Managing Stores Updated 2026-02-22

Use custom directions URLs and marker images

What this article helps you do

Override the default map marker and directions link for specific stores. Use the Custom directions URL and Custom marker image fields to set per-store values when the defaults are not suitable.

Before you start

  • You have stores in Mapstore
  • You know the URL for your custom marker image (hosted and publicly accessible)
  • For custom directions, you have the full directions URL (e.g. Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze link)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Set a custom directions URL

  1. Go to Stores and open a store (or create one).
  2. Find the Custom directions URL (or Directions URL) field.
  3. Enter the full URL that opens when a shopper clicks “Get directions” for this store.
  4. Common formats:
    • Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=...
    • Apple Maps: https://maps.apple.com/?daddr=...
    • Waze: https://waze.com/ul?ll=...
  5. Leave blank to use the default directions behavior (typically Google Maps based on store coordinates).
  6. Save the store.

2. Set a custom marker image

  1. In the same store form, find the Custom marker image field.
  2. Enter the full URL to your marker image (e.g. https://yoursite.com/marker-icon.png).
  3. The image should be a PNG or SVG suitable for map pins (typically 40x40 or similar).
  4. Leave blank to use the default Mapstore marker.
  5. Save the store.

3. Use in CSV or Google Sheets

If you import from CSV or Google Sheets:

  • Custom directions URL: use column customDirectionsUrl
  • Custom marker image: use column customMarkerImage

Example CSV row:

name,address,customDirectionsUrl,customMarkerImage
Store A,123 Main St,https://maps.google.com/...,https://cdn.example.com/marker-a.png

How to verify it worked

  1. View the store on the storefront map; the custom marker image should appear if set.
  2. Click “Get directions” (or equivalent) for the store; it should open your custom directions URL.
  3. Stores without custom values should still use the default marker and directions.

Common issues and fixes

IssueFix
Custom marker not showingEnsure the image URL is public and returns a valid image; try opening it in a browser.
Directions link uses default URLCheck that Custom directions URL is saved and contains a valid URL.
Image appears stretched or wrong sizeUse a square or pin-shaped image (e.g. 40x40 px or 64x64 px).
CSV column not appliedUse exact column names customDirectionsUrl and customMarkerImage.