# Import marker boxes from postcodes

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

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

For a list of branches or customers, import the postcodes and matching labels together rather than placing each marker by hand.

[Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CkX_NQCjJQ)

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

![Import marker boxes from postcodes — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/markers.png)

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

## Marker boxes on the map

![A Thirsk depot marker has a blue label box above its location with an arrow pointing down to it. A Malton office marker uses a purple label below its point and a line call-out.](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/example-markers.png)

These are placed marker boxes: each label is connected to a location on the map. One uses an arrow with the text above the point; the other uses a line with the text below it. You can change the wording, text size, colours and call-out, and move a selected marker using Place on map.

## 1. Postcodes column

Paste one full postcode per line, without a heading row. Keep the order exactly the same as the labels in the neighbouring box. The count helps you spot a missing row.

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

## 2. Marker text column

Paste one matching label per line. For example, the first postcode and first label must describe the same branch. Avoid sorting just one column in your spreadsheet.

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

## 3. Import markers

Looks up the postcode locations and creates the marker collection from the paired columns. Check the resulting markers and any failure message. Use a saved copy before replacing an existing set of annotations.

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

## 4. Advanced import

Opens the modal importer with extra columns for size, colours, callout, position and London inset handling. Use it when individual rows need different styling or you want a reusable CSV file.

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

## Related guides

- [Marker Boxes: labelled places](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=markers)
- [Advanced marker import: every column](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=advanced-markers)