GIS items exist in various places—on your local computer, on the organization's network, in databases, in portals, and in ArcGIS Online. In addition to maps and layouts, an ArcGIS project includes connections to all the necessary items to complete the project. You can connect to items such as:

• Databases
• GIS servers
• Folders
• Toolboxes
• Styles

Once created, these connections are available in the Project pane and the Project view. Establishing a set of connections provides several advantages.

• You can quickly browse to items you frequently use.
• When you connect to folders, toolboxes, and databases, ArcGIS Pro begins indexing their contents immediately. Once indexed, their contents can be found by a search.
• Most organizations have a lot of data, and people often don't know where it all is. When you save and share your ArcGIS project with others, the connections included in the project are immediately available; others don't have to know where the information is stored.
• Your project can be archived effectively.

The Project pane and the Project view also let you access and use items available from your organization's portal or ArcGIS Online once you sign in.