# Labels while zooming, printing and exporting

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=label-visibility
Updated: 2026-11-12

Design can hide very small labels at overview scale so the map is easier to use. This is temporary: your chosen label layers stay selected.

## 1. Zoom in to reveal smaller labels

On supported plain UK district and sector maps and parish maps, the largest labels remain useful at overview scale and smaller labels appear progressively as you zoom in. A tiny name missing in Design does not mean it has been deleted. This automatic behaviour is map-specific, not a switch that applies to every map.

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

## 2. Print View shows selected labels

Switch to Print View to check the full page with the labels you have chosen to show. Automatic Design zoom hiding is removed. A layer you unticked in Map details, a hidden region, or content excluded by Hide unassigned areas is not switched back on.

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

## 3. Saved maps and downloads retain selected labels

Automatic zoom hiding is cleared for saved/exported artwork. Selected labels are retained in PDF and SVG so they can be enlarged later. PNG and JPG also include the selected lettering, but small text in a small raster image can still be hard to read. Check the page framing and export size as well as the label switches.

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

## 4. Some maps use fixed labels

The current district-and-roads map uses fixed label positions and does not use this automatic label hiding. On Google has its own geographic labels and controls. Neither is a reason to change your printable-map label settings.

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

## 5. If labels are still missing

Open Map details and check the appropriate Labels or Places → Names tickbox. Large postcode area letters and small district/sector labels have separate switches. Check the region/inset and Hide unassigned areas settings, then Print View. If selected labels are still missing from an export, contact GBMaps with the map type and file format.

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

## Related guides

- [Map details: boundaries & place labels](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=details)
- [Move, zoom & frame the map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures)
- [Print View, Design & On Google](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=views)
- [How to download your map as PDF, PNG, SVG or PowerPoint](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=downloads)
- [Roads, land & specialist map layers](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=roads)
- [Parishes & Communities: choose a region](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=parish-maps)