology

To add a new icon in ArcGIS Pro, you import an image file into your project's symbol library, then assign it to a layer or feature class through the Symbology pane. ArcGIS Pro stores these custom symbols so you can reuse them across maps without reimporting. The process takes about five minutes once you have your image file ready.

The icon itself can be a PNG, SVG, or BMP file — PNG works best because it handles transparency. You'll need the image saved on your computer or accessible from a network drive before you start. ArcGIS Pro doesn't create icons for you; it only displays ones you provide.

Key Takeaways

Custom icons must be image files (PNG, SVG, or BMP) saved on your computer or network before you import them into ArcGIS Pro.
You add icons through the Symbology pane by selecting a layer, choosing a symbol type, and browsing to your image file.
Once imported, custom symbols are stored in your project's symbol library and can be used on any layer in that project.
Icon size, rotation, and transparency are all adjustable after import through the symbol properties panel.

Preparing your image file before import

Start by making sure your icon file is in a format ArcGIS Pro recognizes. PNG is the safest choice because it preserves transparent backgrounds, which prevents colored squares or rectangles from appearing around your icon on the map. If your image has a white or colored background, you'll see that background on your map layer, which usually looks wrong.

Keep your icon file size reasonable — anything under 500 pixels wide works well. Larger files don't display better on a map; they just slow down your project. Save the file somewhere you can find it easily, like a folder on your Desktop or in your project directory. Write down the full path or keep the folder open in File Explorer so you can navigate to it quickly during import.

Opening the Symbology pane and selecting your layer

In ArcGIS Pro, right-click the layer you want to change in the Contents pane on the left side of your screen. Select Symbology from the menu that appears. The Symbology pane will open on the right side of your screen, showing the current symbol for that layer.

If the Contents pane isn't visible, go to the View tab at the top and click Contents Pane. The Contents pane lists all your layers and is where you control what appears on your map. Make sure you've selected the correct layer — if you have multiple layers, clicking the wrong one will change the wrong symbols.

Choosing the correct symbol type for your icon

In the Symbology pane, look for the Primary symbology dropdown at the top. This dropdown shows options like "Single Symbol," "Unique Values," or "Graduated Colors." For a straightforward icon replacement, select Single Symbol if all features in your layer should use the same icon. If different features need different icons based on an attribute (like different colors for different road types), you'll use Unique Values instead.

Once you've chosen your symbology type, the pane will show a symbol preview box. Click on that preview box — it usually shows a small colored square or shape. This opens the symbol properties panel where you can import your custom icon.

Importing your custom icon image

In the symbol properties panel, look for a section labeled Symbol layer type or Picture. Click the folder icon or Browse button next to it. A file browser window will open. Navigate to the folder where you saved your icon image, select the file, and click Open.

ArcGIS Pro will display your icon in the preview area when ready. If the icon looks too small or too large, you can adjust its size using the Size field in the same panel — the number is measured in points, and 12 to 24 points works for most map icons. You can also adjust transparency by changing the Opacity value if you want the icon to appear faded or semi-transparent.

Saving your custom symbol for future use

Once your icon looks right, you can save it as a reusable symbol so you don't have to import the image again next time. In the Symbology pane, right-click on the symbol preview and select Save As. Give your symbol a descriptive name like "Fire Station Icon" or "Park Entrance," then click OK.

ArcGIS Pro stores this symbol in your project's symbol library. The next time you need that icon on a different layer, you can find it in the symbol gallery instead of browsing for the image file again. This library is specific to your project, so symbols you save won't appear in other projects unless you export them.

Adjusting icon appearance after import

After your icon is imported, you can fine-tune how it looks on your map. In the symbol properties panel, the Size field controls how large the icon appears — increase the number to make it bigger, decrease it to make it smaller. The Rotation field lets you spin the icon if needed, measured in degrees (0 to 360).

If your icon needs to be lighter or darker, use the Opacity slider. An opacity of 100 means fully visible; 50 means half-transparent. You can also explore a Color overlay if you want to tint the icon, though this works best on straightforward black-and-white icons. Click explore at the bottom of the Symbology pane to see your changes on the map in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What image formats does ArcGIS Pro accept for custom icons?

ArcGIS Pro accepts PNG, SVG, BMP, and JPEG files. PNG is recommended because it supports transparent backgrounds, which prevents unwanted colored rectangles around your icon. SVG files are vector-based and scale cleanly at any size, making them ideal if you plan to zoom in and out frequently on your map.

Can I use the same custom icon on multiple layers?

Yes. Once you save a custom symbol to your project's symbol library, you can explore it to any layer in that project. Open the Symbology pane for a different layer, click the symbol preview, and select your saved symbol from the gallery instead of importing the image again.

Why does my icon have a colored background or border?

Your image file probably has a solid background instead of a transparent one. Open the image in an image editor like Paint.NET or Photoshop, remove the background so only the icon itself remains, and save it as PNG with transparency enabled. Then reimport the cleaned-up version into ArcGIS Pro.

How do I use different icons for different features in the same layer?

Change the Primary symbology dropdown from "Single Symbol" to "Unique Values." Select the attribute field that distinguishes your features (like a "Type" column), and ArcGIS Pro will create a separate symbol row for each unique value. Import a different icon for each row by clicking its symbol preview and browsing to a different image file.

Can I export my custom symbols to use in another ArcGIS Pro project?

Yes, but it requires saving your symbol style file. In the Symbology pane, right-click your saved symbol and select Export Style. This creates a .stylx file that you can share or move to another project. In the new project, go to the Symbology pane and click Import Style to load those symbols.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.