# Colour whole areas or smaller districts

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colour-mode
Updated: 2026-10-03

A map can contain a broad boundary layer and a more detailed one. The Colour: control tells you which level a click will affect. The Detail: control describes the map product itself.

[Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSoytGAOJg0)

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

![Colour whole areas or smaller districts — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/colour-mode.png)

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

## 2. See the shape change colour

![After the click, YO17 has turned green to match the selected North team zone. The other shapes and the legend remain in place.](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/example-click-after.png)

After that click, YO17 belongs to North team and turns green. Continue clicking the map shapes you want in this zone. You only need to select a new legend name when you want to work on a different zone.

## 1. Colour: choose the boundary level

Click Colour: to choose which boundary level a click will affect. On UK postcode district or sector maps, zooming also changes the automatic mode between broad and detailed boundaries. On US state maps, your choice stays fixed while you zoom: choose States for a whole state, or Counties / ZIP codes for individual areas. Always read this label before coloring.

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

## 2. The whole-area warning

If smaller areas already have a mixture of territory colors and you try to color their whole parent area or state, the tool warns you before replacing that work. Choose Keep existing colours to leave it alone, or Colour whole area / Colour whole state to replace the assignments. On UK maps this can also happen after zooming changes the automatic mode.

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

## 3. After replacing a whole area

If you confirmed a replacement by mistake, use Undo straight away to restore the previous colors. To build a mixed territory, switch back to the smaller boundary level and color the individual districts, sectors, ZIP areas or counties instead.

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

## 4. Detail: see or choose another map

Opens a short explanation of the current boundary detail and a suggested more detailed map, where one exists. The preview/browse link opens another map choice; it is not a switch that adds new geometry to your current saved artwork. Save your current work before leaving.

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

## Related guides

- [Postcode areas, districts & sectors explained](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=postcode-guide)
- [START HERE: names, colours & territories](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colouring)
- [Map details: boundaries & place labels](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=details)
- [More Maps: find the right boundaries](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=more)
- [Warnings, confirmations & busy messages](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=messages)
- [Color a whole state; style its border and name](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-state-levels)