Research Guides: ArcGIS StoryMaps: Troubleshooting and Help

StoryMaps Support at Brandeis Library

Brandeis Library provides multiple forms of instruction and research support for ArcGIS StoryMaps.

Students, faculty, and staff can meet with our GIS Librarian or Digital Literacy Instruction Librarian for instruction and research support for learning ArcGIS StoryMaps. We offer individual and small group appointments in-person and via Zoom.
Faculty can request ArcGIS StoryMaps instruction session(s) for their courses. This can be a general ArcGIS StoryMaps workshop or one tailored to a specific course assignment or learning outcome. Contact our GIS Librarian or Digital Literacy Instruction Librarian if you would like an ArcGIS StoryMaps session for your course.
ArcGIS StoryMaps workshops are also offered as part of our library's workshop series.

Known Issues with StoryMaps

Some of the most common issues experienced by our users include:

Pasted test from Google Docs disappears in ArcGIS StoryMaps
This Esri forum post provides some workarounds for addressing this issue, including exporting your Google doc text in plain text format, then reapplying any text formatting directly within ArcGIS StoryMaps.
Content in published story map doesn't display for viewers
There are multiple reasons you may experience this issue, but one of the most common explanations is that you haven't updated the sharing permissions for the interactive map(s), layers, etc. within your story map. You can update the sharing permissions in the Content menu of ArcGIS Online or by republishing your story map with the updated permissions.
Simultaneous editor warning
ArcGIS StoryMaps' autosave feature can accidentally overwrite your edits if you have ArcGIS StoryMaps open in multiple browser tabs or try to edit your story map at the same time as a collaborator. The software will display a simultaneous editor warning and will include the username of the individual who's also editing your story map. If you ignore this warning message and continue to edit your story map in multiple tabs, you can run the risk of the software accidentally overwriting your most recent changes.
StoryMaps Builder: The screen size is too small
ArcGIS StoryMaps requires a display width of at least 960 pixels to function. This means that you will need to build your story map using a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. You won't be able to build a story map using your phone, but you'll be able to view a published story map on it.

General Troubleshooting Resources

ArcGIS StoryMaps Resources
Collection of StoryMaps help resources, including Learn ArcGIS lessons, ArcGIS blog posts, etc.
ArcGIS StoryMaps (Esri Community)
Esri Community help forums for ArcGIS StoryMaps.

Related GIS & Mapping Guides

Looking for data or info about other GIS tools at Brandeis Library? Check out our related research guides:

GIS & Mapping Guides
Brandeis Library's research guides for GIS, mapping, and related topics.