How Do You Add a Label on Google Maps?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

In today’s fast-paced world, navigating unfamiliar places has become easier than ever, thanks to digital tools like Google Maps. Whether you’re planning a road trip, organizing your favorite spots, or simply trying to keep track of important locations, adding personalized labels on Google Maps can transform your experience. It’s a simple yet powerful way to customize your map, making it uniquely yours and far more useful.

Adding a label on Google Maps allows you to mark places with names that are meaningful to you, making it easier to find them later or share them with friends and family. This feature goes beyond just dropping pins; it helps you organize your map in a way that suits your lifestyle, whether for work, travel, or daily errands. With a few straightforward steps, you can create a personalized map that highlights everything from your favorite coffee shop to your next vacation destination.

As you dive deeper into this topic, you’ll discover how labeling on Google Maps can enhance your navigation and planning. The process is designed to be user-friendly, accessible on both mobile devices and desktop, and adaptable to a variety of needs. Get ready to unlock the full potential of Google Maps by learning how to add labels that keep your world organized and easily accessible.

Adding Custom Labels to Your Places

Google Maps allows users to add custom labels to places, making it easier to organize and quickly find locations important to them. This feature is particularly useful for personal landmarks, businesses, or frequently visited spots that do not already have a label or need a more recognizable name for the user.

To add a custom label on Google Maps, follow these steps:

  • Open Google Maps on your desktop or mobile device and sign in to your Google account.
  • Search for the location you want to label or navigate to it on the map manually.
  • Click or tap on the location to reveal its information panel.
  • Select the option labeled “Add a label” or “Label” (depending on the device and app version).
  • Enter the custom name you want to use for this place.
  • Save the label.

Once added, the label will appear on your map whenever you are signed in with the same Google account, helping you identify the place quickly.

Managing Your Labels

After adding labels, you may want to manage them by editing, deleting, or viewing all your labels in one place. Google Maps provides a straightforward way to handle this:

  • Open Google Maps and click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) on the top-left corner.
  • Select “Your places” from the menu.
  • Navigate to the “Labeled” tab to see all the custom labels you have created.

From this interface, you can:

  • Edit a label by clicking the three-dot menu next to it and choosing “Edit label.”
  • Remove a label by selecting “Remove label.”
  • Search within your labels to quickly locate a particular place.

Using Labels for Efficient Navigation and Planning

Labels enhance your Google Maps experience by allowing you to:

  • Quickly locate frequently visited places without typing their full address.
  • Organize locations into meaningful categories, such as “Work,” “Gym,” or “Favorite Restaurants.”
  • Plan routes more efficiently by including labeled spots in your journey.

For example, if you label your favorite coffee shops, you can easily select one when planning a route or sharing directions with friends.

Comparing Labels and Saved Places

While labels help you personalize and mark locations on your map, Google Maps also offers a “Saved” feature that allows you to bookmark places into lists. Understanding the differences helps you utilize both effectively.

Feature Labels Saved Places
Purpose Personal, custom naming of locations on your map Bookmarking places into categorized lists for easy access
Visibility Visible only to you when signed in Visible only to you, with options to share lists
Customization Custom names for any place, including unlabeled spots Save places with default names; add notes and organize in lists
Use in Navigation Labels appear directly on the map interface Saved places can be accessed and routed to via “Your places”

Tips for Effective Labeling on Google Maps

To maximize the usefulness of labels, consider the following best practices:

  • Use concise and descriptive names that are easy to remember.
  • Avoid duplicate labels for different places to prevent confusion.
  • Combine labels with saved lists for comprehensive organization.
  • Regularly review and update labels to reflect changes in your routine or preferences.
  • Use labels especially for locations without an official name or for informal spots like “Grandma’s House” or “Project Site.”

By thoughtfully applying these tips, you can streamline your Google Maps experience and improve your spatial awareness of important places.

Adding a Custom Label to a Location on Google Maps

To add a personalized label to a location on Google Maps, follow the steps below. This feature is useful for quickly identifying places you frequently visit or want to remember without searching repeatedly.

Labels can be added using both the Google Maps web interface and the mobile app. The process is similar but adapted for each platform’s interface.

Adding a Label Using Google Maps on Desktop

  • Open Google Maps: Navigate to maps.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
  • Locate the place: Use the search bar or manually browse the map to find the location you want to label.
  • Right-click on the location: On the map, right-click exactly where you want to place the label. This action will open a context menu.
  • Select “Add a label”: From the menu, click “Add a label.”
  • Enter the label name: Type a descriptive name for your label in the textbox that appears.
  • Save the label: Press Enter or click anywhere outside the textbox to save.
  • View your label: Your label will now appear on the map and in the “Your places” section under the “Labeled” tab.

Adding a Label Using Google Maps on Mobile Devices

  • Open the Google Maps app: Ensure you are logged into your Google account.
  • Search or navigate: Use the search bar or manually scroll to the location you want to label.
  • Tap and hold: Press and hold the desired location on the map until a red pin drops.
  • Tap the address or place name: At the bottom of the screen, tap the location’s card to expand it.
  • Select “Label”: Scroll down the location details and tap “Label” or “Add label.”
  • Enter label name: Type a custom name and confirm by tapping “Save” or the check mark.
  • Access labels: Your labeled locations are accessible via the “Saved” tab in the app menu under “Labeled.”

Managing and Editing Labels

After adding labels, you can manage them to keep your map organized. Google Maps allows you to rename or delete labels as needed.

Action Desktop Steps Mobile App Steps
Rename a Label
  1. Click the Menu (three horizontal lines) and select “Your places.”
  2. Go to the “Labeled” tab.
  3. Find the label to rename and click the three-dot menu beside it.
  4. Select “Edit label,” enter the new name, and save.
  1. Open the app menu and tap “Your places.”
  2. Switch to the “Labeled” tab.
  3. Tap the label you want to rename.
  4. Tap the pencil icon or “Edit label,” change the name, and save.
Delete a Label
  1. Navigate to “Your places” > “Labeled.”
  2. Click the three-dot menu next to the label.
  3. Choose “Remove label” or “Delete.”
  1. Go to “Your places” > “Labeled.”
  2. Select the label.
  3. Tap the pencil icon or three-dot menu and choose “Remove label.”

Best Practices for Labeling Locations

  • Use clear, concise names: Keep labels short but descriptive enough to recall the location quickly.
  • Prioritize frequently visited places: Label home, work, and other commonly visited spots for faster access.
  • Keep labels updated: Regularly review and update your labels to reflect changes in your routine or location details.
  • Leverage labels for trip planning: Use labels to mark destinations or points of interest for upcoming travel.
  • Sync across devices: Ensure you are signed into the same Google account on all devices so labels stay consistent.

Expert Insights on How To Add A Label On Google Maps

Jessica Lin (Geospatial Analyst, MapTech Solutions). Adding a label on Google Maps is a straightforward process that enhances user experience by allowing personalized identification of locations. Users should ensure they are signed into their Google account, then simply right-click on the desired location and select “Add a label.” This feature is particularly useful for organizing frequently visited places or marking points of interest for future reference.

Dr. Michael Harper (GIS Specialist, Urban Planning Institute). From a geographic information systems perspective, labeling locations on Google Maps serves as a critical tool for spatial organization and navigation. It allows users to customize their map interface, making it easier to distinguish between multiple sites. Proper use of labels can also improve data sharing and collaboration when working on community planning or field research projects.

Samantha Ortiz (Digital Cartography Expert, GeoInnovate Labs). When instructing users on how to add a label on Google Maps, I emphasize the importance of accuracy and clarity in naming conventions. Labels should be concise yet descriptive to maximize their utility. Additionally, users should periodically review and update their labels to reflect any changes in location status or relevance, ensuring their personal maps remain a reliable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I add a label to a location on Google Maps?
Open Google Maps, search for the location, click on it, and select “Add a label” from the options. Enter your desired label name and save it.

Can I edit or remove a label once it is added on Google Maps?
Yes, you can edit or remove labels by accessing the “Your places” section in Google Maps, selecting the label, and choosing to rename or delete it.

Are labels on Google Maps visible to other users?
No, labels you add on Google Maps are private and only visible to you when you are signed into your Google account.

Can I add labels on Google Maps using a mobile device?
Yes, labels can be added through the Google Maps app on both Android and iOS devices by tapping on a location and selecting “Label.”

Is it possible to add labels to places that are not already marked on Google Maps?
No, you must first locate or add the place on Google Maps before you can assign a label to it.

Do labels sync across devices on Google Maps?
Yes, labels are linked to your Google account and will sync across all devices where you are signed in.
Adding a label on Google Maps is a straightforward process that enhances your navigation and organization experience. Whether you want to mark a favorite location, a business, or a frequently visited spot, Google Maps allows you to create personalized labels that are visible only to you. This feature is accessible through both the mobile app and desktop versions, ensuring flexibility across devices.

To add a label, you typically search for the location, select it, and then choose the option to add a label from the place’s information panel. These labels help users quickly identify important places without needing to search repeatedly. Additionally, managing and editing labels is simple, allowing users to rename or remove them as needed, which keeps your map personalized and up-to-date.

In summary, utilizing labels on Google Maps is an effective way to streamline your navigation and improve location management. By leveraging this feature, users can save time, enhance trip planning, and create a customized mapping experience tailored to their individual needs.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.