A style is a collection of symbols, colors, and map elements (such as legend, scale, north arrow, border, and reference system) used to create a map. A style set organizes symbols and map elements in a predefined structure. You can use the system styles or personal styles that contain certain elements for specific types of maps. In a system style, the gray folder icons indicate that the style set is read-only. In a new style set, the white folder icons indicate that they are empty, and the yellow folder icons indicate that they are populated with customized elements, as shown in the following screenshot:

A style set is actually a single file with a .style extension that can be read in ArcMap. The style file can be accessed with Windows Explorer and saved as a backup or sent to other users by e-mail. A personal style is not dependent on the ArcMap document (*.mxd) in which it was created and can be used by different map documents.

The system style files are installed at: &lt...