SLYR Documentation

# SLYR Tools

# Before you start

Here is a checklist to help your conversions and workings with SLYR run a little bit smoother.

✔️ Populate settings requirements: set-up the SLYR Options following these guidelines.

✔️ Set up your folders: SLYR will record the pathways from the original data locations, so there is no need to have a special set-up. However, you may want to set-up a structure so you can keep outputs tidy.

✔️ Access to files: ensure you have access to bespoke files such .svg, fonts, and images. Note that there is some limitations with QGIS Svg files.

See Troubleshooting for the workaround.

✔️ Symbology: If you are using rule-based renderers, these are not yet available in ArcGIS Pro. See the Limitations.

✔️ Error Messages: If a tool returns an error:

  • Saying it is not available, if you are using the Community Edition, it may not yet be available.
  • All other errors, read through the Log, check the Troubleshooting page on how to rectify the issue and rerun the tool. If there is no rectification, please email us.

# Annotations

If you are converting graphical or text annotations which are stored in an ArcGIS Project file (eg a MXD, LYR, APRX, LYRX file) and the underlying data source is NOT a File Geodatabase annotation class then use the corresponding tool for converting this document type.

# Convert annotation classes to GeoPackage

From To
ESRI .gdb QGIS .gpkg

Use this tool if you are converting text annotations stored in a File Geodatabase annotation class and want the result to be reusable across different projects.
This tool will take an annotation class currently saved in a geodatabase and convert it into a geopackage layer. Annotation to Geopackage

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ Annotations ▶️ Convert annotation classes to GeoPackage.
  2. In the Input Geodatabase, browse to the location of the annotation file.
  3. Under Output GeoPackage, set the location of the .gpkg file.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert Annotations

From To
ESRI annotation layer QGIS ? annotation layer

Use this tool if you are converting text annotations stored in a File Geodatabase annotation class and just want the results added to the current project.

Convert annotations

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ Annotations ▶️ Convert annotations.
  2. In the Input layer, select the annotation layer from within the Geodatabase.
  3. Under Element field, select which field contains the annotation content. This is usually the ELEMENT field.
  4. Click Run. The tool will convert the annotations from the annotation class and add to the current QGIS project as map annotations.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# ArcGIS Pro

# Convert APRX to QGS

From To
ESRI .aprx QGIS .qgs, .qgz

Converts an APRX document file to a QGS project file.

APRX to QGS

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert APRX to QGS.
  2. In the Input APRX file, browse to the location of the .aprx file.
  3. Under Destination QGS project file, set the location of the .qgs file.
  4. Click Run.
  5. Once processed, in QGIS, navigate to the folder and open the .qgs file.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert QGS to APRX

From To
QGIS .qgs, .qgz ESRI .aprx

Converts a QGIS project file to an APRX file.

APRX to QGIS

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert APRX to QGS.
  2. In the Input QGS file, browse to the location of the .qgz file.
  3. Under Destination APRX project file, set the location of the .aprx file.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert GPL color palette to STYLX

From To
.gpl ESRI .stylx

GPL color palettes can be created in graphics programs such as GIMP and Inkscape and are useful for carefully curated palettes. SLYR converts it into a ArcGIS Pro .stylx format that can then be imported into your * ArcGIS Pro* styles.

GPL Color Palette to STYLX

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert GPL color palette to STYLX.
  2. Under the GPL palette, browse to the location of the .gpl file.
  3. Under Destination stylx database, set the location of the .X file.
  4. In ArcGIS Pro, in the Catalog panel, right mouse click on the .stylx file and select Add Style. Add GPL style to ArcGIS Pro
  5. In Geoprocessing,

Apply GPL style in ArcGIS Pro

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert layer to LYRX

From To
QGIS layer ESRI .lyrx

Once you have set up your symbology on your layer, SLYR will extract the symbology out from the layer and convert it to a ArcGIS Pro LYRX file that can be applied to data in ArcGIS Pro.

Layer to Lyrx

  1. In QGIS, ensure the layer containing the symbology for exporting is loaded.
  2. In the Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert layer to LYRX.
  3. Under Layer, select the layer.
  4. Under Destination lyrx file, set the location of the .lyrx file.
  5. Click Run.
  6. Once processed, in ArcGIS Pro, navigate via the Catalog and open the .lyrx file.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert LYRX to QLR

From To
ESRI .lyrx QGIS .qlr

Converts an ArcGIS Pro LYRX file to a QGIS QLR file. Both of these files act similarly and will reach back to the original data file.

LYRX to QLR

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert LYRX to QLR.
  2. In the Input LYRX file, browse to the location of the .lyrx file.
  3. Choose to store relative paths - this will impact on the performance of the QLR if the data is removed from the specified location.
  4. Under Destination QLR file, set the location of the .qlr file.
  5. Click Run
  6. Once processed, you can drag and drop the .qlr file from the **QGIS ** Browser into your map.

QLR

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert LYRX to QML

From To
ESRI .lyrx QGIS .qml

Converts an ArcGIS Pro LYRX file to a QGIS QML file. If multiple layers are present in the LYRX file, each will be converted to an individual QML file.

LYRX

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert LYRX to QML.
  2. In the Input LYRX file, browse to the location of the .lyrx file.
  3. Under Destination QML file, set the location of the .qml file.

    If more than one layer exists in the lyrx file, a qml will be produced for each

  4. Once processed, load the .qml files via the Layer Properties.

Load QML

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert MAPX to QGS

From To
ESRI .mapx QGIS .qgs

Converts an MAPX document file to a QGS project file.

MAPX to QGS

  1. Save your ArcGIS Pro file then export your map out as a .mapx file.
  2. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert MAPX to QGS.
  3. In the Input MAPX file, browse to the location of the .mapx file.
  4. Under Destination QGS project file, set the location of the .qgs file to the same ArcGIS Pro project folder (hint: where the .aprx is stored).
  5. Click 'Run'.
  6. Open up the .qgs file and check through.

    In some cases, labels do not automatically turn on. Note that labeling parameters are saved, it just needs to be manually turned on.

  7. Save your project as .qgz if required.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert QGIS style XML to STYLX

From To
QGIS .xml ESRI .stylx

Converts a QGIS XML style database to an ArcGIS Pro STYLX database. You will need to create an XML style file. If this has not already been completed, refer to 14.1.1.3 Sharing style items (opens new window) in QGIS documentation. Creating an XML of your styles allows for portability between software and is handy if you have curated a set of styles unique to a project.

XML to STYLX

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert QGIS style XML to STYLX.
  2. In the Style XML, browse to the location of the .xml file.
  3. Under Destination stylx database, set the location of the .stylx file.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Once processed, in ArcGIS Pro, navigate via the Catalog and open the .stylx file.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert QGIS to MAPX

From To
QGIS .qgz, qgs ESRI ArcGIS Pro .mapx

Converts a QGIS project to a .mapx. A .mapx is an ESRI map file format used in their software ArcGIS Pro. This tools allows sharing of maps, containing all the layers from the QGIS project.

QGS to MAPX

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert QGIS to MAPX.
  2. In the Input QGIS file, browse to the location of the .qgs or .qgz file.
  3. Under Destination MAPX project file, set the location of the .mapx file.
  4. Click OK.

    If errors are returned, read through the Log, rectify the issues and rerun the tool.

  5. Once processed, in ArcGIS Pro, navigate via the Catalog and open the .mapx file.

Available only with the SLYR full license. Can be run as a batch tool

# Convert QML to STYLX

From To
QGIS .qml ESRI .stylx

Converts a QGIS QML style definition to an ArcGIS Pro STYLX database, containing all the symbols from the QML style.

QML to STYLX

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert QML to STYLX.
  2. For the Input QML file, browse to the location of the .qml file.
  3. Under Destination stylx database, set the location of the .stylx file.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Once processed, in ArcGIS Pro, navigate via the Catalog and open the .stylx file.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert STYLX to GPL color palette

From To
ESRI .stylx QGIS .gpl

Converts an ArcGIS Pro STYLX database to a GPL format color palette file, extracting all color entities saved in the style. GPL color palettes are a standard file format for sharing color schemes, and these palettes can be added to your QGIS color libraries for easy access.

STYLX to GPL

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert STYLX to GPL color palette.
  2. For Stylx database, browse to the location of the .stylx file.
  3. Under Destination GPL file, set the location of the .gpl file.
  4. Click on Run.
  5. Once converted, import via Settings ▶️ Options▶️ Color and ensure you tick Show in Color Buttonsto access it via the color drop-down function in Layer Styling.

In this example, I have added a Landuse - Natural Environment GPL palette.

GIMP GPL Palette Import QGIS Color Button

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert STYLX to QGIS style XML

From To
ESRI .stylx QGIS .xml

Converts an ArcGIS Pro STYLX database to a QGIS XML Style library. This is particularly useful if your project has a selection of unique symbols that you wish to continue to use.

ArcGIS Pro Stylx to QGIS XML

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Convert STYLX to QGIS style XML.
  2. Under Stylx database, browse to the location of the .stylx file.
  3. Under Destination XML file, set the location of the .xml file.
  4. Optionally, in 'Unconvertable symbols report' enter a location for those symbols that fail to convert. This allows you to create a new vector layer containing details of all unconvertable symbols. This report can be saved as any standard vector format, including CSV, XLSX or Geopackage.
  5. Under the Advanced group you can find options for filtering the symbols from the STYLX database to convert. You can filter by object type or by entering a wildcard text string to match against the symbol names. The wildcard filter can include the * character or ? character to match against multiple characters or a single character, eg *wall* will match any symbol with wall in the symbol name.
  6. Click on Run.
  7. Once it has converted, you can import the XML file via the Style Manager ▶️ Import/Export.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Import PAGX print layout

From To
ESRI .pagx QGIS .qgs, .qgz

Imports a PAGX print layout into the current QGIS project.

  1. In ArcGIS Pro, make sure you save your layout first, then share as a ' Layout file'
  2. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ ArcGIS Pro ▶️ Imports a PAGX Print Layout.
  3. In the Input PAGX file, browse to the location of the .pagx file.
  4. Click 'Run'
  5. Open up the imported print layout from Project ▶️Layouts

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# AVL styles

# Convert AVL to QML

From To
ESRI .avl QGIS .qml

Converts an ESRI ArcInfo AVL file to a QGIS QML file. AVL files were the legend files for ArcView 3.x but have been replaced by layer files. It is no longer possible to create AVL legend files in the last version of ArcMap.

AVL to QML

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ AVL styles ▶️ Convert AVL to QM.
  2. In the Input AVL file, browse to the location of the .avl file.
  3. Under Destination QML file, set the location of the .qml file.
  4. Click Run.

Result of AVL to QML Conversion of Land cover of Sierra Leone - Globcover Regional (46 classes) ( source: FAO (opens new window))

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Data Conversion

QGIS has the capability of creating, reading and managing GeoDatabases (opens new window), therefore conversion is not necessary to keep on working with your data in QGIS. Understanding why you want to convert from a geodatabase to a geopackage is important.

  • If you are still going to work alongside ESRI software, then the recommendation here is not to convert it.
  • If you are moving completely to QGIS, and just love the extra functionality that GeoPackages give you, then continue on with the data conversion.

# Convert File Geodatabase to GeoPackage

From To
ESRI .gdb OGC .gpkg

Converts all data from an ESRI File Geodatabase to a GeoPackage database.

This tool will convert:

  • All vector layers
  • Field domains

Geodatabase to Geopackage

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ Data Conversion ▶️ Convert File Geodatabase to GeoPackage.
  2. In the Input GeoDatabase, browse to the location of the .gdb file.
  3. Under Output GeoPackage, set the location of the .gpkg file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert project data to GPKG

From To
QGIS loaded layers OGC .gpkg

Converts all referenced data from the current project to standard formats.

Referenced layer data stored in non-standard formats (such as MDB or GDB files) will be converted to the standard GeoPackage format in order to create projects and data files which are optimized for use in QGIS and other open-source tools.

Convert loaded layers in QGIS to GPKG

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ Data Conversion ▶️ Convert project data to GPKG.
  2. In Folder to store converted data in, browse to the location of the folder you wish to store the geopackage in.
  3. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

--- tool currently not working

From To
ESRI .mxd/.mxt/.pmf/.lyr OGC .gpkg

Extract hyperlinks from layers to standalone tables

Extract hyperlinks to tables

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ Hyperlinks ▶️ Extract hyperlinks to tables.
  2. In the Input .MXD/.MXT/.PMF/.LYR, browse to the location of the file.
  3. Under Destination Geopackage, set the location of the .gpkg file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# LYR Datasets

# Convert LYR to QGIS style XML

From To
ESRI .lyr QGIS .xml

Converts an ESRI LYR file to a QGIS style XML file that can be additionally be used in other applications. For QGIS, you can use the XML to load into the style manager, which is handy to port over standardized symbology used in workflows.

ESRI LYR to QGIS XML

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ LYR Datasets ▶️ Convert LYR to QGIS style XML.
  2. In the Input LYR file, browse to the location of the .lyr file.
  3. Under Destination style XML file, set the location of the .xml file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available in the Community Edition and with the SLYR full license.

# Convert LYR to QLR

From To
ESRI .lyr QGIS .qlr

Converts an ESRI LYR file to a QGIS QLR file.

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ LYR Datasets ▶️ Convert LYR to QLR.
  2. In the Input LYR file, browse to the location of the .lyr file.
  3. Under Destination QLR file, set the location of the .qlr file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available in the Community Edition and with the SLYR full license.

# Convert LYR to QML

From To
ESRI .lyr QGIS .qml

Converts an ESRI LYR file to a QGIS QML file. If multiple layers are present in the LYR file, each will be converted to an individual QML file.

image name

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ LYR Datasets ▶️ Convert LYR to QML.
  2. In the Input LYR file, browse to the location of the .lyr file.
  3. Under Destination QML file, set the location of the .qml file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available in the Community Edition and with the SLYR full license.

# Set style from LYR file

From To
ESRI .lyr QGIS layer symbology

Sets a layer's settings and symbology from an ESRI LYR file.

Set style from LYR file

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ LYR Datasets ▶️ Set style from LYR file.
  2. In the Destination layer, select the layer from the dropdown list.
  3. Under LYR file, set the location of the .lyr file.
  4. Click Run.

Detailed Geology in QGIS and ArcMap using set style from layer tool Note that the ArcMap symbology has a transparency setting to 50% and that this is not carried over in the LYR settings.

This tool is available in the Community Edition and with the SLYR full license.

# MXD documents

# Add layers from MXD to project

From To
ESRI .mxd QGIS .qgs, .qgz

This tool will add layers from an MXD document to the current project, with each layer's original symbology, including labels and placement. It won't be automatically saved, so remember to save it once it comes in. The layers will source the data from the original location. This tool could be used to bring in multiple mxds into a single project using the Batch Process tool.

Add layers from MXD

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ MXD documents ▶️ Add layers from MXD to projec.
  2. In the Input MXD file, browse to the location of the .mxd file.
  3. Click Run.
  4. Save the project to a desired location.

Example of added layers from MXD to QGIS

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert MXD/MXT to QGS

From To
ESRI .mxd QGIS .qgs, .qgz

This tool converts an MXD or MXT document file to a QGIS project file. If you wish to save the project to qgz, open the project and click save as

Covert ArcMap to QGIS

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ MXD documents ▶️ Convert MXD/MXT to QGS.
  2. In the Input MXD/MXT file, browse to the location of the .mxd file.
  3. Under Destination QGS project file, set the location of the .qgs file.
  4. Click Run.
  5. Navigate to the location of the newly created MXD and open it.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert MXD/MXT to QGS and data to GPKG

From To
ESRI .mxd QGIS .qgs, .gpkg

This tool converts an MXD or MXT document file to a QGIS project file, and converts all referenced data to standard formats. Referenced layer data stored in non-standard formats (such as MDB or GDB files) will be converted to the standard GeoPackage format in order to create projects which are optimized for use in QGIS and other open-source tools.

image name

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ MXD documents ▶️ Convert MXD/MXT to QGS and data to GPKG.
  2. In the Input MXD/MXT file, browse to the location of the file.
  3. Under Destination QGS project file, set the location of the .qgs file.
  4. Under Folder to store converted data in enter the location for the data.
  5. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Export document structure

From To
ESRI .mxd .json

This algorithm exports a JSON representation of the internal structure of an ESRI MXD or LYR document file. It is designed for debugging purposes, allowing users to view in-depth detail about the document structure and layer configuration.

Export document structure

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ MXD documents ▶️ Export document structure.
  2. In the Input MXD file, browse to the location of the .mxd file.
  3. Under Destination JSON file, set the location of the .json file.
  4. Click Run.
  5. Open up the JSON file to inspect the structure.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# PMF published maps

# Convert PMF to QGS

From To
ESRI .pmf QGIS .qgs

Description

ArcReader PMF to QGS

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ PMF published maps ▶️ Convert PMF to QGS.
  2. In the Input PMF file, browse to the location of the .pmf file.
  3. Under Destination QGS project file, set the location of the .qgs file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# SDE documents

# Extract SDE connection details

From To
ESRI .sde .json

This algorithm extracts the connection details from a .sde connection file. Optionally, a JSON representation containing these details can be exported.

Extract SDE connection details

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ SDE documents ▶️ Extract SDE connection details.
  2. In the Input SDE file, browse to the location of the .sde file.
  3. Under Destination JSON file [optional], set the location of the .json file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# SLD

# Convert LYR to SLD

From To
ESRI .lyr OGC .sld

Converts an ESRI LYR file to a OGC SLD file. If multiple layers are present in the LYR file, each will be converted to an individual OGC SLD file.

ArcMap Layer to SLD

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ SLD ▶️ Convert LYR to SLD.
  2. In the Input LYR file, browse to the location of the .lyr file.
  3. Under Destination SLD file, set the location of the .sld file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert LYRX to SLD

From To
ESRI .lyrx OGC .sld

Converts an ArcGIS Pro LYRX file to a OGC SLD file.
N.B. If you have merged values in ArcGIS Pro, these will return as ELSEin QGIS. So reassess those categories that are merged or once you are in QGIS, create the rules based on these values

ArcGIS Pro LYRX to OGC SLD

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ SLD ▶️ Convert LYRX to SLD.
  2. In the Input LYRX file, browse to the location of the .lyrx file.
  3. Under Destination SLD file, set the location of the .sld file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Style databases

# Convert ESRI style to GPL color palette

From To
ESRI style database QGIS .qgs, .qgz

This is a great tool if you use a standard palette for your cartography. It converts ESRI Arcmap style database to a GPL format color palette file, extracting all color entities saved in the style. GPL files can be used in * Inkscape* and GIMP but for QGIS, you can load them via Settings ▶️ Options ▶️ Colors.

Import in a color palette

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ Style databases ▶️ X.
  2. In the Input X, browse to the location of the .X file.
  3. Under Destination X, set the location of the .X file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# Convert ESRI style to QGIS style XML

From To
ESRI style database QGIS .xml

For importing a large amount of symbology from your styles, this tool converts ESRI style database to a QGIS XML Style library, that can then be imported into your QGIS Style Manager

Convert your style to an XML

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ Style databases ▶️ Convert ESRI style to QGIS style XML.
  2. In the Style database, browse to the location of the style file.
  3. Under Advanced Parameters:
    • Choose what objects to extract (this is optional). Objects to be imported
    • Enter a name to filter the items, this is handy if you wish to extract on a certain group from the style.
  4. Under Destination XML file, set the location of the .xml file.
  5. If you wish to capture those symbols that don't convert, enter a location. Choose whether to open that output automatically after it has run.
  6. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

# SXD documents

# Tool

From To
ESRI ArcScene .sxd QGIS .qgs

Converts an ArcScene SXD document file to a 2D QGIS project file.

SXD

  1. In the QGIS Processing Toolbox, click on SLYR ▶️ SXD documents ▶️ Convert SXD to QGS (2D).
  2. In the Input SXD file, browse to the location of the .sxd file.
  3. Under Destination QGS project file, set the location of the .qgs file.
  4. Click Run.

This tool is available only with the SLYR full license.

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