Import a spreadsheet with automatically numbered icons

If you’re manually placing numbered icons one by one onto a map, stop right there; we need to have a chat. There’s a better way. A faster, smarter, easier way. Over 1k locations to import? No problem.

Enter: data binding in Mapcreator. With data binding, you can upload a spreadsheet that automatically adds locations with numbered icons on your map — no click-heavy dragging or late-night label rearranging required.

What is data binding, anyway?

Think of data binding as your personal assistant that actually gets things right. By importing a spreadsheet (.XLSX, or even .TXT and .CSV) or other datafiles, Mapcreator links your data columns, like coordinates, labels, numbers, directly to visual elements on the map.

In this use case, you’re using data binding to place icons with index numbers, which is ideal for:

• City tours, museum stops, or even pub crawls
• Step-by-step guides (looking at you, urban trail planners!)
• Real estate properties 
• Transport maps with numbered stops
• Breaking news locations

Import a spreadsheet with automatically numbered icons to create this map in under one minute: 

Step 1: Drag-and-drop your spreadsheet
Drop your .CSV, .TXT or .XLSX into Mapcreator. The tool detects your headers and suggests which columns to use for geolocation (latitude/longitude or address). Confirm and proceed.

Step 2: Add the numbered icons
Edit the added location points by selecting them and changing them to a numbered icon. These icons have an editable text field. Then link its text field to the right column from your sheet, using the table icon next to it. They’re labeled instantly — no manual labeling, ever again! 

(Optional) Step 3: style your icons
Apply colors from the icon_color column. Whether you want a bold, uniform look or individually styled steps, you’re in control.

Pro tip: Skip the table icon — just type $-columnname to quickly select data from your sheet!

Step 4: Add data to popups
This is where your map becomes more than a graphic — it
becomes a story.

Using the Popup editor:

• Bind the image_url to display a unique visual
• Add text from name, label_text, and description
• Format text for clarity: bold titles, line breaks, font scaling

Each Popup is unique, dynamically generated from your spreadsheet as our tool smartly pulls the data from your cells and connects it to the icons they belong to.

Step 5: Export and share
With everything styled and interactive, export your map as:

• An interactive embed. Want to make changes to your map? Just re-open your project, make any changes and export again. Your map will now automatically get updated.  
• A vector SVG for design editing
• A PDF for print or presentations

Pro tip: You can bulk-edit your icons right from the spreadsheet — change colors, sizes, labels, rotation, or even add interactivity across the board. Want to fine-tune just one? Click it again to select and style it individually.

Why users love this feature

Users can go from a raw spreadsheet to a fully styled, interactive map in minutes. All with no need for manual placement, other graphic tools, nor GIS knowledge. It’s flexible enough to handle thousands of entries at once, yet intuitive enough for quick one-off projects. The real magic happens when you link text, images, and colors directly to your data!

Save time, save your wrist

Data binding has never been easier, all while you stay in full control over your data. Did you know Mapcreator’s personal plan allows for (temporarily) unlimited SVGs & PDFs and unlimited interactive maps for only €99 a month?