# Excel import with your own colours

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

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

Paste matching postcode, territory and colour columns. Use the same colour consistently for every row belonging to the same territory.

[Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXFxOiq1m-A)

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

![Excel import with your own colours — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/excel-colours.png)

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

## 1. Postcodes

Paste one code per row, without headings. Copy all related columns from the same table so a sort or filtered selection does not put the wrong name beside a postcode.

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

## 2. Zone names

Supply the territory name for each row. Repeating a name groups those polygons together. Check spelling, spacing and punctuation if you expected one territory but see several similar names in the key.

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

## 3. Colours

Paste the matching supported colour names, or leave the colour column blank to use automatic colours. Use the colour-name catalogue in this dialog for predictable matches. If a colour column is supplied, keep its row count aligned with the other columns.

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

## 4. Choose and copy colour names

Use the quick colour choices or open Browse all colours. Search by name, then copy the chosen name into your spreadsheet or the Colours column. If automatic copying is unavailable, select the displayed text and copy it normally.

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

## 5. Extra legend text

The optional extra-text table uses the territory name in its first column and further columns for lines of notes. This is separate from the postcode assignment table. Leaving this section blank keeps existing details. You can also edit these notes later in Key Settings → Legend details.

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

## 6. Samples and copying help

The sample list applies a sample to the map when selected. The copying-help section illustrates how to copy columns from Excel. Use it if pasted data has ended up on one line or in the wrong column.

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

## 7. Import to map

Applies the import to the current map. Check the result and save it. The dialog’s Clear all command clears its draft fields; Cancel closes the dialog without running the import. Imported territory data can replace existing work, so keep a saved copy first.

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

## Related guides

- [Import Excel: postcode territories](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=excel)
- [Extra text beneath key entries](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=legend-details)
- [Get a spreadsheet ready for import](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=import-checklist)