Creating a new map in Google Maps
To create a map in Google Maps, you need to go to Google My Maps, which is a separate tool from the regular Google Maps app. Open a web browser on your computer, go to mymaps.google.com, and sign in with your Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you will need to create one first — it takes a few minutes and is free.
Once you are signed in, look for the blue button labeled Create a new map near the top left of the page. Click it. A new blank map will open with a search box at the top and a toolbar on the left side. Google will automatically name it "Untitled map" — you can rename it later by clicking on that title.
The map starts zoomed to show the whole world. Use the search box to navigate to the area you want to map. Type in a city name, address, or landmark, and Google will zoom to that location. You can also zoom in and out using the plus and minus buttons on the right side of the map, or by scrolling your mouse wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Google My Maps is accessed at mymaps.google.com on a computer, not through the regular Google Maps app.
- You add locations to your map by searching for them, clicking the map directly, or using the add marker tool in the left toolbar.
- Each location can have a title, description, and custom icon or color to help organize your map visually.
- You can share your map with specific people or make it public, and viewers can see it without needing their own Google account.
Adding locations and markers to your map
To add a single location to your map, search for it using the search box at the top. When the location appears on the map, click on it. A small window will pop up showing the location name. Click the window, and Google will add a red marker (pin) to that spot on your map. The marker now appears in a list on the left side under "Untitled map."
You can also add a location by clicking directly on the map where you want the marker to go. Look for the marker tool in the left toolbar — it looks like a teardrop or pin icon. Click it, then click anywhere on the map to place a marker at that exact spot. A form will appear asking you to name the location. Type a title like "Coffee shop" or "Meeting point," then click the checkmark to save it.
Each marker you add shows up in the list on the left. Click any marker in the list to jump to it on the map. You can edit the title, add a description, or change the marker's color or icon by clicking on the marker itself or the three dots next to it in the list.
Customizing markers with colors, icons, and descriptions
To change how a marker looks, click on it on the map or click the three dots next to its name in the left list. A menu will appear with options to edit the marker. Click Edit or the pencil icon. You will see fields for the title and description, plus options to change the marker's appearance.
Click on the colored circle next to the marker icon to choose a different color — Google offers red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, gray, and brown. Click on the icon itself (the teardrop shape by default) to pick a different symbol, such as a star, heart, number, or letter. These visual changes help you organize your map — for example, you might use red for restaurants, blue for parks, and green for shops.
The description field lets you add details about each location. Type anything you want — an address, phone number, hours of operation, or notes about why the location matters. This information shows when someone clicks the marker on your map. When you are done editing, click the checkmark or press Enter to save your changes.
Organizing locations into layers
If your map has many locations, you can organize them into layers — separate groups that you can turn on and off. This is useful if you are mapping multiple categories, like "restaurants," "hotels," and "attractions" for a trip. Look for the Add layer button in the left toolbar, usually near the bottom of the list.
Click Add layer and give it a name, like "Restaurants" or "Day 1 stops." A new layer appears in the list on the left. Any markers you add while that layer is selected will go into that layer. You can switch between layers by clicking on them in the list. To move a marker from one layer to another, click the three dots next to the marker name and select Move to layer, then choose the destination layer.
Layers also have a visibility toggle — a small eye icon next to each layer name. Click the eye to hide or show all markers in that layer at once. This keeps your map from looking too crowded and lets viewers focus on one category at a time.
Naming and saving your map
To rename your map from "Untitled map," click on the title at the top of the left panel. A text field will appear where you can type a new name. Choose something descriptive like "Weekend hiking trails" or "Best coffee shops downtown." Press Enter or click elsewhere to save the name.
Google automatically saves your map as you work — you do not need to click a save button. If you want to make sure your work is saved, look for a small checkmark or "Saved" message near the top of the page. If you close the browser tab or your internet connection drops, your map will still be there when you return to mymaps.google.com.
You can also read your map as a file. Click the three dots menu at the top right of the page and select read. Google will save your map as a KML file, which you can import into other mapping tools or share with someone who wants to use it in their own Google Maps account.
Sharing your map with others
To share your map, click the Share button near the top right of the page. A dialog box will appear with sharing options. You can share the map in two ways: by sending a link to specific people, or by making it public so anyone with the link can view it.
To share with specific people, type their email addresses in the field that appears. You can choose whether they can view only, comment, or edit the map. Click Share to send them an invitation. They will receive an email with a link to your map. If they have a Google account, they can open the map and make changes if you gave them edit permission.
To make your map public, click the Change button next to "Private" and select Anyone with the link or Public on the web. "Anyone with the link" means only people you send the link to can see it. "Public on the web" means your map might show up in Google search results. Copy the link and share it however you want — email, text, social media, or a website. Viewers do not need a Google account to see your map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google My Maps on my phone?
Yes, but creating and editing maps is easier on a computer. The Google My Maps app exists for Android and iPhone, but it is mainly for viewing maps you have already made. To create a new map or make detailed edits, open mymaps.google.com in your phone's web browser and use the desktop version. You can also add locations to an existing map from your phone by searching for them and clicking the three dots menu.
What is the difference between Google Maps and Google My Maps?
Google Maps is the regular navigation and search tool most people use. Google My Maps is a tool for creating custom maps with your own markers, descriptions, and layers. You cannot create custom maps in the regular Google Maps app — you must use My Maps at mymaps.google.com.
Can I add photos or videos to my map markers?
Yes. When you edit a marker, look for an option to add an image. You can upload a photo from your computer or link to an image on the web. Click the image icon in the marker editing window, then choose your photo. The image will appear when someone clicks that marker on your map.
What happens if I delete a marker by mistake?
Click the three dots next to the marker name in the left list and select Delete. If you delete it by mistake, use your browser's undo function (Ctrl+Z on Windows, Command+Z on Mac) when ready to restore it. Google My Maps does not have a separate undo history, so undo works only for your most recent action.
Can someone edit my map if I share it with them?
Only if you give them edit permission when you share it. When you click Share, you can choose whether people can "View only" or "Edit." If you select "View only," they can see the map and click markers but cannot add, delete, or change anything. If you select "Edit," they can make any changes they want.