> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wpmaps-docs.mapster.me/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wpmaps-docs.mapster.me/mapster-wp-maps-v2/getting-started/your-first-map.md).

# Your First Map

This walkthrough will get you from zero to a working embedded map. It takes about five minutes.

## 1. Create a New Map

In your WordPress admin, go to **Maps > Add New**. This opens the **Mapmaker** — the visual editor where you'll configure everything about your map.

When the Mapmaker loads, you'll see:

* A **left panel** with your features list and controls
* A **live map preview** in the center
* A **right panel** that shows context-sensitive settings (it starts with a welcome screen and quick-start links)
* A **top bar** with Save, Undo/Redo, and a shortcode copy button

\[SCREENSHOT: Mapmaker on first load, showing the welcome panel]

## 2. Add a Feature

The quickest way to add a point to your map is to click directly on the map. In the right panel, click **Add a point by clicking the map**, then click anywhere on the map preview to drop a marker.

You can also import existing data (GeoJSON, KML, GPX, or Shapefile) by clicking **Import a file** in the right panel.

\[SCREENSHOT: Map with a marker dropped, right panel showing marker settings]

## 3. Style Your Feature

Once you've added a marker, it appears in the **left panel** under Features. Click it to select it — the right panel will switch to show that feature's settings, where you can adjust its color, size, popup content, and more.

> **Tip:** You can add as many features as you like before saving. See [Features](/mapster-wp-maps-v2/the-mapmaker/features.md) and [Styling](/mapster-wp-maps-v2/the-mapmaker/styling.md) for the full range of options.

## 4. Set Your Map Style

To change your map's base style, open **Map Settings** using the settings icon in the top bar (or the style shortcut in the right panel welcome screen). From there you can choose your map library, pick a style, and set the default view.

\[SCREENSHOT: Settings panel open showing style options]

## 5. Save and Get Your Shortcode

When you're happy with your map, click **Save** in the top-right corner. Once saved, click the **\[]** (shortcode) button next to Save — this copies your map's shortcode to your clipboard.

The shortcode looks like this:

```
[mapster_wp_map id="5"]
```

## 6. Embed Your Map

Paste the shortcode into any WordPress page, post, or widget area. Your map will render on the frontend exactly as it appears in the Mapmaker preview.

\[SCREENSHOT: Shortcode pasted into a WordPress page block editor]

***

That's it! From here, explore the [Mapmaker](/mapster-wp-maps-v2/the-mapmaker/interface-overview.md) section to learn about the full range of features, controls, and styling options.