# Key Settings: layout & visibility

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

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

The key explains the territory colours. Keep it large enough to read, but small enough to leave useful space for the map. To change the order of its entries, simply drag a name up or down in the key; the others rearrange automatically.

[Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qs9vmGI5Ko)

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

![Key Settings: layout & visibility — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/key.png)

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

## 1. Show key on map

Untick to hide the key without deleting its names, colours or territory assignments. Tick it again to bring it back. This is useful when the map will sit beside a separate explanation in a report.

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

## 2. Portrait key

Arranges the entries vertically. It is usually the clearest option for long names, extra text or statistics. This changes the key layout, not the page orientation.

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

## 3. Landscape key

Arranges entries across the key. Use the rows selector that appears to choose between one and six rows. More rows make the key less wide; fewer rows make it shallower. Check longer names and any extra details after changing the layout.

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

## 4. Legend details…

Opens the editor for extra lines beneath each territory name. Use these for a contact name, telephone number, depot address or a short note. The entry names and territory assignments stay as they are.

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

## 5. Reset position

Restores the key’s default position and size. It is the quickest way to recover a key that has been dragged off the page or made too small to find. Move and resize it again once it is back in view.

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

### What this looks like

Current GBMaps controls with example maps and account details. Choose View larger to see the details.

![Find this tool in the menu — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-menu-keyLegend.png?v=1792654464)

[**Find this tool in the menu**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=key#key--show)

The current menu entry. Expand its options as described in the numbered instructions; extra controls appear when an item or data has been added.

## Related guides

- [Click, drag & resize the key](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=key-gestures)
- [Extra text beneath key entries](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=legend-details)
- [Map Titles: title & key heading](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=titles)
- [Additional Data: add your own figures](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=data)