Add multiple locations by creating a custom map

Google Maps lets you save more than one location at a time by creating a custom map. This is different from starring individual places — a custom map holds a collection of locations you've chosen, with notes and color-coded markers. You can create separate maps for different purposes: one for restaurants you want to try, another for your commute options, another for a road trip.

The fastest way to start is to open Google Maps on your computer, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, and select "Your places." Then click "Maps" and choose "Create map." Give it a name and description, then click "Create." You now have an empty map ready to add locations to.

On your phone, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture in the top right, go to "Your places," tap "Maps," and tap the plus sign to create a new map. The process is the same — name it and you're ready to add locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom maps let you group multiple locations together with notes and color-coded markers, separate from your starred places.
  • You can add locations by searching for them, clicking the marker, and selecting "Add to map," or by clicking directly on the map itself.
  • Each location on your custom map can have its own label, description, and color to help you organize and remember why you saved it.
  • Custom maps sync across your devices, so a map you create on your computer appears on your phone and vice versa.
  • You can share a custom map with others by clicking "Share" and sending them a link, and they can view it without needing a Google account.

Search for a location and add it to your map

Once your custom map is created and open, search for the first location you want to add. Type the business name, address, or landmark into the search box at the top. When the result appears, click on it to open the location card.

On the location card, look for the three-dot menu icon and click it. Select "Add to map" from the dropdown. A list of your custom maps will appear — choose the map you want to add this location to. The location now appears on your map with a red marker.

Repeat this process for every location you want to add. You can add as many as you need to a single map. Each one will show up with a numbered marker so you can track them in order if that matters for your purpose.

Click directly on the map to add a location

You don't have to search for every location. You can also click directly on the map where you want to add a marker. When you click anywhere on the map, a new marker appears at that spot. A small popup window opens with options to add a title, description, and choose a color for the marker.

Type a name for the location in the title field — this is what will show when someone hovers over or taps the marker. Add any details you want to remember in the description field: hours, a note about parking, a reason you want to visit, or anything else useful.

Click the color circle to change the marker color. You can use different colors to organize your map — for example, red for restaurants, blue for parks, yellow for shops. This makes it easier to scan your map and find what you're looking for at a glance.

Edit and organize your locations

After you've added several locations, you can edit any of them by clicking the marker on the map. The location card opens, and you can click the pencil icon to edit the title, description, or color. Make your changes and click "Save."

You can also delete a location by opening its card, clicking the three-dot menu, and selecting "Remove from map." This doesn't delete the location from Google Maps itself — it only removes it from your custom map.

To rename your entire map or change its description, click the three-dot menu at the top of the map and select "Map details." You can update the name and description, then click "Save." If you no longer need the map, you can delete it from this same menu.

Share your custom map with others

Custom maps can be shared with friends, family, or coworkers. Click the "Share" button at the top of your map. A dialog box opens with a link to your map. You can copy this link and send it to anyone via email, text, or messaging app.

The person you share it with can view your map in their browser without needing to log into Google or have a Google account. They see all your markers, titles, descriptions, and colors exactly as you created them. They cannot edit your map unless you give them permission to do so.

If you want someone to be able to edit the map with you, click "Share" and look for the option to add collaborators. Enter their email address and choose whether they can view only or edit the map. They'll receive an invitation and can start adding or changing locations once they accept.

Access your custom maps on different devices

Any custom map you create is automatically saved to your Google account. This means if you create a map on your computer, it will appear on your phone, tablet, and any other device where you're signed into Google Maps with the same account.

On your phone, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, go to "Your places," and tap "Maps." You'll see all your custom maps listed. Tap any map to open it and view all the locations you've added. You can add new locations to the map from your phone the same way you do on your computer.

If you're signed into different Google accounts on different devices, your maps will only sync to devices using the same account. Make sure you're logged into the account where you created the map if you want to see it on a new device.

Use custom maps for planning and navigation

Custom maps work well for planning trips, comparing neighborhoods, or organizing errands. Create a map for a road trip and add all the stops you want to make — hotels, restaurants, attractions, gas stations. You can add notes to each location about what to do there or what time you plan to arrive.

For daily use, create a map of your regular destinations: your gym, favorite coffee shops, your dentist, your kids' school. Add notes about parking or hours so you have that information handy. When you need directions to one of these places, you can tap the marker and select "Directions" to start navigation.

You can also use custom maps to compare options before deciding. If you're looking for a new apartment, create a map and add all the listings you're considering. Add notes about rent, square footage, or what you liked about each one. This makes it easier to remember which place was which when you're comparing several options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a location to multiple custom maps at once?

No, when you add a location to a map, you choose one map at a time. If you want the same location on multiple maps, you'll need to add it separately to each map. Search for the location again and repeat the "Add to map" process for your second map.

What's the difference between starring a place and adding it to a custom map?

Starring a place saves it to your "Saved" list, which is just one long list of all your starred places. A custom map lets you organize locations into separate groups with notes and colors. Use stars for quick saves, and use custom maps when you want to organize locations by theme or project.

Can I print or read my custom map?

You can take a screenshot of your map to save an image. On a computer, you can also click the three-dot menu and look for a print option, though the quality depends on your printer. Google Maps doesn't offer a direct read feature for custom maps, but you can share the link with anyone who needs to see it.

What happens if I delete a custom map?

Deleting a custom map removes all the locations from that map, but it doesn't delete those places from Google Maps itself. The restaurants, businesses, and landmarks still exist in Google Maps — they're just no longer grouped together in your custom map. You can always create a new map and add them again if you change your mind.

Can I see how far apart my locations are on a custom map?

Yes. Click on one marker, then hold Shift and click on another marker. A line appears between them showing the distance and estimated travel time by car. This works for any two markers on your map and helps you plan routes or understand how spread out your locations are.