Skip to main content

Editor's Picks

Printing from ArcGIS Dashboards? Let me show you how to do it

Published Date
Author Nathan Enge

Printing from ArcGIS Dashboards? Say it ain’t so! Configuring ArcGIS Dashboards is a longstanding passion of mine, thanks to its ability to convey comprehensive information swiftly. This app facilitates the creation of interactive, easy-to-understand dashboards, empowering decision-making across operational, tactical and strategic levels. While the no-code configuration and integration with other apps like Survey123 have always impressed me, there was one missing piece – the ability to print a screenshot of the dashboards. But I did it. And I will show you how. 

The Need for Print Functionality:  

In scenarios where a snapshot in time is crucial, such as Emergency Operations Centers, having the capability to print dashboards becomes invaluable. Emergency Coordinators often need snapshots at specific time intervals for milestone marking and final reporting. Although ArcGIS Dashboards supports data export, it falls short in providing an effective snapshot of the dashboard.  

A group of people in an Emergency Operations Centre room gathered around a digital display depicting a map with satellite imagery

Leveraging ArcGIS Experience Builder:  

To address this gap, I turned to another favorite app – ArcGIS Experience Builder. By employing three key functionalities within Experience Builder – Embed Widget, Button Widget and Set Link – I successfully added a Print button to my ArcGIS Dashboards.  

Step-by-Step Implementation:  

  1. Create and configure ArcGIS Dashboards, leaving space for the Print button. Copy the dashboard's URL.
    Screenshot of ArcGIS Dashboards in dark mode. A graphic button placeholder is shown at the top of the dashboard

  2. In ArcGIS Experience Builder, create a new Blank fullscreen experience.  
    ArcGIS Experience Builder Template gallery with a red box around the Blank fullscreen selection 

  1. Drag the Embed widget from page elements, setting width and height to 100%. Paste the dashboard's URL into the content pane to embed it in the experience.  
    Screenshot of ArcGIS Dashboards in dark mode. A red box surrounds the embed widget, as well as the configuration window

  2. Add a Button widget, configuring its Quick style and positioning it as desired.   
    Screenshot of ArcGIS Dashboards in dark mode. A graphic red box surrounds the button widget with a red arrow pointing to where the button is located. Red boxes surround important configuration points for the Set Link function

  3. Use the Set link feature to link the button to "Print preview." Optionally, include an icon, such as a line art PNG of a printer and customize the button's appearance.  
    Screenshot of the configuration panel for the Set link function 

  1. Save and preview the experience to ensure the Print button functions as intended.  
    Screenshot of Experience Builder application with a red box highlighting the save and preview button. 

  2. When the button is clicked, it should launch the default print dialogue box, in my case a Windows print dialogue box. I have found the best default settings is to set the layout to landscape, print in colour, and scale to 50%. Also note, that if your dashboard is in dark mode and the use of light or white coloured fonts are used, then background graphics should be clicked on. For record keeping, I suggest also turning on headers and footers.  
    Screenshot of the operating system print dialogue box and common configuration settings for optimal printing 

Refining and Publishing:  

Further refine the design of the print button as needed and then publish the Experience. Ensure that the Experience is shared at the same level as the dashboard for seamless integration.  

Conclusion:  

While printing is not a supported feature in ArcGIS Dashboards, this method provides a practical way to achieve print screen functionality. I successfully implemented this approach in ArcGIS Online and can confirm its availability as of ArcGIS Enterprise 11.1. This enhancement expands the utility of ArcGIS Dashboards by enabling users to capture and document specific moments in their data visualization journey.  

Screenshot of ArcGIS Dashboards in dark mode, embedded in Experience Builder application with the button widget configured as a print button 

About the Author

Nathan Enge is a Senior Technical Solutions Specialist at Esri Canada and an accomplished Security Risk Management Professional with extensive experience in GeoInt applications. Nathan's expertise lies in leveraging location analytics to support clients in strategic, tactical, and operational deployment strategies. Specializing in areas such as Public Safety, Risk Mitigation, Threat and Site Assessments, Nathan collaborates closely with Military, Law Enforcement, and Government agencies to optimize the use of Esri’s ArcGIS technology for enhanced location intelligence. With over 24 years of dedicated involvement in GIS, his background encompasses a distinguished military tenure in the Canadian Armed Forces, complemented by rigorous post-graduate studies in GIS. Nathan brings to the table significant overseas experience, having operated in austere and semi-permissive environments. This unique perspective allows him to navigate complex situations and provide valuable insights in challenging operational landscapes.

Profile Photo of Nathan Enge
Follow on Linkedin More Content by Nathan Enge