Which file type is used to store maps, layouts, and connections in ArcGIS Pro?

The file type used to store maps, layouts, and connections in ArcGIS Pro is the .aprx file. This is the project file format for ArcGIS Pro, which serves as the main container for all components of a project. It saves essential information, including maps, layouts, and the connections to databases, such as geodatabases and other data sources.

Unlike the other options, the .aprx file format is specifically designed for the organizational structure of a project in ArcGIS Pro, making it crucial for managing the resources and sharing them between users. Each time a project is created or opened within ArcGIS Pro, this file format controls how the workspace is set up and what data is being referenced, reflecting the user’s specific project settings.

The other file formats play different roles within the ArcGIS ecosystem—.mapx is not a relevant file type, .gdb refers to a geodatabase for storing geographic data, and .lyrx is a layer file that defines the symbology and properties of a single layer. Each has its purpose, but none serve as the overarching project file like the .aprx.