Cloud-based maps styling now has a refreshed map style available for web and mobile. This update to map styling includes a new default color palette, modernized pins, and improvements to map experiences and usability. For more information, see
New map style for Google Maps Platform. To start using the new map colors with cloud-based maps styling, see
Update a map style to the latest version.
Design checklist
The following guidelines address common design
pitfalls when creating or editing a map style. Google recommends
you also consult with a graphic designer to assemble and review your design.
Make sure there is enough color contrast: Contrast helps keep the text
readable and helps distinguish certain map features. For details, see
Choose contrasting fill and stroke colors.
Check different zoom levels: Test that your style elements look good at
different zoom levels.
Avoid color combinations known to be problematic for colorblind users:
Make sure your design is usable for people who are colorblind.
Check Night mode: For mobile designs, make sure your design works with
Night mode.
Choose contrasting fill and stroke colors
Make sure there is enough contrast between fill and stroke colors to make sure
your map features are distinguishable from the background and from similar map
features.
Polygons for a line: Choose colors that contrast to show the detail on
a line. For example, trails are dotted lines, and if the colors don't
have enough contrast, it looks like a solid line. Highways are outlined on
the outer edges, so without contrast, they may look solid, and therefore
could be confused with other road types.
Polygons for a shape: Contrast helps you see the borders between
polygons that are next to each other.
Text stroke and fill: For text, the stroke is your outline color, which
helps to make the text readable against background colors. If the stroke
color is too similar to the fill color, your fonts may also appear blurry or
out of focus.
Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License, and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License. For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies. Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.
Last updated 2025-03-01 UTC.
[null,null,["Last updated 2025-03-01 UTC."],[[["These guidelines provide design best practices for creating or editing map styles, emphasizing clear contrast, zoom level considerations, and colorblind-friendly choices."],["Ensuring sufficient contrast between fill and stroke colors is crucial for distinguishing map features, like lines and polygons, from the background and each other."],["Text readability is enhanced by using contrasting stroke and fill colors, preventing blurriness and ensuring clarity against various backgrounds."],["It is recommended to test map styles at different zoom levels and in Night mode (for mobile) to ensure consistent visual appeal and functionality."],["Consulting with a graphic designer is advisable for comprehensive design assembly and review, supplementing these technical guidelines with professional aesthetic guidance."]]],["Map style design guidelines recommend consulting a graphic designer. Key actions include ensuring sufficient color contrast between fill and stroke colors for readability and feature distinction, especially in lines, shapes, and text. Test designs at various zoom levels and consider colorblind users. For mobile, verify compatibility with Night mode. Contrast helps avoid issues like solid lines appearing instead of dotted lines or blurry text. Platforms for customization include Android, iOS, JavaScript, and Web Service.\n"]]
