MrTechKing

2 min readFreemium

MapChart

MapChart is a free map maker where you colour in countries or states, add a legend and download the map as an image. A paid Plus plan adds an account and no ads.

// at a glance

Is MapChart free?
Freemium. Partly. MapChart has a free plan, with paid plans for more features or usage.
Category
#Fun
Website
mapchart.net ↗
Try MapChart ↗
MapChart logo

What is MapChart?

MapChart lets you make your own coloured map in the browser. You pick a map, click on countries, states or regions to colour them, write a short label for each colour in the legend, and download the result as an image. People use it for school projects, presentations, blog posts, travel maps of places they have been, alternate history scenarios and map games.

There are dozens of maps to choose from, including the world, every continent, US states and counties, UK counties, many single countries, World War 1 and World War 2 maps, and fantasy and game maps such as Westeros, Tamriel, Europa Universalis and Hearts of Iron IV. You can change colours, add patterns, hide areas and zoom in. Maps you make are licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0, so you can use them freely with a credit to MapChart. It is built by Minas, a self-taught developer from Greece, and has been running since 2014.

Main Features

  • Dozens of maps: world, continents, countries, US states and counties, and more
  • Click to colour any country, state or region
  • Add a legend and download the map as an image
  • Fantasy and game maps such as Westeros, Tamriel and Hearts of Iron IV
  • World War 1 and World War 2 maps, plus a separate historical map site
  • Colour schemes, colourblind friendly palettes and patterns
  • Free iOS and Android apps
  • Optional Plus plan with an account, saved maps and no ads

How to Get Started with MapChart

  1. Open mapchart.net in your browser.
  2. Pick a map, for example World or United States.
  3. Choose a colour and click countries or states to fill them in.
  4. Type a label for each colour in the legend.
  5. Click Download map to save it as an image.

MapChart Pricing

All maps and the main map-making tools are free. MapChart Plus costs USD 49.99 a year and adds your own account, saved maps and palettes, extra tools and no ads. There is no free trial, but there is a 14-day refund policy.

Who Should Use It?

  • Students making maps for school projects
  • Travellers who want a map of the places they have visited
  • Teachers and presenters who need a quick coloured map
  • Fans of alternate history and map games
  • Strategy gamers planning campaigns on game maps

MapChart Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MapChart free?

Yes. All maps and the main map-making tools are free. A paid Plus plan for USD 49.99 a year adds an account, saved maps, extra tools and no ads.

Can I use MapChart maps in my own work?

Yes. Maps you make are licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0, so you can use them for private or commercial work as long as you credit MapChart.

Does MapChart have historical maps?

Yes. It has World War 1 and World War 2 maps, and a separate Historical MapChart site for maps of other periods.

Is there a MapChart app?

Yes. There is a free official app for iOS and Android.

Who makes MapChart?

MapChart is built by Minas, a self-taught developer and map fan from Greece. It has been running since 2014.