Creating a map in Google Maps takes about two minutes and stores it in your Google account

Open Google Maps in a web browser (maps.google.com) and sign in with your Google account. Look for the menu icon — three horizontal lines in the top left corner. Click it, then select "Your places." In the panel that opens, click the "Maps" tab. At the bottom of that panel, click "Create map." Google will open a blank map editor where you can add locations, draw routes, and organize everything into layers. The map saves automatically to your account, and you can share it with others or keep it private.

You do not need to download anything or use the Google Maps app on your phone to create a map — the web version is where all the creation tools live. Once you have made the map, you can view it on your phone, but editing works best on a computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Start at maps.google.com, click the menu icon, select "Your places," then the "Maps" tab, then "Create map" at the bottom.
  • Add locations by searching for them, clicking the map, or uploading a spreadsheet of addresses.
  • Organize locations into separate layers — for example, one layer for restaurants and another for hiking trails.
  • Share your map by clicking the "Share" button and choosing whether people can view only or edit the map with you.
  • Your map stays in your Google account and updates automatically if you add or change locations.

Adding locations to your map

Once the map editor is open, you have three main ways to add places. The fastest is to search: click the search box at the top, type a business name or address, and click the result. Google will drop a marker on the map. You can also click directly on the map wherever you want to add a location, and a marker will appear there. For each marker, you can add a title, description, and even upload a photo.

If you have a list of addresses in a spreadsheet, you can import them all at once. Click the "Import" button in the map editor, upload a CSV or Excel file, and tell Google which column contains the addresses. It will place markers for all of them. This is much faster than adding dozens of locations one by one.

Organizing locations into layers

Layers let you group related locations together — for instance, one layer for coffee shops, another for parks, another for your friends' houses. Each layer can have its own color and icon. To create a layer, click the "Add layer" button in the left panel. Name it, then add locations to that specific layer by clicking on a marker and choosing which layer it belongs to.

Layers are useful when you want to show or hide groups of locations at once. You can toggle a layer on and off by clicking the eye icon next to its name. This is especially helpful if you are sharing the map with someone and want them to focus on one category at a time.

Drawing routes and shapes on your map

Beyond markers, you can draw lines, polygons, and other shapes. Click the drawing tool icon (it looks like a pen) in the toolbar. Choose whether you want to draw a line, add a shape, or measure distance. Click points on the map to create your route or shape. Google will calculate the total distance if you are drawing a line or route.

This is useful for mapping a walking tour, showing the boundary of a neighborhood, or marking a delivery route. Each shape or line can have its own color and label, and you can edit it later by clicking on it and dragging its points.

Sharing your map with others

Click the "Share" button in the top right of the map editor. You will see options to share via link, email, or embed code. If you share via link, you can choose whether viewers can only see the map or can also edit it. Anyone with the link can view or edit your map — they do not need a Google account if you choose "Viewer" access, but they do need one if you want them to edit.

If you want to embed the map on a website, copy the embed code from the share menu and paste it into your website's HTML. The map will appear as an interactive window that visitors can zoom and pan.

Keeping your map private or making it public

By default, your map is private — only you can see it unless you share the link. You cannot make a map truly public in the sense of it appearing in Google Maps search results. However, you can share the link with anyone, and they will be able to view it (or edit it, depending on your settings).

If you want to keep a map completely private, do not share the link at all. It will stay in your "Your places" section under the "Maps" tab, visible only when you are signed into your Google account. If you delete a map, it is gone permanently, so make sure you really want to remove it before you do.

Editing and updating your map later

Your map is never locked. Go back to maps.google.com, click the menu, select "Your places," click "Maps," and click the map you want to edit. You can add or remove locations, change colors and icons, rename layers, or delete the entire map. Any changes save automatically.

If other people are editing the map with you, you will see their changes appear in real time. This makes it useful for group planning — for example, a team marking locations for a project, or friends planning a road trip together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a map on my phone?

You can view and edit maps on the Google Maps app for iPhone or Android, but creating a new map works best on a computer using the web version. The full editing tools are available on the web. Once created, you can manage it from your phone.

What file formats can I upload to a map?

Google Maps accepts CSV and Excel files (.xlsx, .xls) for bulk uploads. The file must have a column with addresses or coordinates. You can also import KML files if you have map data from another source.

Can I print my map?

Yes. Open your map, click the menu icon, and select "Print." Your browser's print dialog will open. You can print to paper or save as a PDF. The map will print at the zoom level you are currently viewing.

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 is removed from your account and cannot be recovered. Make sure you want to delete it before you do.

Can multiple people edit the same map at the same time?

Yes. When you share a map with edit access, multiple people can add, remove, or change locations simultaneously. Changes appear in real time for everyone viewing the map.