How-to · Print / PDF · Parcel viewer · September 24, 2026
Print or export a map from a county parcel viewer
Want a clean PDF or printout of a tax lot for your files? Open the county parcel viewer, use the built-in Print / Export layout when you can, and capture the PIN, scale, and layers — screenshots are a backup, not the whole story.
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Frame the parcel before you print
Exports inherit whatever is on screen. From Platbookmapper, open the county GIS link, then:
- Search by address or PIN and select the tax parcel.
- Turn on Parcels (and any other layers you need: aerials, zoning, flood, roads).
- Zoom so the lot fills most of the map but neighboring context still shows.
- Clear temporary measure sketches unless you want them in the export.
Platbookmapper links out to the county parcel viewer; printing happens inside that county app.
Use Print, Export, or Share → PDF
Look for toolbar labels such as Print, Export, Map Layout, Create PDF, or Share:
- Pick a layout size (Letter / Tabloid) and portrait vs landscape.
- Enable title, scale bar, north arrow, and legend when the template offers them.
- Type a title that includes the parcel ID and county name.
- Export to PDF when available — vector-ish layouts beat phone photos of the monitor.
Some Beacon, ArcGIS Experience, and Web AppBuilder viewers hide print under a hamburger or “…” menu. If Print is missing, try the browser print dialog as a last resort after maximizing the map pane.
Screenshot caveats
A quick screenshot helps when Print is broken or paywalled, but watch for:
- Cropped legends and missing scale bars.
- UI chrome (search boxes, basemap switchers) covering the lot.
- No visible PIN — always open the property card in the same capture or save it beside the image.
- Retina / scaling blur when you later zoom the image.
If you must screenshot, capture twice: once wide for context, once tight on the outline and attributes.
What to capture every time
- PIN / APN / parcel ID on the map or card.
- Parcel outline clearly visible against the basemap.
- Active layers (parcels, aerial, zoning, flood, etc.).
- Scale bar or stated map scale / zoom.
- Date and county site name or URL.
That metadata turns a pretty picture into usable research notes. Related: Find your PIN on a tax bill and GIS map layers explained.
Exports are not surveys
A PDF from a parcel viewer is a planning and assessment graphic. It does not certify boundaries, easements, or acreage for closings, fences, or setbacks. When those stakes matter, pull the recorded plat or hire a licensed surveyor. See Assessor map vs survey.
Open your county parcel viewer to print or export a map
Related: Measure acreage in a parcel viewer · Flood zones & FEMA layers
Print, export & parcel viewer FAQ
How do I print a map from a county parcel viewer?
Open the parcel viewer, frame your tax parcel, then use Print, Export, or Share → PDF / Print Layout. Prefer the built-in layout so title, scale bar, and north arrow are included.
What should I capture on a parcel viewer export?
Include the PIN / APN, visible parcel outline, active layer names, scale bar or zoom level, north arrow if available, and the date. Note the county site URL for provenance.
Is a screenshot as good as a PDF export?
Screenshots are fine for quick notes but often crop the legend, scale, and parcel ID. Use the viewer’s Print / Export tool when you need a cleaner record for files or emails.
Can I use a printed parcel viewer map as a survey?
No. Exports from a parcel viewer are reference graphics for assessment and planning orientation. Fence lines, setbacks, closings, and disputes need a recorded plat or licensed survey.
Not a survey. Printed or exported maps from a county parcel viewer are reference graphics for assessment and planning. They are not a substitute for a recorded plat or licensed survey for fences, setbacks, closings, or boundary disputes.