Map Exchange Document
General Information
| Title | MXD File Extension |
| Extension | .mxd |
| Full Form | Map Exchange Document |
| File Type | GIS Project File |
| Developer | ESRI |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store maps |
| Additional Functions | Save layouts, Preserve settings |
| Features | Geospatial data, Layered maps, Custom settings |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Layer dependent |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Geographic Analysis | Yes |
| Cartography | Yes |
| Spatial Data Management | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Data leakage |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Access controls |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1990s |
| Replaced By | .aprx (ArcGIS Pro) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gdb, .shp, .lyr |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 ArcGIS Desktop |
Licensed | Windows |
| ArcGIS Pro |
Licensed | Windows |