# Custom basemaps

_Last updated October 19, 2026_

> Make a basemap in your own colors, from one of squidmaps' basemaps, and use it on any of your maps.

> **Beta:** squidmaps is in beta. Features, the map spec and these docs may change without notice, and things may occasionally break. Export a copy of any map that matters to you, and tell us when something isn't right: use Beta feedback, or email support@squidmaps.io.

> **In progress:** This guide is being written. It outlines what it will cover.

## Make a custom basemap

1. In the editor, open the basemap at the bottom of the left panel.
2. Choose **Create a custom basemap**.
3. Pick the basemap to start from: Streets, Light, Gray or Dark.
4. Change its colors and save it.

You can also make one from the **Basemaps** tab on your profile.

## Colors you can change

Land and water, parks, buildings, roads and railways, boundaries, labels,
and symbols like highway shields, each shown on a live preview as you go. Hover the preview to see which control styles
what's under the pointer.

Some things can also be made fainter or turned off: buildings, roads,
railways, boundaries, labels, highway shields and points of interest.
Fewer, quieter details let your own features stand out.

## Examples

A few colors go a long way. Each of these changes a handful of controls on
one of squidmaps' basemaps.

```json
{
  "name": "Blueprint",
  "description": "Starts from Dark: deep blue land, navy water, pale blue roads, and no buildings.",
  "base": "dark",
  "customizations": {
    "land": { "color": "#1C3D63" },
    "water": { "color": "#0F2742" },
    "parks": { "color": "#22507A" },
    "buildings": { "visible": false },
    "highways": { "color": "#BFE0FF" },
    "major_roads": { "color": "#8EC1F0" },
    "streets": { "color": "#4D7DAD" },
    "road_outlines": { "color": "#1C3D63" },
    "city_labels": { "color": "#DCEBFA" },
    "neighborhood_labels": { "color": "#9CC3E8" },
    "street_labels": { "color": "#9CC3E8" },
    "water_labels": { "color": "#6E9CC9" },
    "label_outlines": { "color": "#0F2742" }
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "name": "Parchment",
  "description": "Starts from Light: cream land, muted teal water, sage parks and fainter streets, for a warm, quiet map.",
  "base": "light",
  "customizations": {
    "land": { "color": "#F3E9D2" },
    "water": { "color": "#9FC3BE" },
    "parks": { "color": "#C9D6A3" },
    "buildings": { "color": "#E6D8B8" },
    "highways": { "color": "#E2B66B" },
    "major_roads": { "color": "#FBF4E3" },
    "streets": { "color": "#FBF4E3", "opacity": 0.8 },
    "road_outlines": { "color": "#DDCDA8" },
    "city_labels": { "color": "#5B4632" },
    "neighborhood_labels": { "color": "#8A7259" },
    "street_labels": { "color": "#8A7259" },
    "water_labels": { "color": "#4F7F79" }
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "name": "Just the shape",
  "description": "Starts from Gray: little but land, water and faint highways, so your own features stand out.",
  "base": "gray",
  "customizations": {
    "land": { "color": "#F4F5F4" },
    "water": { "color": "#C9D3D9" },
    "areas": { "visible": false },
    "buildings": { "visible": false },
    "highways": { "opacity": 0.35 },
    "major_roads": { "visible": false },
    "streets": { "visible": false },
    "railways": { "visible": false },
    "street_labels": { "visible": false },
    "address_labels": { "visible": false },
    "shields": { "visible": false }
  }
}
```

> **Tip:** Start from the basemap closest to what you want: Dark for a dark map, Light or Gray for a quiet one. Then change only what you need.

## Use it on your maps

Custom basemaps are saved to your account, so you can choose them for any
of your maps. Changing one updates every map that uses it.

## Undo and redo

Use ⌘ Z and ⌘ Shift Z while editing a basemap.