Accessing Geoprocessing Tools
Included in this tutorial:
Accessing the Geoprocessing Pane
Searching for tools: in the Geoprocessing Pane or in the main interface
Software version in examples: ArcGIS Pro 2.8.2
Credits: L. Meisterlin (2025) based on an earlier version with Moses Levich, Thiago Lee and Erik Strand (2021).
The tools needed for almost every operation in ArcGIS are found in the Geoprocessing Pane’s toolboxes.
Accessing the Geoprocessing Pane
The Toolboxes within the Geoprocessing Pane contain built-in tools organized by category. To access the tools, click through Analysis (tab on the main ribbon) > Tools (in the Geoprocessing section of the Analysis tab). This will summon the Geoprocessing Pane. There, click Toolboxes.
accessing the toolboxes in the Geoprocessing Pane
You can browse through the tools by expanding each of the toolboxes as well as any categorized toolsets it contains.
Searching for a tool
There are two search locations to help you find the tools you need. In either case, the search results include all tools, toolsets, and scripts using the searched word in their name or description. Search a keyword or phrase to find a tool when you are unsure of its name
Searching in the Geoprocessing Pane
The Geoprocessing Pane includes a Search bar to quickly find a specific tool.
the search bar within the Geoprocessing Pane
Searching in the main interface
ArcGIS Pro also has a built-in Command Search function in the top right corner of the interface, which is also accessible with the shortcut Alt+Q. If the Geoprocessing Pane is not open, choosing a tool through this search bar will automatically summon the pane.
Version Note: In newer versions of the software than the demonstrated version below, this search bar is at the center-top of the interface.
using the main search function