Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Use Google My Maps in a desktop browser. Sign in with a Google Account, choose Create a new map, name the map, and then add places, drawings, routes, layers, or imported data. Google’s setup instructions require an account but show no payment step, so the basic map-building workflow is free to start.
My Maps is separate from the standard Google Maps search screen: it is Google’s tool for assembling your own map project and controlling who can see or edit it. You can keep a map private, share it with selected people, open it to anyone with the link, publish it publicly, or embed it on a site.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is Google My Maps, and why use it for a custom map?
Google My Maps lets you build a map around your own information instead of relying only on Google’s default places and directions. A project can contain saved businesses or landmarks, manually placed points, lines, polygons, routes, imported spreadsheet rows, GPS tracks, and photos. Those items can be separated into layers so a reader can understand a trip, event, game location guide, field survey, or neighborhood project at a glance.
The regular Google Maps app is excellent for searching and navigating, but My Maps is the authoring tool. You create and organize the map in My Maps, then view the finished result through a browser or Google Maps on a phone. Google describes the product as a way to create and share custom maps without programming skills.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How do I create a free custom map in Google Maps?
Start on a computer because Google’s creation workflow is designed for a desktop browser. The first map is created from My Maps, not from the ordinary directions or saved-places interface.
- Open Google My Maps and sign in to your Google Account.
- Select Create a new map.
- Click Untitled map.
- Enter a map name and a description that explain the map’s purpose, area, and date.
- Use the search box, drawing tools, directions tools, or layer import controls to add content.
There is no checkout or subscription choice in these setup steps. That makes the initial map practical to create at no cost, although Google’s instructions do not promise that every related service or future feature will always be free.
What should the name and description contain?
Use a name that tells viewers exactly what they are looking at, such as “Weekend rail stations and walking routes” rather than “My map.” In the description, record the geographic area, the date the information was collected, and any interpretation a viewer needs. A short note about whether points are official locations, personal recommendations, or approximate positions prevents confusion when the map is shared.
How do I add places, pins, lines, and areas?
Add individual places when the map is small or when each location needs a deliberate explanation. My Maps supports both searched locations and geometry that you draw yourself.
Save a searched place
- Choose a layer for the location.
- Search for a business, address, landmark, or other place in the search field.
- Open the matching result and choose the control that adds it to the map.
- Edit the item’s title or description if the default information is not sufficient.
Search results are useful when Google already recognizes the destination. Check the pin before saving it: similarly named places can appear in different towns, and a result may represent a business listing rather than the exact entrance or meeting point you intend to mark.
Place a point manually
Use the add-marker tool when a location is not represented by a useful search result or when you need to mark an entrance, viewpoint, boundary corner, or other exact spot. Click the location on the base map, give the point a meaningful name, and add notes that explain what the marker represents. Manual points are especially useful for temporary event locations or features that do not have a formal address.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Draw a line or shape
The drawing tools let you trace a route, trail, property outline, play area, district, or other geometry. Click successive vertices and finish the line or shape according to the tool’s on-screen control. Name the result and add a description; otherwise, viewers may see a colored outline without knowing whether it marks a boundary, a suggested path, or an area of interest.
Use a line for a path or corridor and a closed shape for an area. Drawing is not the same as turn-by-turn navigation: a hand-drawn line communicates your intended geometry, while a saved directions layer calculates a route between places.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do layers, colors, icons, and the base map work?
Layers are the main way to keep a custom map readable. Put related items together, then turn a layer on or off when you want to focus on one theme.
Choose a useful layer plan
- One layer: suitable for a short list of similar points, such as all locations in a compact guide.
- Multiple thematic layers: better when the map combines categories such as venues, parking, walking paths, and restricted areas.
- Separate route layer: useful when directions should be visually distinct from landmarks or notes.
- Imported-data layer: keeps spreadsheet or GPS records separate from hand-edited annotations.
Create the layer before adding items whenever possible. A clear name such as “Accessible entrances” or “Day 2 stops” is more useful than the default layer label, especially when another person will edit the project.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Style the map for quick scanning
My Maps allows you to choose a base-map style and personalize icons and colors. Use one color family for related items and reserve a contrasting color for warnings, endpoints, or especially important locations. Consistent icon choices help viewers interpret the map without opening every pin.
Keep the base map quiet when your own data is the focus. A less visually busy style can make drawn boundaries and imported points easier to see; a more detailed style can help when roads, terrain, or satellite context matters. Preview the map at the zoom level your audience will use rather than judging it only while fully zoomed in.
How do I add driving, bicycling, or walking routes?
Use a directions layer when the project needs a route rather than a simple straight line. Google’s My Maps workflow supports saved driving, bicycling, and walking directions.
- Open the directions tool from the map controls.
- Choose the travel mode: driving, bicycling, or walking.
- Enter the start and destination, then add stops if the route requires them.
- Save the resulting directions to an appropriate layer.
- Rename the layer or route so viewers know what it represents.
A directions route is best for showing how someone should travel between known points. If you need to depict a route that Google’s road or trail network does not model accurately, draw your own line instead and explain that it is an illustration or proposed path.
Recommended Free Tools
Keep route layers separate from point layers when a map has several itineraries. A viewer can then inspect one day, mode of travel, or route option without the entire project becoming a tangle of overlapping lines.
How do I import a spreadsheet, GPS file, or photos?
Import data into an existing or new layer by selecting the layer’s Import control. The file must contain location information that My Maps can interpret, such as latitude and longitude, an address, a place name, or WKT geometry.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Create or open the layer that should hold the imported records.
- Click Import.
- Select the file or connected source.
- Choose the columns or field that identify each location when My Maps asks you to do so.
- Choose the field to use for the marker title if prompted.
- Review the resulting points and correct any records that landed in the wrong place.
Google lists these supported inputs:
| Input | What it is useful for | Published limit or condition |
|---|---|---|
| CSV | Tabular lists of addresses, coordinates, or other location records | Up to 40 MB for supported files; no more than 2,000 rows per import |
| TSV | Tab-separated location tables | Up to 40 MB for supported files; no more than 2,000 rows per import |
| KML | Map points, lines, shapes, and other geographic data | Unzipped KML files up to 5 MB; imports should not exceed 2,000 rows |
| KMZ | Compressed KML projects | Unzipped content up to 5 MB; imports should not exceed 2,000 rows |
| GPX | GPS tracks, routes, or waypoint data | Up to 40 MB for supported files; no more than 2,000 rows per import |
| XLSX | Microsoft Excel location data | Up to 40 MB for supported files; no more than 2,000 rows per import |
| Google Sheets | A sheet containing locations | Up to 40 MB for supported files; no more than 2,000 rows per import |
| Photos | Location-linked images | Up to 100 photos at a time |
The 5 MB figure applies to unzipped KML and KMZ content; the 40 MB figure applies to the other supported file types listed by Google. These are product limits in Google’s current My Maps Help documentation accessed on October 26, 2026, not guarantees that every file of the maximum size will import cleanly.
How should I prepare location data?
Make the location field unambiguous before importing. Latitude-longitude pairs are generally more precise than free-form names, while a complete address or distinctive place name is easier for people to read. Include a stable title and useful notes in separate columns so the imported pin has an understandable label instead of an internal record number.
For a large project, split the material into logical imports that fit the row and size limits. Keep each category in its own layer if viewers will need to hide or show it independently. If a file contains more than 2,000 rows, divide it into multiple imports rather than assuming the extra records will be accepted.
What should I do when imported points are misplaced?
Inspect the map immediately after import. A typo in an address, an ambiguous place name, reversed coordinate columns, or an incorrect coordinate reference can move a point far from its intended location. Correct the source data and import a cleaned file, or edit individual markers when only a few records need adjustment.
How do I share a custom map and collaborate?
New My Maps projects are private by default. Open the map’s Share control to decide who can see it and whether others can edit it.
- Specific people: restrict access to the individuals you choose.
- Anyone with the link: make the map available to people who receive its link without publishing it broadly.
- Public: publish the map so it can be discovered according to the visibility setting.
- Embed: place the map in another webpage when an embedded view is more useful than a standalone link.
Google’s tutorial also describes collaborative editing. Give edit access only to people who need to change names, locations, styles, or layers; viewers can be kept separate from editors. Before changing a private project to link access or public visibility, review descriptions and imported columns for personal information that was intended only for the project team.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchSharing a map does not automatically make every underlying spreadsheet or source file public. Check the permissions of those sources separately if collaborators need to open them, and avoid placing confidential details in marker descriptions when the map may later be published.
Can I create or edit a My Maps map on a phone?
Creation is documented as a computer-based process. On mobile, Google says you can view and edit My Maps in a mobile browser, while the Google Maps mobile app can be used to view custom maps.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For serious construction, use a desktop browser: naming layers, importing files, styling many markers, and checking a large route are easier on a larger screen. A phone is useful for checking the finished map in the field, confirming that pins are readable at the relevant zoom level, or making a small browser edit when a computer is unavailable.
If the map does not appear where you expect in the app, confirm that you are signed in to the Google Account that has access and look for the map through the custom-map view rather than assuming it will appear among ordinary saved places.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Which custom-map workflow should I choose?
The right workflow depends on how many locations you have, how often the data changes, and whether the map is for a private group or a broad audience.
| Decision | Choose this when | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Manual place entry | You have a short list and want to review each pin individually | Slower for large datasets, but gives direct control over every item |
| Spreadsheet or GPS import | You already have structured coordinates, addresses, tracks, or waypoints | Faster for many records, but requires clean location fields and respect for import limits |
| One layer | All content belongs to one simple category | Easy to build, but less flexible for filtering the view |
| Multiple layers | The project has categories, days, travel modes, or audiences | More planning is required, but viewers can focus on one theme at a time |
| Private or named-person sharing | The map contains work-in-progress or sensitive notes | Safer access control, but every intended collaborator must be granted access |
| Link access or public publication | The map is a finished guide for a broad audience | Easier distribution, but descriptions and locations become visible beyond the original team |
| Desktop editing | You are building, importing, styling, or restructuring the map | Requires a computer, but provides the complete authoring workflow |
| Mobile viewing | You are checking the map away from your desk | Convenient for reference, with less authoring capability than desktop use |
What are the most common problems, and how can I fix them?
The map will not import my file
Check the format, file size, and row count first. KML and KMZ are limited to 5 MB of unzipped content; the other listed file types are limited to 40 MB, and imports should stay at or below 2,000 rows. Remove unnecessary columns, divide the data into smaller files, or export again in a supported format.
My pins appear in the wrong places
Verify that the source contains a usable address, place name, latitude-longitude pair, or WKT geometry. For coordinates, check that latitude and longitude are in the intended columns and that decimal values use the format expected by your file. Re-import a corrected copy when many records are affected.
I cannot find an item after adding it
Check which layer was active when you added the item and make sure that layer is visible. Search results with similar names can also be saved in an unexpected location, so open the marker and compare its address or coordinates with your intended destination.
Collaborators can see the map but cannot change it
Review the map’s Share settings and confirm that the person was granted editing access rather than view-only access. If the project is link-accessible but still locked for others, use the specific-person permission controls to assign the appropriate role.
The map is hard to read
Reduce visual competition by separating categories into layers, using consistent colors, and choosing a base-map style that does not overpower your own data. Rename vague layers and markers, then inspect the map at the zoom level a viewer will actually use.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How can I prepare a custom map before sharing it?
Decide the audience and purpose before adding dozens of points. A private planning map can contain working notes and alternate routes; a public guide needs concise descriptions, consistent names, and a deliberate style. Writing that distinction down helps you choose the right visibility setting later.
- Define the geographic area and the question the map should answer.
- List categories that deserve separate layers.
- Choose whether locations will be entered manually or imported.
- Clean addresses, coordinates, names, and descriptions before importing.
- Build a small sample first and check pin placement, colors, and labels.
- Add the rest of the data, then inspect every layer at practical zoom levels.
- Set sharing permissions only after removing information that should remain private.
- Open the finished map on a phone to verify that the intended audience can view it in the mobile context.
This preparation avoids the most expensive kind of rework: correcting a map after it has already been shared with the wrong permissions or after hundreds of poorly labeled records have been imported.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What does “free” cover when creating a My Maps map?
The documented workflow covers signing in, creating a map, adding and styling content, importing supported files within the stated limits, and sharing the result. Google’s setup and tutorial pages do not list a payment step for those actions, so readers can reasonably treat the basic creation process as free to start.
That conclusion is narrower than a promise that every Google product, storage arrangement, data source, or future feature has no cost. If your project depends on another service, paid account, or commercial dataset, evaluate that separately; My Maps itself is the tool described here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid Google Workspace plan to make a custom map?
No paid plan is identified in Google’s My Maps creation instructions. The documented starting requirement is a Google Account, and the create-and-name workflow does not show a charge.
Can I combine imported records with hand-drawn boundaries?
Yes. Import the table or GPS file into one layer, then use another layer for manually drawn lines or shapes. Keeping those sources separate makes it easier to restyle, hide, or replace one type of content without rebuilding the other.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCan I use a custom map offline in the Google Maps app?
The documented mobile behavior is viewing custom maps in Google Maps, while editing is done in a mobile browser or on a computer. The instructions do not establish offline availability for a My Maps project, so plan to open it with an available connection.
What is the safest way to test a map before publishing it?
Leave the project private while you check marker placement, layer names, imported descriptions, and phone viewing. Then share it with a small set of intended viewers or editors before changing the visibility to link access or public.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
