Select platform: [Android](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android-sdk/map-ids/customize-maps-overview.md.txt "View this page for the Android platform docs.") [iOS](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/ios-sdk/map-ids/customize-maps-overview.md.txt "View this page for the iOS platform docs.") [JavaScript](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/map-ids/customize-maps-overview.md.txt "View this page for the JavaScript platform docs.") [Web Service](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/maps-static/map-ids/customize-maps-overview.md.txt "View this page for the Web Service platform docs.")

<br />

You have several options for customizing Google Maps Platform (GMP) maps. Most of
these methods require you to use a map ID to access several different map
customization features. You can also manually customize GMP
maps using JSON styling,

## Customize maps with map IDs

A map ID is a unique identifier that represents a single instance of a Google
Map. Map IDs are restricted to a single platform--JavaScript, Android, iOS, or
Static maps. You associate map IDs with a project, and can use map IDs to enable
features or manage or style maps on your websites and in your applications. For
details, see [Map ID overview](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/ios-sdk/map-ids/mapid-over.md.txt).

## Customize with map IDs and Cloud-based maps styling

With cloud-based maps styling, you use map IDs and map styles to create a
customized road map experience for your users. You can then update the style as
needed in the Cloud console, without having to update your apps' code. For
details, see [Cloud-based maps styling](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/ios-sdk/cloud-customization.md.txt).

## Customize maps manually with JSON styling

Manually customizing maps lets you style the normal map type, and does not
require a map ID. Any updates to the style require a code update. You cannot
combine manual map styling and cloud-based maps styling in the same app.

To customize a map manually using JSON styling, see

[Add a styled map](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/ios-sdk/styling.md.txt).