MappSmith — Getting started

• Are there video walkthroughs?

  Yes. Short how-to videos appear in the "How to" section at the bottom of the Projects page when they are available.

• Can I start from a ready-made design?

  Yes. On the Projects page choose "Start from a design" and pick one from the gallery. It opens in a short "Make it yours" panel where you change the place, the name, the font, the words, the size and the art. Press "Show every layer" to get the full Studio. Nothing is lost when you switch.

• Can I use a light theme?

  Yes. Use the theme switch at the right end of the header. Dark is the default. Your choice is remembered in this browser.

• Do I have to press a button to update the preview?

  Mostly no. Changes to layers, words, size and settings apply on their own after a short pause. Moving the map is the exception: when you pan or zoom, the outline on the map starts to move and an Apply changes button appears. Press it to render the new area, or press Discard to go back to the last...

• How do I make my first map?

  Sign in and open the Studio from the Studio link in the header. Choose "Start from a place" and type a city, lake or landmark. In the Layers panel on the right, pick a Product, for example 3D layered map, and a size. Drag the map to frame the area you want, then press Apply changes. Open the Fra...

• How is the Studio laid out?

  The map is on the left. Use it to search and frame the place. The middle shows the flat 2D plate on top and the 3D preview below. The right side is the Layers panel: the product, the frame band, each layer, and Terrain & Depth. Save and Download files sit at the bottom of the right panel. You...

• Is there an undo button?

  No. If you moved the map, Discard takes you back to the last area you applied. For bigger experiments, use "Save as a copy" from the ... menu first, so you can always go back to the saved version.

• What do I need to use it?

  A computer with a current browser such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox, with hardware acceleration (WebGL) turned on. The Studio is built for a desktop or laptop screen. You also need your own machine software, for example LightBurn, xTool Creative Space or your printer's RIP, to run the files.

• What is MappSmith?

  MappSmith is a map designer for makers who own a laser or a UV printer. You search for a place, pick what you are making (a layered map, a clock, an ornament, a golf course and more), style the layers, and download production files. Cut files come as layered SVG, plus native LightBurn (.lbrn2), x...

• What is the difference between a product and a map style?

  The product is the object: its shape, size, frame band, words and hardware, such as a clock's shaft hole or a key holder's hooks. The map style is only the look: which map features go on which layer and whether they cut, score or engrave. Pick the product first. Changing the map style afterwards ...

• Who is MappSmith for?

  Makers who sell what they make: laser shops, UV print shops, and anyone making custom map gifts. Everything you make is yours to sell on every plan, including maps bought one at a time.