How to Master Google My Maps

If there is a consistent complaint about Google My Maps, it’s that it has limited customization options.

For example — take a look at the below map. There are many things you can’t change about it!

You can’t change the size of markers, style the sidebar in any way or even choose from very many map style options!

Google My Maps can have frustrating limitations — for example you can’t change the size of markers or style the sidebar in any way.

If customization is important to you, you may want to look at a tool like Atlist.

Atlist is an easy-to-use alternative to Google My Maps that has a lot more style customization:

You can read more about creating multiple marker maps with Atlist or read on!

Google My Maps is found here.

You do need to have a Google account so you’ll need to login first.

Once you logged in, click Create a Map:

Now we’re in the Google My Maps editor — and it might look a little intimidating. But don’t worry we’re going to walk through all of these options step-by-step.

But before we get too far, let’s give our map a name. You can click Untitled Map to change our map name:

One of the first things I like to do is select a new base map.

Why?

Well the default base map includes all these icons for stores and restaurants. I find these icons clutter the map.

So click Base Map and you can see we have 9 different options — including a satellite base map.

For my map, I decided to choose this base map:

There are three different ways to add markers in Google My Maps:

1. Search by name or address

Use the search bar to search for the name or address of a location:

Important: After you search, the location will pop up on the map. Make sure you click Add to Map in order for this marker to be added:

2. Marker tool

You can also use the Marker Tool to click anywhere on the map to add a marker:

You just have to make sure to give the marker a name:

3. Import a spreadsheet

You can also import a spreadsheet from Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel or any spreadsheet app!

Just click the Import button:

You don’t have to worry about formatting your column. Google My Maps will automatically add the column data to the marker modal window pop-up.

The main requirement is that the spreadsheet must have one column with location data — so that could be a name, address or altitude and longitude.

Here’s a simple example of a spreadsheet — in this case, a CSV spreadsheet:

Don’t skip this section!

You might have noticed Layers in the sidebar…

… And you might be wondering: what exactly is a layer?

It sounds intimidating, right?

I promise, it’s not.

Think of a layer as a group or a category.

It’s a good idea to name your layers. Just click the layer name to rename it:

In my map, I renamed the layers to Day 1 and Day 2.

Now you might be wondering: am I required to have a layer? Can I make a map without layers?

Unfortunately layers are a requirement. You need at least 1 layer.

One thing that trips up many users is selecting the correct layer.

Whenever you add a marker to a map, it will be added to your selected layer.

You can tell which layer is selected because it has the blue line on the side:

It’s easy to miss!

We can add all kinds of information to the marker pop-up:

Notes

Notes can be added by clicking the Pencil icon:

Important: Unfortunately you can’t add formatting or links to notes.

Photos and videos

Photos and videos can be added by clicking the camera icon:

Unfortunately there is no way to remove this black border from photos:

To style a marker, click the Paint icon — you can find the Paint icon in one of two places:

You can then select a color and icon for your marker:

Note: You are not able to set a custom color — you’re limited to selecting one of the 30 preset colors. You’re also not able to upload a custom icon. If you find the marker style options are limited, you may want to look at another tool such as Atlist.

Click the Shape tool and select “add line or shape” from the drop-down menu:

Then click around the map to draw a polygon. Each click will be a point on the shape:

Like markers, shapes have a pop-up window when clicked. You can add notes, photos and markers to this window.

Shapes can also have custom colors:

To add a route, just open the Shape tool but this time select one of these options from the drop-down menu:

• Driving Route
• Walking Route
• Biking Route

Each option will create routes that match the mode of transportation.

Then click around the map. Each click will be a new destination on the route.

Share your map at anytime by clicking the Share button:

You can also embed your map on any website by opening this drop down menu and selecting Embed on site:

Embedded maps look like this — unfortunately you’re not able to customize the sidebar at all:

Google My Maps is useful but it’s style limitations can get frustrating — especially if you want to embed it on a website.

If customization is important to you, you may want to look at a tool like Atlist.

Atlist is an easy-to-use alternative to Google My Maps that has a lot more style customization.

This 3-minute video gives an overview of Atlist: