Static and print maps
Static maps are standalone images in PNG format that can be displayed on web and mobile devices without the aid of a mapping library or API. They look like an embedded map without interactivity or controls. You can request a static map from the Mapbox Static Images API by providing a few parameters, including center coordinates, zoom level, rotation, and tilt. Static maps may also include overlays like lines, markers, or polygons. Learn how to build a Static Images API request using the Static Images API playground.
The image below was generated using the Mapbox Static Images API and can be added to a webpage using the following code:
<img
alt="static Mapbox map of the San Francisco bay area"
src="https://api.mapbox.com/styles/v1/mapbox/streets-v12/static/-122.337798,37.810550,9.67,0.00,0.00/1000x600@2x?access_token= <UserAccessToken /> "
/>
How static maps work
The Mapbox Static Images API allows you to request a static image representation of any map style in your Mapbox account. You can retrieve a static map in a few different image and file formats depending on the Mapbox tool you are using. See How to create a static map below for more information on supported file types.
Retina
When you request a Retina map with @2x, you will receive an image that's twice the width and height that you've specified in your API call. For example, using a width attribute of 700 px with the @2x parameter will return an image with an actual width of 1,400 px.
High resolution images
Mapbox Studio offers 100 high resolution image exports per account using the print panel. If you are interested in having a higher number of allowed image exports, contact Mapbox sales.
With the Mapbox Static Images API, image exports can be up to 1,280 px x 1,280 px in size. While enabling retina may improve the quality of the image, you cannot export at a higher resolution using the Static Images API, and we do not support vector image formats.
Static images for print
To print images generated from the Mapbox Studio print export option for any use, contact us. Print maps require appropriate Mapbox attribution.
Creating static maps
Below is a list of image formats that are supported and which tools you can use to generate them:
| Format | Tool(s) |
|---|---|
| PNG | Mapbox Static Images API |
| PNG, JPG high-resolution | Mapbox Studio (limited number of exports per account) |
The following formats are not supported as map export options:
- SVG
- EPS
Mapbox Static Images API
You can get a static image of your map by formatting a URL with your specific values to make the request. See the Mapbox Static Images API documentation for more information about available parameters and values.
Overlays
You can add overlays to any maps made with the Static Images API. An overlay is data that can be added on top of the map at request time. Overlays are comma separated and can be a mix of valid GeoJSON, custom markers, paths, or polygons. Read more about how to add an overlay to a static map in our Static Images API documentation.
Mapbox Static Images API playground
To learn how to build a Static Images API request, explore the Mapbox Static Images API playground.
Pricing
Use of the Static Images API is billed by API requests. For more details, see the Static Images API pricing page.
Mapbox Studio
The Mapbox Studio print panel allows you to export high resolution images of custom map styles. Click Print to toggle the print panel open and closed. Position your map and specify Print export settings in the print panel. Settings include image dimensions (in inches or centimeters), resolution (in pixels per inch), and file format (PNG or JPG). The maximum image export is 8,000 px by 8,000 px.
Read more about the print panel in the Mapbox Studio manual.