Map files are similar to a layer file except they save the settings for an entire map. This includes all the layers shown in the Contents pane when that map is active and the settings for each of those layers. Map files can be created for either a two- or three-dimensional scene from an ArcGIS Pro project. Map files have a .mapx file extension.
For those who have used ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap and ArcCatalog), it is important to remember that a map or scene in ArcGIS Pro is just one component of a project. Unlike a map document in ArcMap, which is often called a map, maps in ArcGIS Pro are a single item and do not include things such as layouts and other maps (these are called data frames in ArcMap).
Map files allow you to share maps that you create in ArcGIS Pro so others can include them in their projects or you can use others' in yours. This can save a lot of time because the map will not need to be created from...