# Log in or unlock from the sidebar

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=login
Updated: 2026-10-16

The unlock panel lets returning users identify their account and new users see the current offer. Logging in and buying access are separate actions.

![Log in or buy 12 months of map access — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/login.png)

The current sidebar panel with Log in expanded. The highlighted price covers the full 12 months; your map type may have a different price. Select a number for its explanation.

## 1. Log in

The upper Log in button opens the email field. Use it if you already have an account or map access associated with an email address. Opening the field does not make a purchase.

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

## 2. Email address

Enter the email used for your purchase, then click Log in or press Enter. The password sign-in box opens over your map. Enter your password there, or choose Set or reset my password if this is your first password or you have forgotten it. The Signing in & passwords section shows every step and the messages you may see.

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

## 3. Cancel

Closes the expanded email area if you opened it by mistake. It does not log a currently signed-in user out; use Log out in the account menu for that.

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

## 4. Unlock all features

The highlighted price is one payment, plus VAT, for the full 12 months of access to the selected map type. It is not a monthly charge. There are no monthly fees or automatic renewal. Prices vary by map type, so use the price on your own panel rather than the example pictured here. You can explore a sample before buying; unlocking removes watermarks and gives you access to the saving and download features listed.

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

## 5. Buy 12 months’ access

Opens the payment-method dialog for the selected map. Review its title, price and terms, then choose a payment method if you want to continue. Returning users should log in first so existing access can be recognised.

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

## Related guides

- [Sign in to your maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=sign-in)
- [Your first password: keep your existing maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=first-password)
- [Forgotten your password?](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=password-reset)
- [Your account, login & logout](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=account)
- [Buy, unlock or renew a map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=payments)
- [Teams: buy access, invite people and share maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=team-access)
- [Upgrade your map or add team access](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=account-upgrades)
- [Notifications: the bell and System messages](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=notifications)