Maps Widget for Google Maps PRO is the paid WordPress edition for adding maps to widgets, pages, posts, and custom post types. Its thumbnail uses the Google Maps Static Maps API to load the map in one request. Visitors can open an interactive map in a lightbox or display it in place of the thumbnail. A Google Maps API key is required for maps to work.

PRO adds more than 50 capabilities and settings, including multiple pins, clustering, custom map styles, shortcode support, import and export, widget cloning, Google Analytics integration, and premium USA-based support.

Configure the preview

Set the thumbnail width, height, and zoom level. Choose a road, satellite, terrain, or hybrid map, or use a custom map image. Select a color scheme or create a custom Google map style. Set the pin type, color, size, and label. PRO includes a library of more than 1,500 map pins and lets you use any image as a custom pin icon.

Choose the interactive view

Interactive maps can open in a lightbox or replace the thumbnail on the page. PRO adds fullscreen display and map modes for directions, search, view, and Google Street View. Set the lightbox dimensions; they adjust automatically on smaller screens. Additional lightbox skins are available.

Choose what happens when users select the thumbnail: open a lightbox map, follow a custom URL, replace the thumbnail with an interactive map, display the interactive map immediately, or disable the image link. Other controls let you set the map language, conceal the widget title, add text above or below the map, close the lightbox on an overlay click or Escape key, show a close button, and display a map title.

Manage multiple locations

Add unlimited pins with custom markers and descriptions to the thumbnail map, interactive map, or both. Each pin can open a description bubble, link to a URL in the same or a new tab, or do nothing when selected. Clustering and filtering help organize maps with many pins.

Use the [gmw id="#"] shortcode to place a configured map in a page, post, or custom post type.

Install and set up

After installing the add-on, open Appearance > Widgets in WordPress and add a Maps Widget for Google Maps to a sidebar. Follow the extension instructions to generate a Google Maps API key, which maps require to work. To add a map to a page or post, copy its supplied shortcode into the content area.