Tutorial

Learn how to create a custom map online with PaintMyMap. In this quick tutorial you'll pick a base map, customize and paint regions, add labels and a legend, and export a high‑quality image or PDF.

1) Select your map (or upload your data)

Use the menus in the top toolbar to choose a dataset (world, regions, or country‑level). Each menu opens a list of predefined options. Click one to load it.

• World/Region menus: load countries, states/provinces, or other regional maps.
• Upload: click Upload to bring your own GeoJSON/TopoJSON file (.json, .geojson, .topojson).
• Projection: choose from popular projections (Mercator, Robinson, Winkel Tripel, etc.) or explore more options. The map smoothly transitions between projections.
• Theme: pick a preset color theme. It sets the background and seeds legend colors you can tweak later.

TIP

Start with the world map, then switch projections to find a look you like.

INFO

Tip: Timezone overlays can be enabled with TZ and TZ labels for reference.

2) Customize and paint your map

Painting works by assigning features (countries, regions) to legend groups. Choose a group, then click to paint—or use the circle brush to paint multiple features at once.

Legend and groups

• Legend title: type a custom title; it appears in the on‑map legend.
• Legend items: each item has a color and label. Use the color picker and input to edit. Click + Add item to add more groups, or the × button to remove one.
• Active group: select the group in the on‑map mini controls (labeled Group).
• Drag to position: in preview, you can drag the legend to place it anywhere on the map.

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Keep labels short and consistent; use the Details panel to manage groups.

Brush and painting

• Brush color: the color chip updates the active group color (also updates existing paints linked to that group).
• Mode: Single paints one feature per click. Circle brush sizes S/M/L/XL paint any features the brush intersects.
• Undo/Redo: use the Undo and Redo buttons to step through changes.
• Clear: removes all paint links. You'll be asked to confirm.

Making maps with patterns

TODO: image with pattern

Labels, title, and overlays

• Labels: toggle Labels to show country/region names. The tool uses localized names when possible.
• Map title: toggle Title, adjust its font size, and drag it on the map to position.
• Background: change BG color to set the map canvas background.
• Grid & geo lines: enable Grid (graticules) and Geo (equator, tropics, polar circles, prime meridian).
• Details panel: toggle Details to open a side panel listing painted items per group; rename groups and recolor there too.

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Turn on graticules and geo lines to orient your map; adjust the background for contrast.

Zoom, pan, rotate

• Zoom: use +/− buttons or mouse wheel to zoom at the cursor.
• Pan: drag the map; arrow buttons also nudge the view.
• Spin (globe roll): drag the compass to rotate; click it to reset.
• 2D rotate: use the ⟳ button to rotate the map like a sheet of paper; click to reset.
• Flip: horizontal ↔ and vertical flips for mirrored views.

[gif – zoom, pan, rotate, flip]

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Tip: Use Preview to hide editing chrome before exporting. You can still move the legend and title in preview.

3) Export and share your map

• Download: export as PNG, JPG, or PDF from the footer actions. PDF matches the on‑screen result by embedding a high‑resolution image; when possible we also attempt a vector PDF (beta).
• Save/Load state: use Export state to save your progress as JSON, and Import state to continue later.
• Preview mode: toggle Preview to see the clean map without UI before downloading.

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Use Preview before exporting to get a clean composition.

Ready to try it? Start painting a map or learn more about PaintMyMap.

FAQ

What projections are best?

For general world maps, Natural Earth 1, Winkel Tripel, and Robinson are popular choices. Try a few and pick what fits your story.

Do I need an account?

No. You can create and export maps without signing in.

Can I use my own data?

Yes. Upload GeoJSON, TopoJSON, Shapefiles, KML, or CSV files from the toolbar to render your own regions. Let us know if you’re missing a format. For conversions to GeoJSON, see https://guesswhereyouare.com/guide/maps/.

Can I save and resume later?

Use Export/Import state to save a JSON of your session and load it back anytime. There is also autosave.

What formats can I export?

PNG, JPG, and PDF. PDF embeds a high‑resolution image to match what you see; when possible we also attempt a vector PDF (beta).

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Want a quick start? Load the world map, pick the Classic theme, add a title, paint a few countries, then export a PNG.