How to Add Custom Icons to Google Maps

Mark important locations on Google Maps with custom icons

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 Fact Checked

If you want to make the placemarks on your custom Google Maps stand out, you can add custom icons. Adding icons to the Google Maps you've created allows you to label locations with personalized pictures. You can choose from hundreds of stylish icons in Google Maps or add icons from other locations. This wikiHow article teaches you the easiest way to add icons to your Google Maps.

Quick Steps

Add a marker to your preferred location.
Give it a name and save it.
Click the paint bucket icon on the marker.
Select an icon from the list, or click "Custom icon" to add your own.
Click OK to save the icon.

Steps

Download Article

Go to https://www.google.com/maps/about/mymaps/ in a web browser. Use any web browser on your computer, such as Chrome, Edge, or Safari. Unfortunately, you can't add icons to a Google map on a phone or tablet.
2
Click Get Started. If you're not already logged in, you'll be prompted to do so now. Once you're signed in, you'll be able to view this custom map anywhere you log into your Google account.
- If you don't have a Google account, you can create one by clicking Sign up.
Advertisement
Once you log in, you'll see a list of maps you've created and maps that were shared with you. Click a map to open it or click Create A New Map to make a new one.^{[1]
X
Research source}
4
Find the location where you want to add an icon. You can use the + and - buttons on the lower-right corner of the map to zoom in or out. Use your cursor to move up, down, left, or right of the map.
- Alternatively, search for a location using the search bar at the top of the page.
Click the "Add marker" icon (the pushpin) at the top of the map (right below the search text field), then click the area of the map you want to place it.
A pop-up box will appear as you place the pin. Type a name for the location (and an optional description), then click Save.
Hover your mouse cursor over the name of the marker in the left panel, then click the paint bucket icon beside it. Alternatively, click the pushpin on the map, then click the paint bucket icon below the marker's name.
8
Select an icon. Select an icon from the list, or click More Icons to choose from a larger library.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- To add a custom icon you've created, click Custom icon at the bottom of the icon library. You can then select a picture from the internet, your local storage, your Drive, a URL, your webcam, your photos, or something from Google Images.
9
Click OK to add your icon. Your custom icon is now added to your map in Google Maps.
- To view your custom map and icons when you're on the go, open the Google Maps app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, tap the Saved tab, then select Maps.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Custom images you upload will not appear on the preset icon list.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If there is a place missing on Google Maps, you can add it.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0