# USA 5-digit ZIP maps: choose a state

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-maps
Updated: 2026-09-30

There is a separate editable 5-digit ZIP Code map for each of the 50 states. You can open and try one before buying it. A ZIP Code is a shape you can colour, not just a number printed on the map.

![More Maps panel with USA 5-digit ZIP Codes category available](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/more.png)

Open USA 5-dig. ZIP-Codes in More Maps to see individual states and the Combine Multiple States button.

## 1. Find a state in More Maps

Open More Maps, then USA 5-digit ZIP Codes. Choose the state you want. The names in this list are shortened so they fit neatly; each opens the full 5-digit ZIP polygon map.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-maps#usa-zip-maps--find)

## 2. Start with the map fitted to the page

The map opens centred and sized for the page, allowing for the title box. Tall states normally start on a portrait page and wide states on a landscape page. You can still change the page orientation or move and zoom the map yourself.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-maps#usa-zip-maps--start)

## 3. Colour ZIP areas and edit the key

Add a name in START HERE, click that name in the key, then click ZIP shapes to give them that territory colour. The 5-digit labels help you identify the shapes. Save your work once you have access; trial mode is for trying and customising the map before purchase.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-maps#usa-zip-maps--colour)

## 4. Keep all five digits

ZIP Codes beginning with 0 must keep their first zero. If you prepare a spreadsheet for import, store the ZIP column as text so it does not turn a five-digit code into four digits.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-maps#usa-zip-maps--leading-zero)

## Related guides

- [Combine US states: try first, buy when ready](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-combine)
- [ZIP labels, place names and dots](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-details)
- [Buying US ZIP maps and seeing US prices](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-billing)
- [More Maps: find the right boundaries](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=more)