The colors in exported maps from ArcGIS Pro look different when using transparency for symbols

Description

When exporting maps or layouts in ArcGIS Pro, some users may notice that the colors in the exported map appear darker or different from what is shown in the ArcGIS Pro display. This issue specifically occurs when the following conditions are met:

• Color Management is enabled in ArcGIS Pro.
• The Preserve color values option is selected in the Color Management settings, for the Color conversion rule.
• Transparency is applied to one or more layers in the map.

Cause

The color changes observed in exported maps are mainly due to the interaction between the Preserve Color Values option and the symbols' transparency. When Preserve Color Values is enabled, the application ignores color profiles to maintain precise color values.

Although this ensures consistency in color values, it affects the consistency of the color appearance in ArcGIS Pro. Transparency requires color blending, which complicates the preservation of exact color appearance. As a result, symbols with transparency may not be accurately represented in the exported map, since the Preserve Color Values setting focuses on maintaining color values rather than visual appearance.

Solution or Workaround

To avoid color discrepancies in exported maps, consider the following solutions:

In ArcGIS Pro, click the Project tab. From the list of side tabs, click Options, and then Color Management.

• Click the switch button on the right of Enable color management. This approach disables the setting and prevents any unintended color changes during export.

• Switch to Preserve color appearance under the Color conversion rule section. This option adjusts colors according to the device's color profile, ensuring that colors remain visually consistent across different devices and in the exported map.