How to Create a Custom Route on Google Maps

The Google My Maps tool allows you to create personalized routes when you want to plan your trip and have offline access while traveling. If you want to know how to create a custom route on Google Maps, we have detailed the steps in this article.

Our steps include the various map customization options; plus, how to save and share your route. Since some of the features of Google My Maps are not currently available through iOS devices; we will basically cover Windows, macOS and Android.

How to make a personalized itinerary on Google Maps?

To create a custom route on Google Maps using Windows or macOS:

1. Go to Google Maps and sign in to your Google account.
   
2. In the upper left corner, click on the hamburger menu.
   
3. Select "Your Places" from the drop-down menu.
   
4. Click on "Maps" then "Create a map".
   
   • Your personalized map will open in a new Google Maps window.
5. Towards the top left, click "Untitled Map" to enter the name and description of the map.
   
6. Press "Save" to confirm.
   

To choose a different look for your card:

1. At the bottom of the menu, select "Basemap".
   
2. Then select either Map, Satellite or Terrain.
   

To add point A to B directions as a separate layer on your custom map:

1. In the toolbar below the search bar, select "Add route".
   
   • A new layer of directions will appear in the menu on the left of your screen.
2. Select your mode of transportation, such as driving, cycling, or walking.
   
3. Then enter your starting point in the "A" text box.
   
4. Then enter your destination point in the “B” text box.
   
   • Directions will appear on your map.
     

How do I create a custom route on Google Maps on a mobile device?

This feature is currently not available for Android and iOS devices.

Add markers to your Google map

To add markers to your Google map using your Android device:

1. Launch My Maps.
   
2. Open your map, then click on the plus sign at the bottom right of the screen to include a new point, then on "Add new point".
   
3. Move the map until the "X" is where you want it.
   
4. Click “Select this location”.
   
5. Give your place a name, then choose a layer.
   
6. Then press "Done".
   

To add markers to your Google map using Windows or macOS:

1. Access and log in to My Maps.
   
2. Open your map, then select “Add marker”.
   
3. Click on a layer, then click on the point to position the location.
   
4. Give a name to the place.
   
5. Press "Save".
   

Add lines and shapes to your Google maps

To add a line to your Google Maps via your Android device:

1. Launch My Maps.
   
2. Open your map; to add a line, click on the plus sign at the bottom right and then on “Add a new line”.
   
3. Drag the map until the "X" is where you want it, then tap the plus sign again.
   
4. Repeat until you have drawn your line, then press "Done".
   
5. Tap the "Backspace" icon if you need to go back.
6. Name your line, then choose a layer.
   
7. Then press "Done".
   

To add a shape or line to your Google Maps via Windows or macOS:

1. Go to and log in to My Maps.
   
2. Open your map, then tap on the 'Draw a line' option > 'Add a line or shape'.
   
3. Choose a layer and click where you want to start drawing.
   
4. Click corners or bend your shape or line. Press and hold the mouse to move the map.
   
5. Double-click once you've finished drawing.
   
6. Give your shape or line a name.
   
7. When you're done, tap "Save."
   

How do I save custom routes for offline use?

This feature is currently not available on Android and iOS devices. To save a custom route for offline access using Windows or macOS:

1. Access and log in to My Maps.
   
2. Open your map.
   
3. Select the "Add route" icon.
   
4. Enter your starting and ending points in the left box.
   
   • The route will appear on your map.
     
   • Click "Add Destination" to add to your trip.
     
   • To change your method of travel, under the layer name, select Driving, Cycling, or Walking.
     
   • To view step-by-step instructions, click on the three-dot menu "More" > "Step-by-step instructions".
     
   • To change the route of your ride, point the route on the map, then drag it somewhere else.

How to share your personalized Google map?

To share your Google Map on social media or a website using your Android:

1. Launch My Maps.
   
2. Locate the map you want to share, then click the "Info" icon.
   
3. Click on the “Share” icon.
   
4. Now choose how you want to share your map.
   

To share your personalized Google map on social media or on a website using Windows or macOS:

1. Access and log in to My Maps.
   
2. Locate the map you want to share.
   
3. On the right, at the top of the thumbnail, click on the “Share” icon.
   
4. Then choose how you want to share your map.
   
5. Follow the instructions.

Additional FAQs

How do I add photos to my personalized Google map?

To add a photo to your Google card, from Google Photos or from your gallery using an Android device:

1. Launch the Google Maps app.

2. Enter a search for the location or select it on the map.

3. For more information, click on the location name or address at the bottom.

4. Scroll right and select "Photos".

5. Click on “Add a photo”.

6. Next, decide what you want to do:

· Click on “Folder” to select a photo from your gallery.

· Select "Camera" and then the shutter button to take a new photo.

To add Contribute photos to your Google Map using an Android device:

1. Launch the Google Maps app.

2. Click on the “Contribute” icon circled by the plus sign.

3. Under the “Contribute” tab, select “Add a photo”.

· Click on the photo[s] you want to publish.

· To change the location of a photo, click on the name of the location and then choose another location.

4. Then tap on “Publish”.

To add photos from a place page to your Google map using an Android device:

1. Launch the Google Maps app.

2. Enter a search for the location or select it on the map.

3. For more information, click on the location name or address at the bottom.

4. Click on “Add a photo”.

5. Next, decide what you want to do:

· Click on “Folder” to select a photo from your gallery.

· Select "Camera" and then the shutter button to take a new photo.

To add a photo to your Google Card from Google Photos or your gallery via an iOS device:

1. Launch your Gallery or Google Photos app.

2. Click on a photo.

3. Select "Share".

4. Click on “Publish to Google Maps”.

5. If you don't have this option, select the "More" three-dot menu.

6. Select "Publish to Google Maps" > "Done".

7. Now decide where to post:

· Google Maps will choose a location for you when it is clear where your photo is from.

· Alternatively, select “Choose a place” to search for an address or place.

8. Tap "Publish".

To add a photo to your Google Card from "Contribute" using an iOS device:

1. Launch the Google Maps app.

2. Click on the “Contribute” icon circled by the plus sign.

3. Select "Add Photo".

4. Click on the photo[s] you want to post.

· To change the location of a photo, click on the name of the location and then choose another location.

5. Then tap on “Publish”.

To add a photo from an address page using an iOS device:

1. Launch the Google Maps app.

2. Enter a search for a location or click it on the map.

3. For more information, click on the location name or address at the bottom.

4. Click on “Add a photo”.

5. Next, decide what you want to do:

· Click on “Folder” to select a photo from your gallery.

· Select "Camera" and then the shutter button to take a new photo.

To add a photo to your Google map, from a place page using Windows or macOS:

1. Go to and sign in to My Maps, then search for a location.

2. Once you have chosen a location, select "Add Photo".

3. Drag the photo into the displayed box or select "Choose photos" to upload one.

Notes: You cannot add photos for addresses or contact details, but you can for places of interest, including businesses or parks.

To add a photo to your Google Map from "Your contributions" via Windows or macOS:

1. Make sure your "Location History" is turned on.

2. Lancer Google Maps.

3. Click on the hamburger menu, top left then “Your contributions”.

4. Select "Add your photos to Maps" under the "Contribute" tab.

· This option will not be available if Google cannot find a location for your photos or if you have not taken any with your phone.

· To post a photo, select the photos you want to post.

· To change the location of a photo, select the name of the location and choose another location.

5. Click "Publish" at the top.

How to measure distance on Google Maps?

To measure distances and areas on Google Maps using Windows or macOS:

1. Access and log in to My Maps.

2. Open your map or create a map.

3. Click on the tape measure icon “Measure distances and areas”.

4. Click where you want to start the measurement.

5. Click on the corner and curves of a line/shape.

6. Double-click when finished drawing.

· The distance will be highlighted in blue on the map.

The area will also appear – if it is a shape.

Pre-planned routes with Google Maps

Google Maps can be customized to suit your needs. Pre-planning your routes with Google My Maps helps you get familiar with new routes; they can be shared with friends when traveling in the same location, while offline access provides reassurance and minimizes stress.

Now that we've shown you how to plan your rides, customize them, and save them, how useful did you find this feature? Do you use it frequently for your trips? Have you used it offline? If yes, did you arrive at your destination? Let us know your experiences with Google Maps in the comments section below.