---
title: "How to create tiles from raster data | Guides | Map tiling hosting | Data processing"
description: "Step-by-step guide to creating map tiles from raster image data."
---

> For AI agents: a documentation index is available at [/llms.txt](https://docs.maptiler.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending .md to any URL.

# How to create tiles from raster data

One of the main [tasks](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tilling-hosting/data-processing/intelligent-workflows/) in MapTiler Engine is creating map tiles from your own raster image, so that you can display the image as part of an online map. This page will guide you through creating the map tiles step by step.

If you don’t have MapTiler Engine yet, [download it](https://www.maptiler.com/engine/download/) and install first.

## Upload your raster data

First, drag and drop your data in a [supported format](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tilling-hosting/data-processing/supported-formats) on the first screen of MapTiler Engine. It can be an aerial photo, a drawing made in GIS, Photoshop, AutoCAD, a picture of an old map, or anything you wish to visualize in your map.

![mte-render-select-workflow-drop.png](./27827643960209_375c6b293b.png)

## Set the coordinate system

MapTiler Engine detects the [coordinate system](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tiling-hosting/data-processing/coordinate-reference-systems) automatically. If it’s not possible, you’ll be prompted to set it manually. 

![mte-render-coordinates-missing.png](./27827627517713_bc44947755.webp)

To change the coordinates system, navigate to the **“Coordinates”** menu on the right side of the map window. This is also the only way of setting coordinates in case of adding multiple files at once, when there are no prompts.

## Set the geolocation

Another information necessary for placing your data onto the map is geolocation. Again, it may already be contained in your imagery and in that case, MapTiler Engine detects the geolocation automatically. Otherwise you’ll be asked to choose from different forms of geolocation input. The most intuitive way is using the [Assign location visually](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tiling-hosting/data-processing/georeferencing) tool.

![mte-render-geolocation-missing.png](./27827627523601_82ad8ca797.webp)

To change the geolocation, navigate to the **Geolocation** dropdown menu located on the right side of the map window. 

## Preview the data

Once all the necessary data is set, you’ll be able to preview your data as a footprint in the map.

![mte-render-input-gc-ready.png](./27828430357905_2b82f84b18.webp)

## Choose the output format

Choose whether you want to render your map into the [GeoPackage, MBTiles, or folder format](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tiling-hosting/data-processing/folder-vs-mbtiles-vs-geopackage). In the bottom of the page, you can also select a different [output coordinates system](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tiling-hosting/data-processing/how-to-create-a-map-in-the-national-or-custom-coordinate-system).

![mte-output-format-page-gpkg.png](./27734521859089_d0c3bbd033.png)

## Specify the output settings

Here on the last rendering-related page, you can adjust the output settings like the **format of the tiles**, or the **zoom levels of your map**. Using the default settings should produce satisfying results, but you can consider [enabling the high-resolution Retina tiles](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tiling-hosting/data-processing/custom-retina-scale/) and explore the [advanced task settings](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tiling-hosting/data-processing/global-settings/#advanced-task-settings).

![mte-render-output-settings.png](./output_settings.png)

## Choose the output location

In the next page you select where you’d like to upload your tileset. MapTiler is the first and recommended option (described [here](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/adding-data/upload-files/#choose-the-cloud-type)). If you wish to save your data only locally, or upload it later, select **“Skip upload”**.

![mte-render-upload-skip-upload.png](./27829445179281_db8c15d2cf.png)

## Preview the result

Once the processing starts, you’ll see a [task queue](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-tiling-hosting/data-processing/intelligent-workflows/#use-the-task-queue) where you can check the rendering progress (you can also start creating another task right away). When the processing is complete, open the menu **Options** > **Output preview** to see your picture on a map, in the geographical position you’ve set. From the preview, you can go back to edit the task or navigate to your output location.

![mte-render-complete-gc-gray.png](./task_queue_options.png)

## Next steps

With your new tileset ready, you can [upload it to cloud](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/engine/#workflow-uploading-to-cloud) or host it on your premises using [MapTiler Server](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/server/). Then you’re all set to [build your map](https://docs.maptiler.com/sdk-js/examples/).