WebStore - ArcGIS Online Feature Storage Policy
To maintain a sustainable and reliable ArcGIS Online environment for all users, feature storage must be actively managed to prevent excessive accumulation of large datasets.
Storage Limits
Individual hosted feature content larger than 100 MB is subject to removal after approximately one month.
This policy most commonly applies to:
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Hosted Feature Layers
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Hosted Tile Layers
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Other large datasets stored within user accounts
Data Retention and Removal
Content exceeding storage limits may be removed as part of routine system maintenance.
Before permanent deletion, removed content may be temporarily retained for a short grace period (typically up to one month) to allow for recovery if needed.
User Responsibility
ArcGIS Online is a collaborative working environment and is not intended for long-term data storage.
Users are responsible for:
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Maintaining only active and necessary datasets
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Backing up important data externally
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Ensuring content required for ongoing projects is actively managed or transferred
General Communication
Storage policies are periodically reviewed and communicated to users.
Users are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly to avoid disruption.
This policy supports the preservation of active data while ensuring the system remains sustainable and available for all users.
Quick Checklist: Reduce Your Feature Storage Usage
Before publishing or storing data in ArcGIS Online, check the following:
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Do I really need to create a hosted feature layer, or can I upload the file only?
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Have I limited my dataset to only the area I need (e.g., using Clip)?
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Can I store the full dataset locally and only publish a smaller subset?
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Have I removed unnecessary fields, features, or attachments?
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Are advanced settings (e.g., Sync, editing tracking) turned off unless needed?
Taking a few minutes to review this checklist can significantly reduce storage usage and improve performance.
Tips for Managing and Minimizing Hosted Feature Storage in ArcGIS Online
To help reduce storage usage and improve performance, consider the following best practices when working with hosted feature content:
1. Avoid Unnecessary Hosted Layers
When uploading files to ArcGIS Online, creating a hosted feature layer is optional.
If you only need to store or share the file, select “Add Item” instead of “Publish as Hosted Feature Layer.”
2. Reduce Data Size Before Publishing
When working with large datasets in ArcGIS Pro, use tools like Clip (Features) to limit your data to only the area of interest.
This allows you to:
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Remove unnecessary geographic data
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Publish smaller, more efficient layers
Learn more:
https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/tool-reference/analysis/clip.htm
3. Store Data Locally When Possible
Consider storing full datasets locally (e.g., in a File Geodatabase) and only publishing the portion of data needed for your project.
This helps:
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Minimize cloud storage usage
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Improve performance of hosted layers
4. Optimize Data Before Publishing
Before publishing from ArcGIS Pro, review best practices for reducing dataset size and complexity.
Helpful guidance:
https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/tool-reference/analysis/clip.htm
5. Review Feature Layer Settings
Some ArcGIS Online settings can increase storage usage over time, including:
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Enable Sync
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Keep track of created and updated features
Only enable these settings when necessary for your workflow.
Following these practices will help ensure efficient use of feature storage and support a sustainable ArcGIS Online environment for all users.
If you have questions or concerns about the Feature Storage limit, email webstore@illinois.edu.