# Save, open & keep a separate copy Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface. Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save Updated: 2026-10-22 Saving keeps the editable map in your account. Downloading creates a file for use elsewhere. It is worth doing both when the map is ready to share. [Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4pMhr9bAb4) Some videos show an earlier layout. The written instructions below describe the current controls; this is a guide, not a video transcript. ![Save, open & keep a separate copy — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-save.png) Current controls with example details. Select a numbered circle for its explanation. Available options depend on your map and account. ## 1. Give your map a name The Save menu opens in Print View. Enter a recognisable file name, up to 35 characters. Include a place, purpose or version, for example “North delivery zones Sep”. This name identifies the saved map; it is separate from the title printed on the artwork. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--name) ## 2. Save map Stores the current editable map and all its settings. You stay in the editor and a saved confirmation appears in the Save menu. Saving an existing map updates that map; it does not create another file merely because its name changed. Wait for the confirmation before leaving. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--save) ## 3. Save copy Choose Save copy after the map has been saved once. A small box suggests a name ending in “copy”; change it to anything useful, then choose Save copy. The original is left untouched and you continue editing the new map. Cancel leaves the original name, identity and work unchanged. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--copy) ## 4. Rename without changing the map After saving once, choose Rename to change its saved name. This leaves the printed map title, map identity and existing links alone. You can also use Rename beside a map’s name on the saved-map page. Two maps can have the same name without overwriting each other, although distinct names are easier to recognise. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--rename) ## 5. Download choices The buttons under Download your map start PDF, PNG, JPG, SVG, CSV and PowerPoint exports, subject to access. The tool saves/prepares the map as part of the export process. Choose the file type for the job; see Download formats for the differences. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--formats) ## 6. Open Open goes straight to your saved-map manager if the current map has not changed since it was opened or saved. Otherwise, its panel asks whether to save changes before opening another map: Open & Save keeps the changes and opens the manager after saving succeeds; Open without saving opens it immediately without saving. Open stays highlighted while this panel is visible; click Open again to close it. Recovery copies are available from the link at the bottom of your account menu. If Open is unavailable, check that you are logged into the account that owns the maps. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--open) ## 7. New Starts a new map. If asked what to do with unsaved work, choose Save first if you need it, or cancel to carry on editing. Starting afresh is not a way to create a safe duplicate of the current map. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--new) ## 8. Use the On Google tab Use the On Google tab in the main toolbar to open the geographic preview. For current editing, return to Print View or Design; geographic background tiles are not part of the SVG artwork export. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=save#save--google) ## Related guides - [How to download your map as PDF, PNG, SVG or PowerPoint](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=downloads) - [Find, reopen & manage saved files](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=saved-files) - [Start afresh or switch maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=new-map) - [Your account, login & logout](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=account) - [Warnings, confirmations & busy messages](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=messages) - [Recover unsaved map work](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=recovery) - [Use the map on a phone or tablet](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=mobile-tablet)