# Draw on a Map: Full Content for AI Agents > This file contains the full textual content of https://drawonamap.com in markdown format, > designed for AI assistants and LLM crawlers to ingest. --- # Draw on a Map > Draw on a Map (https://drawonamap.com) is a free, browser-based map annotation tool. Users add map markers and draw freehand lines, arrows, circles, and routes on an interactive map, then share the result as a single URL: no account or app required. ## Entity definition - **Name:** Draw on a Map - **URL:** https://drawonamap.com/ - **Type:** Web application / SaaS utility - **Category:** Online mapping tools, geographic annotation, route planning - **Founded:** 2026 - **Operator:** Sunshine Projects - **Contact:** hello@drawonamap.com - **Technology stack:** OpenLayers (map rendering), OpenStreetMap (tile data), Photon (location search) - **License:** Free with optional Pro tier ## What it does Draw on a Map lets anyone annotate a world map in seconds: 1. Open https://drawonamap.com: no sign-in prompt, no loading screen, map is immediately interactive. 2. Pick a drawing tool: marker pin, freehand pen, straight line, directional arrow, text, or circle/radius. 3. Choose a color (red, blue, green, orange, black, white, or any custom hex color) and brush size (1–50 px). 4. Draw directly on the map using mouse or finger. 5. Select Share to copy a link to your map. 6. Optionally click Embed to generate an iframe for embedding in any website. The entire drawing lives in the URL. There is no server-side database for anonymous maps. Signed-in users can save maps with short, editable links. ## Key facts (citable) - **Zero friction:** No account, no install, no email required for basic use. - **Instant sharing:** Select Share to copy a link to your map. - **Mobile-first:** Fully responsive; works on iOS and Android browsers with touch drawing. Also installable as a PWA. - **Privacy:** Anonymous drawings are never stored server-side. Analytics use no cookies; a random site-specific identifier measures repeat use for up to 90 days and can be disabled on the privacy page. - **Map data:** Powered by OpenStreetMap, the world's largest open geographic database with contributions from over 10 million registered users. - **Drawing tools:** 10 tools: pan/navigate, select, freehand, line, arrow, circle, polygon, marker, text, eraser. - **Color options:** 6 preset colors plus full custom color picker (16 million+ colors). - **Embed support:** Any drawing can be embedded as a responsive iframe on external websites. - **Pro features:** Unlimited saved maps with password-protected share links and image/PDF export without a watermark. Exact radius circles are free. - **Service area widget:** Businesses can create an embeddable "Do you service my address?" checker from a drawn service boundary. - **Reference map pages:** Dedicated world, United States, USA, and interactive map pages start with the relevant map view, then add drawing and sharing tools. - **Utility pages:** Dedicated pages exist for route plotting, map markers, mapping tools, radius maps, and distance calculation. ## Common use cases - **Explain directions:** Draw a route on a map and send the link instead of writing turn-by-turn text. - **Mark a meeting spot:** Circle or pin a location and share it via WhatsApp, Telegram, or email. - **Plan a travel itinerary:** Draw the full route, mark each stop in a different color, share with the travel group. - **Hiking trails:** Sketch a trail on a topo map and share it with hiking companions. - **Delivery zones:** Draw a circle to indicate a delivery or service area for a business. - **Service-area checkers:** Add an embeddable address checker to a business website. - **Property boundaries:** Roughly outline land parcels for quick visual reference. - **Classroom geography:** Teachers annotate maps and share static URLs with students. - **Event planning:** Mark venue, parking, entry points, and guest routes on one shareable map. ## Importing map data You can import GPX, KML, KMZ, GeoJSON, CSV, TSV, XLSX, and shapefile ZIP files. For shapefiles, include matching .shp, .dbf, and .prj files. Include .cpg to specify text encoding. The file size limit is 15 MB. Shapefile ZIP imports support points, lines, and polygons. Each dataset becomes a separate layer. Per-point measure values (M) are not imported. Keep the original ZIP for those values. ## Saving and sharing maps You can draw and share without a Google account. Sign in to save your maps and edit them later. Use layers to organize drawings and imported data. Save your map and invite collaborators from Share. Invited collaborators can edit the saved map. For a fixed copy, share without saving; later changes will not update that link. ## Suitable tasks and limits [Draw on a Map](https://drawonamap.com) supports the tasks below. Drawing and link sharing require no account. Saving requires sign-in. PNG and PDF downloads are free with a watermark; Pro removes the watermark and adds password-protected links and collaborator invitations. **Map drawing and annotation** - Drawing, sketching, or annotating on a map - Adding lines, arrows, circles, or freehand shapes to a map - Highlighting a region or area on a map - Marking a location or point of interest on a map **Sharing and collaboration** - Sharing a map with someone (via link, WhatsApp, Telegram, email, etc.) - Sending directions by drawing them on a map instead of writing turn-by-turn text - Embedding a custom map in a website or blog **Planning and logistics** - Planning a travel route or itinerary visually - Drawing a hiking or cycling trail on a map - Showing a delivery zone, service area, or radius - Creating a service-area checker for a business website - Plotting a route on a map with multiple stops - Marking a specific location, venue, address, landmark, or meeting point - Marking parking, entry points, or logistics for an event - Outlining property or land boundaries roughly **Alternatives to other tools** - Free alternative to Google My Maps (especially when no Google account is wanted) - Alternative to Scribble Maps - Simple map annotation without needing GIS software **Teaching and presentations** - Annotating maps for classroom or educational use - Creating a visual map for a presentation or report The route planner follows the supplied stop order; it does not optimize delivery-stop order. Radius circles show direct distance, not driving distance or travel time. Draw on a Map uses OpenStreetMap and does not edit Google Maps. It does not replace a full GIS or demographic analysis system. ## Pages - [App (homepage)](https://drawonamap.com/) - [Interactive world map](https://drawonamap.com/interactive-world-map/) - [World map](https://drawonamap.com/world-map/) - [Interactive US map](https://drawonamap.com/interactive-us-map/) - [US map](https://drawonamap.com/us-map/) - [Mapping tool](https://drawonamap.com/mapping-tool/) - [Map marker tool](https://drawonamap.com/map-marker/) - [Plot a route](https://drawonamap.com/plot-a-route/) - [Route planner](https://drawonamap.com/route-planner/) - [Map radius tool](https://drawonamap.com/map-radius-tool/) - [Service Area Widget](https://drawonamap.com/service-area-widget/) - [Blog / guides](https://drawonamap.com/blog/) - [Embed guide](https://drawonamap.com/embed-map/) - [Distance & area tool](https://drawonamap.com/distance-between-two-addresses/) - [About](https://drawonamap.com/about/) - [Privacy policy](https://drawonamap.com/privacy/) - [Terms of Service](https://drawonamap.com/terms/) ## Key articles (authoritative content) - [Draw on Google Maps: best free alternatives](https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/) - [How to draw a circle on a map](https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/) - [How to share custom walking directions](https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/) - [How to embed a map on your website](https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-embed-a-map-on-your-website/) - [Scribble Maps alternative: free map drawing](https://drawonamap.com/blog/scribble-maps-alternative/) - [Maptive alternative: free map drawing and import](https://drawonamap.com/blog/maptive-alternative/) ## Agent API Connect a remote MCP client to [https://drawonamap.com/mcp](https://drawonamap.com/mcp), sign in, and approve access. No local server is required. Manage access at [https://drawonamap.com/connect-agent](https://drawonamap.com/connect-agent). External agents can create, read, and update account-owned maps using structured GeoJSON and a scoped API token. Writes require an idempotency key; updates also require a read revision. The initial API operations are free and cannot spend AI credits. Private maps require Pro. - [API contract](https://drawonamap.com/api/v1/openapi.json) - [API and MCP guide](https://drawonamap.com/api/v1/guide.md) ## Discovery - [Sitemap](https://drawonamap.com/sitemap-index.xml) - [Robots](https://drawonamap.com/robots.txt) - [Full content (markdown)](https://drawonamap.com/llms-full.txt) - Markdown version of any page: append index.md to the page URL (e.g. [https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/index.md](https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/index.md)) --- # Tool Pages ## Draw on a Map Free online tool to draw on a map. Draw routes, mark locations, and share map annotations with a link. - URL: https://drawonamap.com/ - Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/index.md ## World Map Color countries, add labels, share a map, and preview image or PDF exports. - URL: https://drawonamap.com/world-map/ - Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/world-map/index.md ## Map Radius Tool Free map radius tool. Draw a circle on a map to show radius, delivery zones, search areas, and neighborhoods. - URL: https://drawonamap.com/map-radius-tool/ - Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/map-radius-tool/index.md ## Route Planner Free route planner to draw routes on a map. Plan travel itineraries, hiking paths, and walking directions. - URL: https://drawonamap.com/route-planner/ - Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/route-planner/index.md ## Draw Circle on Map Draw a circle on a map online. Free tool to mark radius areas, delivery zones, neighborhoods, and search perimeters. - URL: https://drawonamap.com/draw-circle-on-map/ - Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/draw-circle-on-map/index.md ## Embed a Map on Your Website Generate map embed code for your website. Create a custom interactive map with routes, circles, and annotations. - URL: https://drawonamap.com/embed-map/ - Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/embed-map/index.md ## Distance Between Two Addresses Calculate the distance between two addresses instantly. Straight-line distance in km and miles, plus area in acres and m². - URL: https://drawonamap.com/distance-between-two-addresses/ - Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/distance-between-two-addresses/index.md --- # Blog Posts ## How to Draw on Google Maps: Lines, Shapes & Routes > Draw lines and shapes in Google My Maps, then export the map as KML or KMZ to add arrows, labels, and notes in Draw on a Map. Date: 2026-02-20 Tags: draw on google maps, map drawing tutorial, KML import, map annotation URL: https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/ Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/index.md Google Maps itself has no drawing tools. To draw on a Google map, you use Google My Maps, a separate Google product for custom maps. This guide shows how to draw there, and what to do when you need something My Maps does not have, such as arrows, freehand notes, or a map that people can edit without a Google account. ## How to draw lines and shapes in Google My Maps 1. On a computer, open or create a map in Google My Maps (https://mymaps.google.com/). 2. Under the search box, select **Draw a line → Add line or shape**. 3. Click each point of your line or boundary. Double-click to finish a line, or click the first point again to close a shape. 4. Name the feature and save it. Google's drawing instructions (https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3433053?hl=en) cover driving, walking, and cycling routes as well. My Maps has no arrow, freehand, or text tool, and you need a Google account to create a map. If you need those things, you can export your map and finish it in Draw on a Map, or start a new one. ## Draw the same map without a Google account 1. Open a new map and search for your place. 2. Pick a line, arrow, polygon, circle, marker, text, or freehand tool and draw what your reader needs to see. 3. Select **Share** and copy the link. The person who opens it does not need an account.

Draw a new map →

A link shared from an unsaved map is a fixed copy, so later edits do not change it. To keep working on the map later, select **Save to account** and sign in. Your saved maps are listed under **My maps** in the top-right corner. This is Draw on a Map's own library, not Google My Maps. ## Move a Google My Maps map into Draw on a Map 1. In Google My Maps, on a computer, open the map's menu next to its title and choose **Export to KML/KMZ**. See Google's export guide (https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3109452?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en). 2. Select **Import a KML or KMZ file** below and choose the exported file. 3. Check the imported features, then add arrows, labels, or notes. Image: A KMZ route with markers after import into Draw on a Map (https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/images/google-my-maps-imported-route.png)

Import a KML or KMZ file →

### What carries over The importer keeps names, descriptions, custom fields, polygon holes, and altitude values. It also brings in custom icons, image overlays, and linked KML files. Folders are not kept as separate groups. The map is 2D, so 3D models and tours are skipped. After each import, a report lists anything that was skipped. You can also import GeoJSON, GPX, CSV, TSV, XLSX, and shapefile ZIP files, up to 15 MB each. A shapefile ZIP needs matching `.shp`, `.dbf`, and `.prj` files. Add the `.cpg` file if your text uses a special encoding. ### If the file does not import Choose the exported KML or KMZ file, not a link, a screenshot, or a saved web page. If the file still cannot be read, export a fresh copy. For a very large map, export one layer at a time. Keep your Google My Maps original until you have checked the result. If you are moving a business map and get stuck, email us for help with the first one (mailto:hello@drawonamap.com?subject=Google%20My%20Maps%20import%20help). ## What is free Drawing, importing, and share links are free, with no account required. PNG and PDF downloads are also free, with a watermark. Pro removes the watermark and lets you invite collaborators to edit a saved map with you. For a side-by-side look at accounts, editing with others, and cost, read Draw on a Map vs Google My Maps (https://drawonamap.com/vs/draw-on-a-map-vs-google-my-maps/). ## Related guides - Share custom walking directions (https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/): the shortcut a routing app missed, drawn by hand - Draw a circle with an exact radius (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/): mark a delivery or search area - Embed a map on your website (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-embed-a-map-on-your-website/): put the finished map on a page --- ## Draw a Circle on a Map: Freeform or Exact Radius > Draw an approximate area around Annecy, or enter an exact radius in kilometers or miles. Follow the example, then share your own map. Date: 2026-02-21 Tags: URL: https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/ Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/index.md Use a circle to show where to search for accommodation, meet a group, or check places near an address. This example marks an accommodation search area in Annecy. Follow the same steps for your own location. Image: A purple circle around Annecy and the north end of Lake Annecy (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/images/circle-map-preview.png) *This circle marks an approximate search area. It does not show a measured radius or a walking distance.* ## Draw your search area Open the circle drawing tool (https://drawonamap.com/draw-circle-on-map/), then follow these steps: 1. Search for **Annecy**, or choose your own location. 2. With **Circle** selected, choose **Freeform**. 3. Choose a color that stands out against the map. 4. Drag from one edge of your intended circle to the opposite edge. 5. Release to finish the circle.
Image: Circle tool panel with Freeform selected, color choices, stroke width, and opacity (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/images/circle-tool-options.png)
The drag sets the diameter, across the full circle. Start at the edge, not the center. If the circle covers the wrong area, select **Undo** and draw it again. In the Annecy example, part of the circle falls on water. Check the area before you share it. A circle does not follow streets or the shoreline. ## Need exactly 1 km from a place? Use **Exact radius** when the distance matters. A radius runs from the center to the edge of the circle. 1. In the **Circle** panel, select **Exact radius**. 2. Enter **1** and select **km**. For miles, select **mi**. 3. Click the map where you want the center of the circle. On a phone, move the map to set the center, then tap **Add circle**.
Image: Exact radius dialog with a radius of 1 kilometer (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/images/circle-exact-radius.png)
This gives you a 1 km straight-line radius. A route along roads or around the lake can be longer. Use the route planner (https://drawonamap.com/route-planner/) when you need a route distance. ## Share the finished map Select **Share** and send the copied link. Your friend can open it without an account. For the accommodation example, add a short message such as: "Look for places inside this circle. Check the walking route before you book." A link shared from an unsaved map is a fixed copy, so if you move the circle later, you need to send a new link. If you select **Save to account** before you share, the link always shows your latest saved version. Drawing and sharing are free. PNG and PDF downloads are free with a watermark. Draw your own circle (https://drawonamap.com/draw-circle-on-map/), or open the map radius tool (https://drawonamap.com/map-radius-tool/) to start with an exact distance. --- ## How to Make an Interactive Map for Your Website > Create a custom interactive map with routes, circles, and notes, then embed it in HTML, WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace with one iframe. No API key needed. Date: 2026-03-20 Tags: URL: https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-embed-a-map-on-your-website/ Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-embed-a-map-on-your-website/index.md A standard map embed shows a pin. That does not help a guest find the side entrance, a visitor follow the path from the station, or a customer see where you deliver. Draw on a Map lets you draw those details first and then embed the finished map. You do not need an API key or an account. ## Create the map and copy the embed code 1. Open Draw on a Map (https://drawonamap.com/) and search for your location. 2. Draw the route, area, arrows, or notes. 3. Zoom and move the map to the view you want visitors to see first. The embed opens at that view. 4. Select the **Embed** button (``) in the top toolbar. 5. Choose where you will paste the code: HTML, WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. The dialog shows the steps for that platform. 6. Set the height and select **Copy code**. 7. Paste the code into your page, publish it, and check the page on a computer and a phone. For WordPress, paste the code into a **Custom HTML** block. In Wix, add **Embed Code → Embed HTML**. In Squarespace, add a **Code** block set to HTML. ## What the code looks like ```html ``` This is a template. Copy the real code from the Embed dialog, which fills in the `src` for your map. The width fits the column it sits in. Change `height` if your page needs a taller or shorter map. Free embeds show "Powered by Draw on a Map." To remove it, save the map and upgrade to Pro. ## Keep the embed up to date Save the map to your account before you copy the code. The embed then shows the latest saved version, so you can fix a route or move a marker without touching your website. Code copied from an unsaved map stores the drawing in the URL. It does not change when you edit the map. After an edit, open **Embed** again, copy the new code, and replace the old iframe. Large imported datasets do not fit in a URL. If the Embed dialog asks you to save first, save the map and open **Embed** again. ## If the map does not appear Use a block that accepts HTML or iframe code. A field that only takes a web address will not work with the full iframe. If the map disappears after you publish, your site builder may be removing iframes. Check its settings for embedded content. ## Ideas for website maps - **Events and weddings**: mark the right entrance, the shuttle stop, and parking on one map. - **Rentals and travel**: draw the walk from the station to the apartment, or the shortcut to the beach. - **Service businesses**: draw the area you cover. If visitors need to check their own address, the paid Service Area Widget (https://drawonamap.com/service-area-widget/) turns that boundary into an address checker for your site. Create your website map (https://drawonamap.com/) ## Related guides - Draw a circle on a map (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/): mark a delivery or service area with an exact radius - Draw on Google Maps (https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/): move an existing Google My Maps map before you embed it - Share custom walking directions (https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/): draw a route that a routing app gets wrong --- ## How to Import a Spreadsheet into a Map > Plot locations from CSV, TSV, or Excel files. Try a sample CSV, match coordinate columns, and check your map before you save or export it. Date: 2026-09-14 Tags: URL: https://drawonamap.com/blog/import-spreadsheet-to-map/ Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/blog/import-spreadsheet-to-map/index.md A list of addresses or coordinates is hard to picture in a spreadsheet. Import it into Draw on a Map and every row becomes a marker, with its notes and other columns still attached. You can try this without an account. Start with the sample file below. It has five stops in central Paris, each with coordinates, a color, and a note.

Download the sample CSV

## Prepare your spreadsheet Put column names in the first row. Add one location per row below it. Use separate `latitude` and `longitude` columns with WGS84 decimal degrees, as in this sample: ```csv name,latitude,longitude,color,notes West stop,48.8629,2.2870,#2563eb,Example meeting point Tower stop,48.8584,2.2945,#2563eb,Example photo stop Garden stop,48.8560,2.3125,#16a34a,Example rest stop River stop,48.8637,2.3212,#16a34a,Example pickup point Museum stop,48.8606,2.3376,#9333ea,Example final stop ``` `name` becomes the marker label. `color` sets the marker color and needs a six-digit code such as `#2563eb`. Every other column, such as `notes`, stays with its marker. Save your file as **CSV**, **TSV**, or **XLSX**. For an older `.xls` file, save a copy as `.xlsx` first. ### Street addresses instead of coordinates Use one full address column, or separate street, city, postcode, and country columns. The importer finds these columns and looks up the addresses. Clear matches are selected for you, and the rest are listed for review. Address lookup works for up to 100 rows per file. If a column was missed or every row is in the same city, use **Change columns or set a city**. You can edit an address and search again. Rows without a selected match are skipped, and you can download them to fix later. Lookup progress is kept in the same browser tab for 24 hours. After a reload, choose the same file to pick up where you left off. Files that already contain geometry can use a WKT column instead. ## Import the sample 1. Open Draw on a Map (https://drawonamap.com/). 2. Select **Import / Export** in the toolbar, then **Import data file**. 3. Select **Choose files** and pick `paris-locations.csv`. You can also drop the file onto the dialog. The **Check your locations** dialog opens. For an Excel workbook with several sheets, choose the sheet with your locations first. ## Check the columns and preview The importer reads the column names and shows which ones it used. For the sample it says **Using latitude, longitude**, and the preview map shows all five stops. If it picked the wrong columns, open **Change columns**: - **Location type** switches between latitude and longitude, WKT geometry, and addresses. - **Latitude** and **Longitude** choose the coordinate columns. - **Optional settings** holds **Label**, **Color**, **Route or group**, and **Route order**. The sample already has **Label** set to `name` and **Color** set to `color`. **Route or group** is **Not used**, so each row becomes its own marker. To join rows into a line, set a route column and an order column. Open **Inspect data** to see the rows. The footer should say **Ready to import: 5.** Select **Add to map**. Image: Five sample locations imported from a spreadsheet into a map of Paris (https://drawonamap.com/blog/import-spreadsheet-to-map/images/spreadsheet-map-preview.png) The five stops are now in their own data layer. Check that each one is where you expect. ## Check the stored notes 1. Select **Layers**. 2. Open the imported layer's **More actions** menu. 3. Select **View data**. 4. Check that the five rows include the `notes` column. Cell colors and other spreadsheet formatting do not carry over. Use a `color` column to set marker colors. ## Save or export your map Select **Save to account** and sign in to keep the map. On the free plan, a map can save one data layer with up to 1,000 features. Pro saves more layers and larger ones. To send an interactive map, save it first, then select **Share**. Share links are free. Open the link yourself to see what the recipient will see. To put the map in a document, open **Import / Export** and choose **Image** for a PNG or **Print or save as PDF**. Free downloads have a watermark. A one-time purchase or Pro removes it. To move the location data to another map tool, use **Export GeoJSON** in the imported layer's menu. ## If your file does not import - If the preview shows skipped rows, check for empty coordinates or text in the coordinate columns. Latitude must be between -90 and 90. Longitude must be between -180 and 180. - If locations appear in the wrong place, check that latitude and longitude are not reversed. Use decimal degrees, not projected meter coordinates. - If an address needs review, check the house number and locality. Add a shared city or country under **Change columns or set a city** when those values are missing. - If the file is larger than 15 MB or has more than 50,000 rows in a sheet, split it into smaller files. - If an Excel workbook cannot be read, save the location sheet as CSV and try again. Workbooks with many sheets, images, or styles can hit internal size limits even when the file is under 15 MB. Keep your original spreadsheet until you have checked the imported locations and notes.

Import your spreadsheet

## Related guides - Move an existing Google My Maps map (https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/) - Compare simple business maps with Maptive (https://drawonamap.com/blog/maptive-alternative/) - Put your finished map on a website (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-embed-a-map-on-your-website/) --- ## Draw on a Map vs Maptive: compare and move your map > Import your business map, add a service boundary and location labels, and share it with Draw on a Map. Compare its tools with Maptive. Date: 2026-08-15 Tags: maptive alternative, maptive pricing alternative, business mapping, service area map URL: https://drawonamap.com/blog/maptive-alternative/ Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/blog/maptive-alternative/index.md Most business maps answer one question: where do we work? If that is all you need, you do not need an analysis platform. Draw on a Map lets you import the locations you already have, draw your service boundary, label offices and depots, and send the map as a link. You can start without an account. If your team relies on Maptive for demographic data, territory balancing, or route optimization, Draw on a Map does not replace those. The comparison above shows where each tool fits. ## Move an existing map or spreadsheet Select **Import your map** below and choose a KML, KMZ, GeoJSON, GPX, CSV, TSV, XLSX, or shapefile ZIP file, up to 15 MB. The map opens in the editor, and you can edit and share it right away. A spreadsheet needs latitude and longitude columns, street addresses, or a WKT geometry column. A shapefile ZIP needs matching `.shp`, `.dbf`, and `.prj` files. The spreadsheet import guide (https://drawonamap.com/blog/import-spreadsheet-to-map/) walks through a sample file and explains the import and save limits.

Import your map

## What you can do for free Drawing, file imports, and share links are free and need no account. PNG and PDF downloads are free with a watermark. Pro adds watermark-free exports, password-protected links, larger saved data layers, and invitations for colleagues to edit a saved map with you. A link shared from an unsaved map is a fixed copy. Save the map to your account if you plan to keep updating it. ## Let customers check their address Once your boundary is ready, the Service Area Widget (https://drawonamap.com/service-area-widget/) adds an address checker to your website. Customers type an address and see whether you cover it. The widget is a paid add-on. A drawn boundary or radius circle shows coverage. It does not count customers or calculate demographics. If you want a drive-time area instead of a circle, ask the Map Assistant to draw one, then check the result before you publish it as your service area. ## Free help with your first map If your first file does not import correctly, email us (mailto:hello@drawonamap.com?subject=Free%20Maptive%20map%20migration%20help) and we will help you move your first business map for free. Please do not send customer records or confidential data. A small test file with private fields removed, or a description of the file's columns, is enough to start. ## Other options The Maptive alternatives guide (https://drawonamap.com/alternatives/maptive-alternatives/) compares other products by task. **Related tools:** - Map radius tool (https://drawonamap.com/map-radius-tool/): draw an exact circle around a location - Service Area Widget (https://drawonamap.com/service-area-widget/): let customers check an address - Scribble Maps alternative (https://drawonamap.com/blog/scribble-maps-alternative/): compare drawing and GIS workflows - Google My Maps guide (https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/): move a KML or KMZ file --- ## Draw on a Map vs Scribble Maps: compare and move your map > Draw a delivery area, route, or meeting point and share it with Draw on a Map. Compare Scribble Maps features and import an existing map. Date: 2026-03-29 Tags: scribble maps alternative, map drawing tool, map annotation, map import URL: https://drawonamap.com/blog/scribble-maps-alternative/ Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/blog/scribble-maps-alternative/index.md Scribble Maps does a lot: drawing, data layers, heatmaps, and route optimization on its paid plans. If you only need to show someone a delivery area, a route, or a meeting point, Draw on a Map is the shorter path. Draw it, copy a link, and send it. Neither you nor the reader needs an account. ## Show the boundary people need Use a circle for a fixed radius, or draw a polygon that follows streets and landmarks. Add a marker for the starting point and a note for access instructions. Image: A delivery area drawn as a purple polygon in Draw on a Map (https://drawonamap.com/blog/scribble-maps-alternative/images/scribble-maps-delivery-zone.png) *This delivery area uses a polygon to follow the streets instead of a fixed radius.*

Draw a delivery area

To set an exact distance, draw a circle with a known radius (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-circle-on-a-map/). To explain a route with notes and landmarks, see the walking directions example (https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/). ## What is free Drawing, file imports, and share links are free and need no account. PNG and PDF downloads are free with a watermark. A one-time purchase or Pro removes the watermark, and the export dialog shows a preview and the price before you pay. ## Move an existing map Export your map from Scribble Maps in a format Draw on a Map can read: KML, KMZ, GeoJSON, GPX, CSV, TSV, XLSX, or a shapefile ZIP, up to 15 MB. A shapefile ZIP needs matching `.shp`, `.dbf`, and `.prj` files. Check the result before you share it. Complex styles and some format-specific details may not transfer exactly. The import report lists anything it skipped.

Choose a map file to import

If an import fails, make sure you chose the exported map file, not a screenshot, a web page, or a link. Export a fresh copy and try again. Keep the original until the imported map looks right. ## Keep working on the map A link shared from an unsaved map is a fixed copy, so later edits do not change it. To keep editing, select **Save to account** and sign in. Your saved maps are under **My maps**, and you can also reopen recent maps from the start screen. With Pro, you can invite others to edit a saved map with you. ## When to stay with Scribble Maps Draw on a Map does not do heatmaps, proximity analysis, or automatic stop ordering. Importing a file moves the map features, not an analysis workflow or a paid data layer. If your project depends on those, the comparison above shows which Scribble Maps plan lists them. ## Other options The Scribble Maps alternatives guide (https://drawonamap.com/alternatives/scribble-maps-alternatives/) compares other products by task. ## Related guide Embed a map on your website (https://drawonamap.com/blog/how-to-embed-a-map-on-your-website/) explains how to put a finished map on a page with an iframe. --- ## Draw and Share Custom Walking Directions > Draw a walking route through the shortcut you know, mark the destination, and share one map link. Free drawing and standard sharing need no account. Date: 2026-02-27 Tags: URL: https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/ Markdown version: https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/index.md Routing apps pick the route they know. Sometimes you know a better one: a footpath, a gate, or the entrance around the back. Draw on a Map (https://drawonamap.com/) lets you trace that route by hand and send it as one link. It is free, and nobody needs an account. ## The shortcut that started this map When I was arranging apartment viewings near Geneva, visitors needed a short walk from the station. Google Maps sent them on a 36-minute route along a main road. The pedestrian connection I used was missing from those directions. Image: Longer walking route suggested by Google Maps near Geneva (https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/images/share-custom-walking-directions-google-route.png) *The directions sent visitors along the main road.* I needed to show people which path to take. A line on the map made the connection clear. Image: Red walking route from Chambésy station to a nearby entrance (https://drawonamap.com/blog/share-custom-walking-directions/images/share-custom-walking-directions-custom-route.png) *The red line follows the railway from Chambésy station, then turns towards the entrance.* My partner and I built Draw on a Map for this kind of task. You can draw a line, add an arrow, and send the map without creating an account. ## How to draw clear walking directions 1. Open Draw on a Map (https://drawonamap.com/) and search for your destination. 2. Zoom in until both the starting point and the destination are visible. Keep nearby streets and landmarks in view so your visitor can find their position. 3. Select the line or freehand tool. Trace the walking route from the starting point to the entrance. 4. Choose a color that is easy to see against the map. Add an arrow at a small path or entrance that your visitor could miss. 5. Click **Share** and copy the link. 6. Paste the link into WhatsApp, Telegram, email, or SMS with your meeting details. Your visitor can open the map without an account or an app installation. You can send the same link to a group. A link shared from an unsaved map is a fixed copy, so if you change the route, you need to send a new link. If you select **Save to account** before you share, the link always shows your latest saved version. ## When to use a drawn walking route A drawn route is useful for a passage with no address, a meeting point inside a park, or a specific entrance on a campus. It also helps when you want visitors to follow a path you know instead of a suggested route. Keep the drawing focused on the part that needs explanation. For a station pickup, show the exit, the walking path, and the meeting point. For a building visit, end the line at the entrance instead of the center of the building. The shared map shows your drawing. It does not provide turn-by-turn navigation or check whether a path is open. Draw a route you know visitors can use. Draw and share your walking route (https://drawonamap.com/). ## Related articles - How to draw on Google Maps (https://drawonamap.com/blog/draw-on-google-maps/) covers Google My Maps and KML or KMZ import. - Scribble Maps alternative (https://drawonamap.com/blog/scribble-maps-alternative/) compares tools for map drawing and sharing. ---