Raster layer symbology color not retained when exporting layout to PDF in ArcGIS Pro

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, the symbology color of a raster layer is not retained when the layout is exported to PDF. This results in a mismatch between the layout and the exported PDF file, impacting the accuracy and usability of the map for analysis or presentation purposes. The left image below shows the layout in ArcGIS Pro, while the right image shows the exported PDF file where the raster color is not retained.

Cause

This is expected behavior when using random color schemes on a raster layer. Random color schemes are regenerated each time they are opened or applied. When a random color scheme is assigned to a raster layer, ArcGIS Pro recomputes the raster colors during export. As a result, the colors in the exported PDF file differ from what is displayed in the layout. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Random color schemes for more information.

Solution or Workaround

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. In the Contents pane, click the raster layer.
3. On the ribbon, click the Raster Layer tab. In the Rendering group, click Symbology.
4. In the Symbology pane, on the Primary symbology tab, select Discrete for Primary symbology.
5. On the Colors tab, for Color scheme, select a continuous color scheme. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Continuous color scheme for more information.
6. Create a layout and insert a map frame. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Insert a layout and ArcGIS Pro: Insert a map frame for instructions.
7. On the ribbon, click Share. In the Output group, click Export Layout and select a PDF preset. In this example, Flattened PDF is selected.

8. In the Export Layout pane, on the Properties tab, select PDF for File type.
9. Click Export.

The left image below shows the layout in ArcGIS Pro, while the right image shows the exported PDF file with the raster color retained.