1. ArcGIS Pro files
Sooo many file types….

2. But First
Be organized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Put all your work and data within a single folder. Don’t have them scattered about multiple drives and online.

3. Basic data types
Went over raster and vector data

4. How to copy/past/move files
If using ArcGIS Pro – use the catalog pane
If using ArcGIS Desktop – use ArcCatalog.
Seriously, just use these. Many GIS “files” are actually multiple files and sometimes multiple folders. Using the arc tools above will ensure you get everything you need.

5. Project files
These contain ZERO data or layers. None. Zip. Nada. What they are is a collection of commands to draw different things in different ways. They do include “cartographic stuff” – lines, polygons, text, N arrow, etc. Always keep them with your data.
In ArcGIS Pro – this is the .APRX file
In ArcGIS Desktop – this is the .MXD file

6. Data Files - ESRI
Personal and File Geodatabases. (Use file whenever possible, they seem to be the most robust type). Multiple files in one folder
Shapefiles – multiple files
Coverages – multiple files in multiple folders.
.e00 files – export format (like a zip, but exclusive to coverages)

7. Raster imagery?
Raster data can be found within geodatabases or as coverages
Also, jpg, tif, img. Know the difference between these.
And pdf. (yes, there is such a thing as a geopdf)

8. For a more complete list…
items.htm#ESRI_SECTION1_8EB222D44C584130BA7836C3763B8B0F
dataset-file-formats.htm