Guides
How to add filters to a map
Filters make maps usable. The trick is keeping categories simple and naming them the way visitors think.
Preview loads with your map
01
Filters that visitors actually use
Good filters let visitors narrow down to exactly what they need.
Groups for big buckets (Parking, Food, Hotels)
Tags for details (kid-friendly, free, wheelchair-accessible)
Keep naming consistent (avoid duplicates)
02
A quick taxonomy that doesn’t fall apart
Start small, keep groups distinct, and avoid overlapping names.
If you’re stuck: start with 4 groups and 8–12 tags
Avoid synonyms (don’t use both “Restroom” and “Bathrooms”)
Make groups mutually exclusive when possible; use tags for overlap
03
What the filter panel looks like for visitors
The filter panel adapts to screen size and updates the map instantly.
Groups appear as color-coded toggles — visitors tap to show/hide categories
Tags appear as clickable chips below the map or in the sidebar
The list view updates instantly when filters change
On mobile, filters collapse into a dropdown to save screen space
04
Common filter mistakes to avoid
A quick review of category names from a customer's perspective goes a long way.
Too many groups — keep it under 8, or visitors get overwhelmed
Overlapping names — don’t use both ‘Restrooms’ and ‘Bathrooms’
Internal jargon — name categories the way your visitors think, not your team
How it works
1
Create groups
Use groups for big buckets: Parking, Food, Hotels.
2
Add tags
Use tags for finer detail: wheelchair-accessible, free, kid-friendly.
3
Check public view
Open the public link and test filters on mobile.
Frequently asked questions
How many categories should I have?
Usually 3–8 groups. More than that becomes noise.
Are filters shareable?
Yes—filter state can be encoded in the URL.
Do filters work in embeds?
Yes—public and embed views support filters.
Should I show counts?
If you have enough volume, counts help. If you have small numbers, keep it clean.
Is MapsMaker free?
Yes — there’s a free plan with 1 map and 10 markers. Paid plans start at $15/month with a 7-day free trial. No credit card required.
Do I need coding skills?
No. MapsMaker is a visual editor — you click, type, and drag. The only ‘code’ is a single line of embed code you copy and paste into your website.
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