Build mobile experiences with ArcGIS Experience Builder

ArcGIS Experience Builder is a tool for building web applications that work on mobile devices. It provides a low-code/no-code environment for creating custom applications without extensive programming knowledge. Experience Builder applications are responsive and automatically adjust to different screen sizes, making them suitable for mobile use.

Why build mobile solutions with Experience Builder?

Here are the key features of using ArcGIS Experience Builder to build mobile solutions:

Feature	Description
Responsive design	Responsive templates and layouts automatically adjust to different screen sizes for a consistent user experience.
Touch optimization	Applications are optimized for touch-based inputs, making it easier for users to interact on mobile devices.
Mobile-specific features	Supports features like GPS location tracking, device orientation, and camera access, allowing applications to use device hardware and sensors.
Low-code/no-code environment	Enables users to create custom applications without extensive programming knowledge.
Cross-platform compatibility	Applications can be published to the web or embedded in other web applications, supporting platforms including iOS and Android.

Requirements

Before building a mobile experience, ensure you have:

An ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise account with appropriate permissions.
Access to ArcGIS Experience Builder (hosted or developer edition).
A supported web browser (latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari).
A mobile device for testing (iOS or Android).

How to build an experience for mobile form factors

Start a new experience
Open ArcGIS Experience Builder and select "Create new" to start a new project.
Choose a mobile-friendly template
Select a template labeled as "mobile" or "responsive." These templates are pre-configured to adapt to smaller screens and touch interactions.
Configure the mobile layout
In the builder, switch to the mobile layout view. Use the device preview options to see how your app will look on different mobile devices. Adjust the layout, stacking, and sizing of widgets for optimal mobile usability.
Add and arrange widgets
Drag and drop widgets such as maps, lists, forms, and buttons onto your mobile layout. Use larger touch targets and simple navigation for a better mobile experience.
Optimize content for mobile
Limit the amount of information and widgets shown at once. Use collapsible panels, tabs, or navigation bars to organize content.
Test and preview
Use the preview feature to test your experience on various device sizes. Make adjustments as needed for readability, performance, and usability.
Publish and share
When ready, publish your experience. Share the link with users, who can access it from their mobile devices.

Best practices

Follow these best practices when building mobile solutions with ArcGIS Experience Builder:

Best Practice	Description
Use responsive design	Ensure your application adjusts to different screen sizes for a consistent user experience.
Optimize for touch	Design with touch-based inputs in mind; use larger buttons and touch-friendly controls.
Test on multiple devices	Test your app on a variety of mobile devices to ensure it works across platforms and screen sizes.
Leverage mobile-specific features	Use features like GPS tracking, device orientation, and camera access to enhance your mobile apps.
Keep it simple	Avoid clutter and complex layouts; focus on a clean, intuitive interface that's easy to navigate on mobile.

Use cases

ArcGIS Experience Builder mobile experiences help organizations and individuals deliver interactive, location-based solutions accessible on mobile devices. These experiences support a range of workflows and industries, making it easy to collect data in the field, engage the public, respond to emergencies, and manage assets.

Use case	Description
Field data collection	Enable field workers to collect and update data on-site using their mobile devices.
Public engagement	Share interactive maps and surveys with the public for feedback or information gathering.
Emergency response	Provide first responders with real-time situational awareness and access to critical data on mobile devices.
Asset inspection	Allow teams to view, update, and manage asset information while in the field.

Considerations

While ArcGIS Experience Builder provides tools for creating mobile experiences, there are important limitations and considerations to keep in mind when designing and deploying apps for mobile devices. Understanding these constraints will help you set expectations and plan effective solutions.

Some widgets or features may not be fully supported or optimized for mobile layouts.
Performance may vary depending on device capabilities and network connectivity.
Offline support is limited where most experiences require an internet connection.
Advanced customizations may require developer edition and coding knowledge.