# US map details: state names, ZIPs, counties and places

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-details
Updated: 2026-10-30

US ZIP and county maps have separate controls for state outlines, the smaller boundaries and place names. Open Map details to show just the information your reader needs. You do not need to change the map type to hide a label.

![ZIP map details showing States above ZIP codes, with separate border and label checkboxes and place options](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/usa-zip-details-20261003.jpg)

On a ZIP map, use the ZIP codes row for local detail and the States row for the larger state outline and name.

## 1. States have their own row

Under Borders & labels, the States row controls the outer state outlines, their width and the large state names. These controls are independent of the ZIP codes or Counties row below. Hiding state labels does not hide the smaller labels.

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

## 2. Keep or hide the smaller labels

Use the Labels checkbox in the ZIP codes or Counties row. The Borders checkbox and Width selector affect only that smaller layer. County maps say Counties, not ZIP codes. Smaller labels keep their fitted sizes; zoom in when you need to inspect dense areas.

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

## 3. Change state colors and name size

Open State appearance in Map details. Choose a State border colour, a State name colour and use the State name size slider. For ZIP/county label colors, open Map Colours. These settings change lines and text, not your colored territories.

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

## 4. Add cities, towns and villages

In Places, choose Names and Dots for the levels you want. Names stay close to the correct dots; crowded place pairs are automatically thinned so they do not collide with other place names or dots. They may still overlap ZIP or county labels. Turn smaller place levels off for a cleaner overview.

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

## 5. Change place-name and dot colors

Use the Place names and Place dots color controls. They affect built-in settlement labels and dots, not ZIP numbers, county names or dots you added yourself. Turn on both Names and Dots for a paired display.

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

## 6. Show only your territories

Hide unassigned areas hides the uncolored detail polygons and clips supporting map detail to the colored areas. Show unassigned areas brings them back. If nothing is assigned, the map geography is hidden. Choose Show unassigned areas to bring it back and start colouring again. Hiding is not deleting.

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

### What this looks like

Real US map controls and examples. Choose View larger to see the details.

![The county version of Map details — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/usa-state-details-20261003.jpg?v=1791039852)

[**The county version of Map details**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-details#usa-zip-details--states)

The same state controls appear above the Counties row. Each layer has its own labels and outlines.

![The Detail dropdown explains the current map — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/usa-detail-dropdown-20261003.jpg?v=1791039852)

[**The Detail dropdown explains the current map**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-details#usa-zip-details--style)

The dropdown identifies the map you are using and reminds you where the state controls are.

## Related guides

- [Color a whole state; style its border and name](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-state-levels)
- [USA county maps: choose a state](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps)
- [Show only your assigned territories](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=hide-unassigned)
- [Make a US sales or service territory map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-workflow)