# Map Colours: page, labels & boundaries

Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface.

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours
Updated: 2026-10-22

These controls change the supporting artwork. Territory colours are changed beside their names in START HERE or in the map key.

[Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axV9l7lKqmc)

Some videos show an earlier layout. The written instructions below describe the current controls; this is a guide, not a video transcript.

![Map Colours: page, labels & boundaries — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/colours.png)

The current panel, with its options expanded where useful. Select a numbered circle to read its explanation.

## 1. Map Background

Changes the page/map background behind the polygons. A pale background keeps the territories prominent; a white background often suits a printed report. Click the swatch row to open the palette.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours#colours--background)

## 2. Map Border

Changes the outer page border colour. It does not change the lines between postcode areas. Those have their own controls below.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours#colours--border)

## 3. Map Title Text and Title Background

Set the lettering and bar behind the page title separately. Choose enough contrast for the title to remain readable at its final printed size.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours#colours--title)

## 4. Map Labels Text and District / Sector Labels

Change the lettering for the main map labels and the more detailed postcode labels separately. Mixed-boundary maps can also offer County Names, ICB Names or a similar extra layer. Only controls relevant to your map are shown.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours#colours--labels)

## 5. Area, District and other boundaries

Changes line colours for each available boundary layer. A darker outer area line and a lighter district line can make a busy map easier to understand. Change line thickness or hide a layer in Map details.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours#colours--boundaries)

## 6. Reset colours

Returns the page background, title, border, map label and boundary colours controlled here to their defaults. It is a reset of the supporting map styling, not a command to delete all your territory names and assignments. Save a copy first if you may want to return to your previous styling.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours#colours--reset)

### What this looks like

Current GBMaps controls with example maps and account details. Choose View larger to see the details.

![Find this tool in the menu — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-menu-labels.png?v=1792654464)

[**Find this tool in the menu**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colours#colours--background)

The current menu entry. Expand its options as described in the numbered instructions; extra controls appear when an item or data has been added.

## Related guides

- [Choose a colour](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=palette)
- [Map details: boundaries & place labels](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=details)
- [START HERE: names, colours & territories](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colouring)
- [Map Titles: title & key heading](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=titles)