Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about cost, files, routes and privacy.
The basics
Is PinCountryMap really free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and no payment. To keep the service fast for everyone, there is a fair-use limit on downloads per hour, and normal use will not reach it.
Do I need an account?
No. Open the Map Studio and start. Nothing is tied to a login.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. On a phone the tools sit in a bottom panel you can slide away, and you can tap the map to add points.
Which map views are available?
Satellite, Terrain and Light.
Adding places and drawing
What coordinate formats work?
Decimal degrees (33.7295), degrees-minutes-seconds (33°43'46"N) and N, S, E, W letters. Latitude always comes first.
Can I import from Excel?
Yes. Import an Excel (.xlsx, .xls) or CSV file with columns for name, latitude, longitude and an optional category. A preview flags rows with problems, and you can download an error report. See the Excel guide.
Can I plot street addresses?
Not directly. PinCountryMap plots coordinates, so convert addresses to latitude and longitude with a geocoding tool first.
Can I draw a route or an area?
Yes. Use Draw route or Draw area in the Studio, click or tap to add points, and give any stop an icon and a note such as "Hotel here". Routes are saved in project files and drawn on the downloaded image.
Can I highlight a country or cities?
Yes. Choose a country to show only that country, then add city highlights, each in its own colour. With a country selected the PNG is transparent and trimmed to its outline.
Downloads
What image quality can I download?
Standard matches the screen, High quality doubles the resolution and Print quality triples it.
Can I publish the images I make?
In most cases yes. Keep the credit line that is added to every image. The map data comes from Esri and OpenStreetMap contributors under their own terms, so check the Credits and Terms pages before commercial use.
Privacy and problems
Is my data stored or uploaded?
No. Your locations and files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our servers. Saved project files go to your own device. The Privacy page lists the few services your browser contacts to draw the map.
Are the borders official?
No. Boundaries are simplified for speed and display, and where borders are disputed the lines shown do not express any opinion on status. See the Disclaimer.
Why is the map not loading?
Maps need an internet connection. Try again in a moment, and if it still fails, contact us with your device and browser.
Still stuck? Write to us or open the Map Studio.