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ZIP-format color grouping generator

Direct answer

What does this mapping tool do?

Paste “zip,color” rows or upload a CSV for format normalization and color grouping. This does not verify USPS assignment or Census ZCTA existence; the export contains no boundaries and is not a MapsMaker import format.

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Build a ZIP-format color grouping config. Paste rows below as zip,color (or upload a CSV). The JSON is a standalone grouping format; MapsMaker does not currently import this custom schema or infer ZIP boundaries. This checks string format only, not USPS assignment or Census ZCTA existence. Import supported GeoJSON when you have actual ZCTA polygons.

Upload CSV (optional)

Rows (3 correctly formatted values parsed)

Format: zip,color[,label] — one per line. Color can be hex (#0042e4) or CSS name. ZIP+4 codes auto-truncated to 5 digits.

Summary by color

#0042e4·2 values

#ef4444·1 values

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CSV + Sheets

Spreadsheet workflows

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Normalize ZIP-like strings and group colors

Paste 'zip,color' rows for format normalization. This does not verify that a code is assigned by USPS or represented by a Census ZCTA.

Auto-normalizes 4/5/9-digit ZIPs to standard 5-digit
Validates colors (hex or CSS names)
Groups your ZIPs by color for the export

Why this is a config, not a live map

ZIP Codes are USPS routing identifiers, while Census ZCTAs are generalized statistical polygons. This interim tool includes neither boundary dataset.

The 2020 Census defines 33,791 ZCTAs; not every ZIP Code has a ZCTA
The export contains ZIP/color groupings, not boundary geometry
Use compatible choropleth tooling or import ZIP/ZCTA GeoJSON into MapsMaker

Common use cases

ZIP choropleth is one of the most-requested map types.

Sales/service territory by ZIP
Delivery zone definition
Demographic or campaign targeting

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't it render the actual polygons?

This tool checks input format and color groupings only. The custom JSON is not a MapsMaker import format and contains no ZIP or ZCTA boundary geometry.

ZIP+4 (9-digit) codes?

We truncate to 5 digits — the standard for ZIP-level choropleth.

Does it verify real ZIP Codes?

No. It normalizes the string format but does not verify USPS assignment or whether a corresponding 2020 Census ZCTA exists.

How many ZCTAs are there?

The U.S. Census Bureau defined 33,791 ZCTAs for the 2020 Census. ZCTAs approximate ZIP Code distributions and are not USPS delivery boundaries.

Are non-US zip/postal codes supported?

v1 is US-only. Reach out if you need CA/UK/EU postal codes.

Is this tool free?

Yes — no signup required.

What CSV format?

zip,color,label (label optional). Header row is optional.

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