Creating a custom map in Google Maps takes about five minutes and requires only a Google account
You can create a personal map in Google Maps to mark locations that matter to you — a list of restaurants you want to try, places you've traveled, or directions to multiple stops on a road trip. Google calls these custom maps, and they live in your Google account so you can view them on any device where you're signed in.
The map starts blank. You add locations by searching for them or clicking directly on the map, then organize them into layers (Google's word for categories) and customize how they look. Once you've created it, you can share the map with others or keep it private.
Key Takeaways
- You create a custom map by going to Google Maps on a computer, clicking the menu button, and selecting "Create a map" — the feature is not available in the mobile app.
- Each location you add can have a name, description, and custom icon, and you can organize multiple locations into separate layers by category.
- You can share a custom map with specific people or make it viewable to anyone with the link, but only the map owner can edit it.
- Custom maps are saved to your Google account automatically and appear in your list of maps whenever you sign in.
How to start a new custom map
Open Google Maps in a web browser on a computer — the custom map feature does not work in the mobile app. Sign in with your Google account if you're not already signed in.
Look for the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the page. Click it, then look for the option that says "Create a map." Click that option. Google will open a new blank map and ask you to name it. Type a name for your map — something like "Restaurants to Try" or "Summer Road Trip" — then click "Create."
You now have a blank map with a search box at the top. This is where you add your locations.
Adding locations to your map
You can add a location in two ways: by searching for it or by clicking directly on the map. Most people find searching easier when they know the name or address of a place.
To search, type the location name into the search box at the top of the map. Google will show you results as you type. Click the location you want, and it will appear on your map with a red pin. A small window will pop up showing the location's name and address. Click "Add to map" in that window, and the location is saved.
To add a location by clicking, find the spot on the map where you want to place a pin, then right-click (or long-press on a trackpad). A menu will appear. Click "Add a marker." A new pin will appear at that spot, and you can type a name for it in the window that opens.
Organizing locations into layers
Layers are categories that help you organize your map. If you're mapping restaurants, you might have one layer for Italian places and another for sushi. Each layer can have its own color and icon style, making it easy to see which locations belong together.
When you add your first location, Google automatically creates a layer called "Untitled layer." To rename it, click the three dots next to the layer name and select "Rename layer." Type a new name like "Must-Try Restaurants" and press Enter.
To create a second layer, click the "Add layer" button (it looks like a plus sign) below the existing layer. Name the new layer, then add locations to it by searching or clicking the map. Any location you add while a layer is selected will go into that layer.
Customizing how locations look
By default, all locations appear as red pins. You can change the color and icon for each layer to make your map easier to read at a glance.
Click the paint bucket icon next to a layer name to open the style menu. You can choose a different color for all the pins in that layer, or click "Individual styles" to give each location its own icon. If you choose individual styles, click on any location pin and a menu will appear where you can pick a custom icon and color just for that spot.
You can also add a description to any location. Click on the location's pin, then click the pencil icon in the window that appears. Type any details you want to remember — hours, a note about why you want to go there, or directions from your home.
Sharing your map with others
Only you can edit a custom map you create, but you can share it with others so they can view it. Click the "Share" button in the top right corner of the map.
A window will open with two options. You can share the map with specific people by typing their email addresses, or you can get a link that works for anyone. If you choose to share with specific people, type their email addresses and click "Share." They'll receive an email with a link to your map.
If you want anyone with the link to see the map, click "Change" next to "Restricted" and select "Anyone with the link." Copy the link that appears and send it however you like — email, text, social media, or anywhere else. People who click that link can view your map but cannot edit it.
Finding and managing your maps later
Your custom maps are saved automatically to your Google account. The next time you open Google Maps and click the menu button, you'll see "Your places" near the top. Click it, then click the "Maps" tab to see a list of all the custom maps you've created.
Click any map name to open it. From there, you can add more locations, edit existing ones, create new layers, or change who can see it. If you want to delete a map, click the three dots next to its name in the list and select "Delete map."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a map on my phone?
The custom map feature is only available on computers through a web browser. You can view maps you've already created on your phone by opening Google Maps and going to "Your places," but you cannot create new maps or edit them from the mobile app.
What happens if I share a map with someone?
People you share with can see all the locations, layers, and descriptions on your map. They can view it on any device, but they cannot add, remove, or change anything — only you can edit the map. If you want someone to help build the map, you'll need to add locations yourself based on their suggestions.
Can I export my map or download it as a file?
Google Maps does not have a built-in download feature for custom maps. However, you can take screenshots of your map, or you can share the link with others so they can view it anytime. Some third-party tools can convert Google Maps data to other formats, but that requires additional steps outside Google Maps itself.
How many locations can I add to one map?
Google does not publish a hard limit on the number of locations per map, but maps with thousands of pins may load slowly. For most personal use — planning a trip, listing favorite restaurants, or marking places you've visited — you won't run into any practical limits.
Can I use someone else's custom map?
You can view any map someone shares with you, but you cannot edit it or save a copy to your own account. If you want your own version of someone's map, you'll need to create a new map and add the locations yourself, or ask the original creator to share editing rights with you.