What a custom Google Map is and why you'd make one

A custom Google Map is a map you build yourself that shows only the places you choose to mark. Instead of seeing every restaurant or store in your city, you create a map with just the coffee shops you like, or the hiking trails you've walked, or the apartments you're considering. You can add notes to each location, organize them into groups, and share the map with other people.

The map lives in your Google account, so you can view it and edit it from any device where you're signed in. You can make it private (only you see it), share it with specific people, or make it public so anyone with the link can view it. This is different from the regular Google Maps app — it's a tool for collecting and organizing your own locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom maps are created through Google My Maps, a free tool separate from the regular Google Maps app.
  • You add locations by searching for them, clicking on them in the map, or typing in addresses — each location becomes a marker you can label and describe.
  • You can organize markers into layers (groups), change their colors and icons, and add photos or descriptions to each one.
  • Sharing happens through a link that you control — you decide whether viewers can edit the map or only see it.

How to start a new custom map

Go to mymaps.google.com in your web browser on a computer. (Custom maps must be created on a computer; you can view them on your phone but not build them there.) Sign in with the Google account you use for Gmail or other Google services.

Click the red Create button near the top left. A new blank map will open with a search box at the top. Give your map a title by clicking "Untitled map" at the top and typing a name — something like "Coffee Shops I Like" or "Neighborhoods to Check Out." You can add a description below the title if you want to remember why you made it.

Adding locations to your map

There are three ways to add a location. The easiest is to use the search box at the top: type an address, a business name, or a landmark, then press Enter. The map will zoom to that location and show a preview. Click Add to map on the preview, and a marker (a colored pin) appears on the map.

The second way is to click directly on the map where you want to mark something. A marker will drop at that spot, and you can then search for or name the location in the box that appears.

The third way is useful if you have a list of addresses already. Click the search box, paste an address, and add it the same way. Repeat for each location. You can add as many as you need — there's no limit.

Labeling and describing each location

After you add a marker, a small card appears next to it. Click on the marker itself (the colored pin on the map) to open the full details card. Here you can add a title (the name of the place), a description (notes about it), and even upload a photo.

The title is what shows when someone hovers over the marker. The description is where you write details like "Great pastries, quiet seating" or "Visited July 2024, would go back." You can also change the marker's color and icon — click the marker icon at the top of the details card to choose from different colors and symbols.

Organizing markers into layers

If your map has many locations, grouping them makes it easier to navigate. On the left side of the map, you'll see a section called "Untitled layer." Click the three dots next to it to rename it — call it something like "Coffee Shops" or "Visited Places."

To create more layers, click Add layer below the first one. You might have one layer for restaurants, another for parks, another for places to avoid. As you add new markers, choose which layer they go into from the dropdown that appears. Viewers can then toggle layers on and off to see only what they're interested in.

Sharing your map with others

Click the Share button near the top right. A dialog box opens with a link to your map. You have three sharing options: "Restricted" (only people you invite can see it), "Anyone with the link" (anyone you send the link to can view it), or "Public on the web" (it shows up in search results).

Below the sharing level, you can choose whether people can edit the map or only view it. If you select "Viewer," they see your map but cannot add or change anything. If you select "Editor," they can add their own markers and modify what's there. Copy the link and send it however you like — email, text, social media. The person who receives it doesn't need a Google account to view a shared map.

Viewing and editing your maps on a phone

You can view a custom map on your phone by opening the link in any browser or in the Google Maps app. The map will display with all your markers and layers. However, you cannot create or edit maps on a phone — you must use a computer for that.

If someone shares a map with you as an editor, you can add markers and notes on your phone if you open the map in a web browser (not the Maps app). Tap the search box, find a location, and tap "Add to map." It's slower than on a computer, but it works if you need to add something while you're out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a list of addresses into my custom map?

Not directly from a spreadsheet, but you can copy and paste addresses one at a time into the search box. If you have many locations, this takes time. Some people use third-party tools to convert spreadsheets into map files, but those require more technical steps.

What happens to my map if I delete my Google account?

Your map is tied to your Google account, so deleting the account deletes the map. If you want to keep a copy, read it first by clicking the three dots next to your map name and selecting "read." This saves it as a file you can keep.

Can I embed my custom map on a website?

Yes. Click the three dots next to your map name and select "Embed on my website." Google will give you a code snippet to paste into your website's HTML. The map will then appear on your site, and viewers can interact with it there.

Do people editing my map see my personal information?

No. Editors see only the map itself — the markers, layers, and descriptions you've added. They don't see your email address, phone number, or any other account details. You control what information appears on the map.