Creating a custom map in Google Maps takes about five minutes and requires only a Google account

Google Maps lets you build a private map and add your own locations, routes, and notes to it. You start by opening Google Maps, clicking the menu button, and selecting "Create a new map." From there you name the map, add locations by searching or clicking on the map itself, and organize them into layers. The map stays private until you share the link with specific people or make it public.

Custom maps work best when you need to collect related locations in one place — a list of restaurants for a trip, job sites for a field team, or landmarks for a walking tour. You can add photos, descriptions, and color-coded markers to each location. Other people can view your map if you send them the link, and you can let them add their own locations if you turn on editing.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a new map by opening Google Maps, clicking the menu icon, and selecting "Create a new map" from the list.
  • Add locations by searching for them by name, typing an address, or clicking directly on the map where you want a marker.
  • Organize locations into separate layers so you can show or hide groups of markers — for example, one layer for hotels and another for restaurants.
  • Share your map by clicking the "Share" button and choosing whether people can only view it or also add and edit locations.
  • Custom maps remain private by default and only appear to people you send the link to, unless you change the sharing settings.

Step-by-step: Creating your first map

Open Google Maps in your web browser and look for the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top left corner. Click it and scroll down to find "Create a new map." Click that option and a new tab opens with a blank map and a text field asking for the map's name.

Type a name for your map — something like "Weekend Hiking Trails" or "Client Locations" — and press Enter. The map is now created and ready for locations. You will see a search box at the top left and a blank map in the center. Everything you add from this point forward goes into this map.

To add a location, type an address or business name into the search box at the top. When the result appears, click it and a marker drops onto the map. A panel opens on the left showing the location with options to add a title, description, or photo. You can change the marker color or icon by clicking the marker itself and selecting a new style.

Adding locations and organizing them into layers

Each location you add becomes a marker on the map. You can add as many as you need by repeating the search process or by clicking directly on the map where you want a marker to appear. When you click on the map, a marker drops and you can type in the location details manually.

Layers let you group related locations together. Click "Add layer" in the left panel to create a new group — for example, one layer for hotels, another for restaurants, and a third for attractions. You can then move markers between layers by dragging them, or add new markers directly to a specific layer. Layers can be hidden or shown by clicking the eye icon next to each one, which is useful when your map gets crowded.

Each marker can hold a title, description, and one photo. Click on a marker to open its details panel and add this information. The title appears when someone hovers over the marker, and the description shows when they click it. Photos help other people recognize the location or understand why it matters.

Sharing your map with others

Click the "Share" button in the top right corner of your map. A dialog box opens with a link to your map and sharing options. By default, the map is private — only people you explicitly share the link with can see it. You can copy the link and send it to specific people via email or messaging.

If you want to let other people add or edit locations on your map, click "Change" next to the sharing settings and select "Editor" instead of "Viewer." Editors can add new markers, modify existing ones, and create new layers. If you want anyone with the link to see the map without being able to edit it, choose "Viewer." To make the map completely public so anyone can find it through a Google search, select "Public on the web."

Be cautious with public maps if they contain sensitive information like home addresses or private business locations. Most custom maps should stay private or shared only with people who need them.

Editing and updating your map

You can edit your map at any time by opening it again from the Google Maps menu. Click the three lines, select "Your places," then click "Maps" to see all your custom maps. Click the one you want to edit and you can add, remove, or modify locations.

To delete a marker, click it and select the trash icon. To move a marker to a different location, click and drag it across the map. To change a marker's color or icon, click the marker and select the style options. All changes save automatically, so you do not need to manually save your work.

If you no longer need a map, you can delete it entirely by opening the map, clicking the menu icon (three dots) in the top right, and selecting "Delete map." This action cannot be undone, so make sure you no longer need the map before deleting it.

Viewing maps on mobile devices

Custom maps you create on a computer appear in the Google Maps app on your phone or tablet. Open the app, tap the menu icon, and select "Your places." Tap "Maps" to see all your custom maps and tap one to view it. On mobile, you can view the map and add new locations, but editing existing markers is more limited than on a computer.

If someone shares a map with you, the link works on mobile just as it does on a computer. Tap the link and the map opens in Google Maps. If you have editing permission, you can add locations from your phone, though you may find it easier to make detailed edits on a larger screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import locations from a spreadsheet or file into my map?

Google Maps does not have a direct import feature for spreadsheets, but you can add locations one at a time by searching for them. If you have a large list, you may find it faster to use Google My Maps through a computer, which sometimes offers batch import options depending on your file format. Check the Google Maps help documentation for the current import methods available.

What happens if I share my map and then delete it?

If you delete a map, anyone who has the link will no longer be able to view it. The map disappears completely. If you think you might need the map again later, consider hiding it instead of deleting it — you can always unhide it from your "Your places" section.

Can I embed my custom map on a website?

Yes. Open your map, click the menu icon (three dots) in the top right, and select "Embed on website." Google provides an embed code you can paste into your website's HTML. The map will appear on your site and update automatically if you make changes to it.

Is there a limit to how many locations I can add to one map?

Google Maps does not publish a hard limit, but maps with thousands of markers may load slowly. For very large location lists, consider splitting them across multiple maps or using layers to organize them so you can hide some markers at a time.

Can I use custom maps for business purposes?

Yes. Many businesses use custom maps to show store locations, service areas, or client sites. If you need more advanced features like real-time location tracking or detailed analytics, Google My Business or Google Workspace mapping tools may offer additional options beyond basic custom maps.