Is it impossible to embed credentials when using Web App Builder 1.3 with ArcGIS Server 10.2.2 for printing secured services? This is a common question for users working with older versions of Esri’s software stack. Many users aim to streamline the printing process by embedding credentials, eliminating the need for end-users to enter usernames and passwords repeatedly. Creating custom print services with embedded credentials is a well-known practice and generally straightforward. Users often configure these services as synchronous to ensure proper operation within web applications.
However, when applying this setup to Web App Builder 1.3 sites pointing to custom print services, unexpected credential prompts can arise, creating usability issues. This is particularly frustrating when a proxy is configured for services like aerial imagery to ensure they load correctly within widgets like the Basemaps widget. While the imagery might display correctly, the printing functionality may still request login credentials and subsequently time out.
One tested workaround involves embedding a token directly within the print service URL. This method can sometimes resolve the credential prompt and enable printing for unsecured vector layers, typically those hosted on different servers. However, challenges persist when dealing with secured imagery layers, especially those integrated as basemaps. Even with configured proxies and unlocked print GP services, timeout errors and undefined errors in browser consoles can occur. ArcGIS Server logs often show no related errors, making troubleshooting difficult.
The core issue appears to stem from the interaction between Web App Builder 1.3, ArcGIS Server 10.2.2, and secured services when attempting to utilize a Printing Proxy for authentication. Based on observed behavior and limitations, upgrading to ArcGIS Server 10.3+ emerges as the most definitive solution. While exploring workarounds by adjusting proxy settings might seem appealing, the constraints of older versions often limit their effectiveness in fully resolving the printing proxy challenge for secured services in this specific software configuration. For robust and seamless printing of secured services, especially imagery basemaps, in Web App Builder, upgrading the ArcGIS Server environment is generally recommended to leverage newer authentication and proxy handling capabilities.
