Map Designer guide
Design your map in a few simple steps
The Map Designer is made for exploring. Start with a place that matters to you, shape the composition, and preview the frame before you decide.
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Find your place
Search for the town, city or location that matters to you, then move and zoom the map until the view feels right.
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Choose your frame
Choose Portrait or Landscape and Studio or Gallery. You can change these while designing without losing the place you have chosen.
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Add a detail inset — if you want one
The detail inset lets you highlight a smaller place within the wider map. Move the source circle to the place you want to enlarge, then position the larger detail circle around the artwork edge.
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Fine-tune your composition
Pan, zoom and adjust until the composition feels balanced. When using an inset, use the size control and fine-position arrows for precise placement.
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Preview your frame
Choose Preview your frame to see the composition without the editing controls. You can still return and make changes.
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Accept the design when it feels right
Choose Looks good when you are happy with the composition. The accepted view becomes the reference used for your design.
A little more detail
Using the detail inset
What does the small source circle do?
It selects the exact area of the main map that will be shown enlarged in the detail inset.
Where can I place the larger detail circle?
The larger circle travels around the outside edge of the artwork. It can also sit across a corner. This keeps the inset anchored neatly to the frame.
How do I make very small adjustments?
Use the fine-position arrow controls. A tap makes a small adjustment; holding an arrow repeats the movement.
Can I change the frame after positioning the map?
Yes. You can switch Studio or Gallery and Portrait or Landscape while editing. The designer preserves the geographic composition as the frame changes.
Can I rotate the map?
No. The map stays north-up so the composition you approve stays consistent.