---
title: "Use a static map image | Guides | Maps apis | Static maps"
description: "Use static, non-zoomable map images for web or graphic design."
---

# Use a static map image

This page explains how to insert a map into a webpage as a static non-zoomable map image, like this:

![Example of a static map](https://api.maptiler.com/maps/streets-v4/static/8.57,47.35,8.8/825x350.png?key=mNLmXyaTH4gRlwJHSYWp)

A map image shows any area you specify on a map of your choice. Optionally, you can also [add markers, lines or polygons](#add-markers) to the map image. Then you can use the map on your website just like a regular image. A static map renders a fresh, up-to-date map image whenever it loads.

Note

Static maps **don’t work with a free plan**. Get them with [any paid plan](https://www.maptiler.com/cloud/pricing/), including our most affordable tier.

## Quick start

The URL of a static map image is actually an API request to the [**Static maps API**](https://docs.maptiler.com/cloud/api/static-maps/), containing all the necessary parameters to render the map image. The easiest way to generate the image’s API URL is to use our visual generator:

[Open static maps generator](https://www.maptiler.com/cloud/static-maps/generator/)

With the URL generated, insert the map image into your website just like a regular image, for example using HTML tag `<img src="YOUR_STATIC_MAP_URL">`.

The API URL contains a placeholder for an API key. Replace `YOUR_MAPTILER_API_KEY_HERE` with [your own API key](https://cloud.maptiler.com/account/keys/). Make sure to [secure the key](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/credentials/api-key/#secure-key) before you publish it.

## Modify the map URL

If you want to manually tweak the API URL of your static map, create it from scratch, or just understand how it is constructed, see 👉 [How to define the static map area](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/maps-apis/static-maps/static-map-area/).

## Add markers or lines

![](../img/marker.png)

To learn how to add markers (pins), see 👉 [Static map with markers](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/maps-apis/static-maps/static-map-with-markers/).

![](../img/polygon.png)

To add paths or highlight areas, see 👉 [Static map with lines or polygons](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/maps-apis/static-maps/static-map-with-lines/).

## Switch map to static

If you have an existing interactive web map, you can switch it to static with a single parameter. This is also handy if you need to add more complex features than markers and lines. See the code example 👉 [Create a non-interactive map](https://docs.maptiler.com/sdk-js/examples/interactive-false/) for MapTiler SDK JS.

## API reference

-   [Static maps API – reference](https://docs.maptiler.com/cloud/api/static-maps/)
-   [Static maps API – Client JS](https://docs.maptiler.com/client-js/#%EF%B8%8F-static-maps)