# USA 5-digit ZIP maps: choose a state

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-maps
Updated: 2026-11-12

Choose one state to make a five-digit ZIP code territory map, or join neighboring states. You can color each ZIP separately or color a whole state in one click. The free downloadable three-digit ZIP maps are different: use the five-digit tool when you need individual ZIP areas.

![USA tab with ZIP state links and Combine Multiple States](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/layout-usa-choices-20261112.png)

Open Map Types → USA → USA 5-dig. ZIP-Codes. Combine Multiple States is a text choice above the individual states.

## 1. Choose a state in Map Types

Open Map Types, choose USA, expand USA 5-dig. ZIP-Codes and choose a state. Every state has its own map. Or choose the Combine Multiple States choice in that same section. The Counties section is a separate map family.

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

## 2. Start with a map that fits

The map opens centered below its title. Tall states usually use a portrait page; wide states use landscape. You can change the page orientation and use Fit map to return to the starting view. Alaska is fitted separately when combined with another state.

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

## 3. Color ZIPs or a whole state

Add a team or territory name under START HERE and choose its color. Select that name in the legend. The button above the map says Colour: ZIP codes for individual ZIPs. Click the button to switch to Colour: States; then a click inside a state assigns all its ZIPs to the selected territory. Click the mode button again to work with individual ZIPs.

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

## 4. Keep all five digits

A ZIP such as 02108 must keep its leading zero. When preparing a spreadsheet, keep ZIP codes as text. The maps show ZIP areas, not individual delivery addresses. A radius or driving area selects whole polygons using their centers, not every street address.

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

## Related guides

- [Color a whole state; style its border and name](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-state-levels)
- [Combine US states: ZIP or county maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-combine)
- [US map details: state names, ZIPs, counties and places](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-details)
- [Make a US sales or service territory map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-workflow)
- [Buying US state maps and seeing US prices](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-billing)