How do I work with maps in Canva?

You can add dynamic maps to Canva templates that automatically update with property information from Cloze. Maps can show a single property, comparable properties, multiple properties, and even driving or walking routes.

To add a map, create a placeholder in your Canva template and add a Cloze autofill value that specifies which homes to show and the map shape. For example, properties | map:16x9  shows all the homes on a widescreen map.

Note: This is part of building Canva templates for Cloze presentations. For naming and assembling templates, see How do I design presentations with Cloze and Canva?

Start with the type of map you want

Choose the Autofill value based on what you want to show on the map.

Each one in the table below is a good starting point. You can customize the shape, zoom, and route as needed.

If that fills your placeholder correctly, you're done. The rest of this page explains each part so you can adjust it.

Subject vs. property

Although subject  and property  both display a single property, they are used differently.

• Use subject  when you want to show the main property, such as the listing in a listing presentation.
• Use property  on a page that repeats for each property in a set.

For example, a map highlighting the listing might use subject | map:16x9 . A map on a property detail page that repeats for each comparable property might use property | map:16x9 .

How a map autofill value works

A map autofill value can contain several pieces:

properties | map:16x9:zoom15:route

• properties  tells Cloze which properties to show.
• map:   tells Cloze to generate a map.
• 16x9   sets the shape of the map.
• zoom15   controls how close the map appears.
• route  draws a route between the properties.

You won't always need every option. In most cases, you only set which properties to show and the shape of the map.

Choose which properties to show

The first part of the autofill value determines which properties appear on the map.

For example, comps | map:16x9   displays all the comparable properties on a wide map.

Choose the shape of your map

Next, choose a map shape that matches the placeholder in your Canva design. Use a standard shape whenever possible from the table below. Cloze will generate the map at an appropriate resolution, so you don't need to measure the placeholder.

For example, if your placeholder is a wide rectangle: properties | map:16x9 . If the map fills the placeholder correctly, you're done.

What if the map doesn't fit the placeholder?

The shape of the map needs to match the shape of the placeholder. If it doesn't, you may see empty space, or parts of the map may be cut off.

If none of the standard shapes fit, create a custom shape based on the dimensions of your Canva placeholder:

1. Select the map placeholder in Canva.
2. Note its width and height in inches.
3. Multiply both numbers by 10.
4. Round to whole numbers.

For example, if the placeholder is 8.26 × 6.2 inches:

• 8.26 × 10 = 82.6 → 83
• 6.2 × 10 = 62

Use: properties | map:83x62  

Note: For a placeholder larger than 10 inches on a side, multiply both dimensions by 5 instead of 10, so neither number goes over 100.

Why keep the numbers at 100 or below?

When both numbers are 100 or below, Cloze treats them as the shape of the map rather than an exact pixel size.

Let Cloze choose the zoom, or set your own

In most cases, you don't need to specify a zoom level. Cloze automatically chooses a zoom that keeps the property pins visible.

If you want more control, add zoom  followed by a number. The default zoom level is 14. A higher number zooms in closer; a lower number shows a larger surrounding area.

For example:

• properties | map:16x9:zoom16   may work well for properties that are close together.
• properties | map:16x9:zoom12   may work better when properties are spread across a larger area.

Tip: start without a zoom value, and add one only if you want to change how much of the surrounding area appears.

Add a driving or walking route

You can draw a route connecting multiple properties, like the path a directions app traces between stops.

• For a driving route, add route : properties | map:16x9:route  
• For a walking route, add route:walk : properties | map:16x9:route:walk  

Note: Routes require more than one property, so use them with properties or comps . Don't use a route with subject or property , since those display only one property.

Common map examples

• Listing location map (the subject property only): subject | map:16x9  
• Comparable properties map: comps | map:16x9  
• Property tour (all properties with a driving route): properties | map:16x9:route  
• Walkable property tour (a walking route): properties | map:16x9:route:walk  
• Individual property detail page (repeats for each property): property | map:4x3  
• Close-up property map (more street-level detail): property | map:4x3:zoom16  

Advanced: set an exact map size for print

Most templates should use a shape such as 16x9 , 4x3 , or a custom ratio. You can also tell Cloze to generate the map at an exact pixel size, which is useful when you need a higher-resolution map for printed materials.

Cloze determines whether your numbers represent a shape or pixels based on their size:

• If both numbers are 100 or below, Cloze treats them as a shape.
• If either number is greater than 100, Cloze treats them as exact pixel dimensions.

For example, 16x9  is a 16:9 shape, and 768x576   renders at 768 × 576 pixels. Cloze can render maps up to 1400 pixels on either side.

Convert inches to pixels

If Canva displays your placeholder in inches, multiply each measurement by 96. For an 8 × 6 inch placeholder: 8 × 96 = 768, and 6 × 96 = 576. Use properties | map:768x576 . If either dimension exceeds 1400 pixels, reduce both proportionally until the larger dimension is 1400 or less.

Common print sizes (US letter)

US letter paper is 8.5 inches wide. These full-width placeholders convert to exact pixel sizes:

Troubleshooting

• There's space around my map, or part of it is cut off. The map shape probably doesn't match the placeholder. Try a standard shape such as 16x9 , 4x3 , or 1x1 . If necessary, measure the placeholder and create a custom shape.
• My map looks squished or stretched. Check that the map shape matches the shape of the placeholder.
• My printed map looks blurry. Try an exact pixel size instead of a shape. See "Advanced: set an exact map size for print" above.
• My route doesn't appear. Routes require at least two properties. Make sure you're using properties  or comps  rather than subject  or property .
• My map is much larger or smaller than expected. Check your dimensions. If either number is greater than 100, Cloze interprets them as pixels rather than a shape.

Map autofill reference

Canva can display placeholder dimensions in inches, pixels, cm, or mm. Cloze fits about 96 pixels per inch.