Inconsistent spacing between headings in ArcGIS StoryMaps navigation bars

Description

In ArcGIS StoryMaps, inconsistent spacing is displayed between headings on the navigation bar, which creates a distracting visual gap and affects the overall navigation flow. The image below illustrates this issue, showing a wider gap between the second and the third headings.

Cause

An empty heading text block exists between the inconsistently spaced headings. This block is often overlooked because its outline is only visible when selected during editing and is not displayed as an empty space in immersive blocks after publishing. The empty heading text block remains in the story even when empty, and ArcGIS StoryMaps detects the block as a heading, causing inconsistent spacing in the navigation bar.

Solution or Workaround

Uncheck the empty heading check box in the Story navigation properties panel

1. Open the story on the story map’s edit page.
2. Uncheck the empty heading check box.
   1. Hover over the navigation bar and click Options .
   2. In the Story navigation properties panel, uncheck the check box of the empty heading.

3. Click Save.

The inconsistent spacing between the second and the third headings is removed.

Delete the empty heading text block from the story

1. Open the story on the story map’s edit page.
2. Delete the empty heading text block.
   1. Scroll to the section with the inconsistent spacing.
   2. On the desired section, click the empty heading text block. In this example, the empty heading text block is in the narrative panel of a sidecar block.

3. Press Delete to remove the block.

The inconsistent spacing between the second and the third headings is removed.