MapDraft help and FAQ
Quick answers about drawing, measuring, saving and sharing maps with MapDraft.
Is MapDraft free?
Yes. MapDraft is a free beta with no account or sign-up. Features may change while it is in beta.
Do I need to create an account?
No. Open the site and start drawing. Your map is saved in your browser on your device.
Where are my maps saved?
In your browser's local storage on the device you are using. They are not uploaded to a MapDraft server. If you clear your browser data or switch device or browser, they are gone, so export or share a link for anything important.
How does sharing work?
Share creates a link that contains your whole map inside it. Anyone with the link can view it and make their own copy. Treat the link like a file you have emailed, and do not share maps with information you want to keep private.
How do I measure the area of a place?
Search for the place, choose Rectangle, Ellipse or Polygon, and draw around it. The area and perimeter appear instantly. See the guide on how to measure an area on a map.
How accurate are the measurements?
They are calculated from the points you place, so they depend on how carefully you draw and on the map underneath. They are good estimates for planning but are not survey-grade, so do not use them for legal boundaries or construction.
Can I import or export my map?
You can import GeoJSON, KML or CSV files (CSV with coordinates or addresses), or drop a file on the map. You can export the whole map as a PNG image, GeoJSON or KML from Settings.
Can I use MapDraft for hiking?
Yes. Draw or plan a trail, select it and press Elevation profile to see distance, climb, descent, the steepest section and an estimated hiking time. Turn on Terrain shading in the layers menu, choose the Topo map, and import or export GPX files for your phone or watch.
Can I use MapDraft for real estate?
Yes. Drop a pin on a property, give it an icon and add a radius. What’s nearby, a list of schools, parks, shops and transit around a pin, is coming soon. You can also compare Walk, Bike and Drive times, add icons to pins, and print or save the map as a PDF.
Can I import and export GPX files?
Yes. Import GPX tracks, routes and waypoints from the Map menu or by dropping the file on the map. Export your map as GPX from the same menu.
Can I search by coordinates?
Yes. Type latitude and longitude such as 47.6062, -122.3321 in the search box and press Enter. Degrees, minutes and seconds work too.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. MapDraft works in a mobile browser and you can draw with your finger.
Why does search sometimes say it is busy?
Place search uses a shared free service that can limit how many requests it handles. If you see the busy message, wait a minute and try again.
Does MapDraft use my location?
Only if you press the location button and allow it in your browser. Your position is used on your device to move the map and is not stored or sent to MapDraft.
How do I turn off the tips?
Open Settings and switch off Show tips.
How do I select several shapes at once?
Use the Select multiple tool (press S), then drag a box around shapes or tap them. On a computer you can also hold Shift and click. You can then move, recolour, duplicate or delete them together.
Can MapDraft plan a route?
Yes. Use the Route planner (press D), click the start, stops and destination. It follows real roads and paths and shows the distance and estimated time for Walk, Bike and Drive side by side. It is free, and it is not turn-by-turn navigation.
How do I send feedback?
Open Settings and choose Send feedback, or email hello@mapdraft.app.
More guides
MapDraft is a free beta. Areas and distances are estimates for planning and discussion, not survey-grade measurements.