Use Google Maps to build interactive CMS Maps in Webflow

Introduction to using Google Maps with Webflow CMS

Creating an interactive Google Maps integration for your Webflow site can significantly enhance your project's user experience – whether you’re managing a restaurant chain, running a real estate agency, or offering travel guides or store locators.

While Webflow includes a built-in Google Maps element, its limitations can restrict your project’s functionality.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from using Webflow’s native Google Maps element to building dynamic, CMS-driven maps that truly support your business goals using Dynamic Map for Webflow.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to set up Webflow’s native Google Maps integration, step-by-step
• The three major limitations of Webflow’s Google Maps element that could impact your project
• When to use Webflow’s built-in Maps element vs. when to opt for Dynamic Map for Webflow
• How to build a scalable, CMS-connected Google Maps integration using the Dynamic Map App

How to use Webflow's Default Google Maps Element

Webflow’s built-in map element offers a simple way to embed Google Maps directly into your website. Powered by the Google Maps JavaScript API, it delivers basic functionality that’s ideal for straightforward, single-location use cases.

What Webflow’s default Google Maps element offers:

• Interactive Google Maps integration with one location
• Four map types: roadmap, terrain, satellite, and hybrid
• Basic zoom and pan controls
• Address-based location input

Step-by-Step Webflow Google Maps Setup Guide

Let's walk through setting up a basic map useful for a simple contact page using Webflow's default Google Maps element. This foundation will help you understand both the process and the limitations we'll address later. A full video by Webflow themselves can be found here.

Step 1: Add the Google Maps Element to Your Webflow Project

1. Open your Webflow project in the Designer
2. Navigate to the Add Panel (+ icon or press A)
3. Scroll to the "Advanced" section
4. Drag the Map element onto your page
5. Position and size the map container

Step 2: Create Your Google Maps API Key

1. Visit the Google Cloud Console at console.cloud.google.com
2. Create a new project or select an existing one
3. Enable the Maps JavaScript API in the API Library
4. Create credentials and generate your API key
5. Set up billing (Google requires a credit card, but offers $200 monthly free usage)
6. Restrict your API key to your domain for security

Check out our API Key set up video guide

Step 3: Insert Your Google Maps API Key into Webflow

1. Navigate to Project Settings → Apps & Integrations
2. Find the Google Maps section
3. Paste your API key into the JavaScript API Key field
4. Save and publish your site

Step 4: Set Your Map Location and Behavior

1. Enter your address in the location field
2. Choose your map type (roadmap, satellite, terrain, or hybrid)
3. Configure interaction settings

Congratulations! You now have a working default Google Maps embed on your Webflow site.

The Three Critical Limitations of Webflows default Google Maps element

While Webflow's native Google Maps element works fine for basic use cases, they have three fundamental limitations that make them unsuitable for most business applications:

Limitation #1: Only Single Location Support

The Problem: Webflow's Map element can only display one location pin at a time. You can add multiple Map elements to a page, but each requires manual configuration and creates multiple separate map instances.

Limitation #2: No CMS Connection

The Problem: Webflow's native Google Maps element has no integration with CMS Collections. Every location must be manually entered into individual Map elements, and there's no way to dynamically populate maps from your CMS data.

Limitation #3: Severely Limited Styling and Customization

The Problem: Native Webflow maps offer only minimal customization options. You're stuck with Google's default map styling, standard markers, and no interactions such as pop-up windows or tooltips.

Creating Dynamic CMS Maps with Google Maps in Webflow using Dynamic Map App

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Dynamic Map is a native Webflow App that enables you to create interactive CMS maps with location markers, pop-ups, complex filters and much more. Instead of fighting against Webflow's limitations, you get a purpose-built solution that works for more complex Google Maps implementations in Webflow.

Main Features of Dynamic Map for Webflow

Multiple Locations from CMS Collections:‍

• Connect directly to your Webflow CMS
• Display unlimited pins from your collection items
• Automatic updates when you add/edit CMS entries
• Real-time synchronization between your CMS and map

Advanced Customization:

• Custom map styling that matches your brand
• Branded marker icons and pin designs
• Rich pop-up content with images, links, and formatted text
• Multiple map themes and color schemes (with Google Maps and Mapbox)

Interactive Features:

• Location filtering and search
• Unlimited items
• Custom zoom levels and map boundaries
• Mobile-optimized touch interactions

How Dynamic Map Integrates with Webflow

Dynamic Map works as a native Webflow app, meaning it integrates seamlessly with your existing workflow. In this detailed walkthrough you're going to learn, how to implement an interactive CMS map using Google Maps on your Webflow site in 6 steps:

1. Set up your CMS Collection List

Include text fields for the item’s name, latitude and and longitude fields

2 Install Dynamic Map App from Webflow’s App Marketplace

Just browse Webflow's Marketplace or open from the App Panel in Webflow's designer

3 Connect your CMS collection list and create map

Select the collection list containing your location data

4 Switch to Google Maps as your map provider and insert your API key

Learn where to get your Google API key in this video guide

5 Configure your map’s settings

Modify your map’s settings such as custom marker types, tooltips and media-rich pop-ups as well as live filters and address search

6 Style your map using Webflow’s Designer

With Dynamic Map for Webflow all of your map’s elements can be styled directly in Webflow’s designer

Dynamic Map for Webflow includes enterprise-grade features that go far beyond Webflow’s default Google Maps element. Want to learn more about Dynamic Map for Webflow?

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Real-World Use Cases – Dynamic Map’s cloneables

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Let's explore how different industries leverage dynamic CMS maps to solve specific business challenges.

Real Estate Property Map

An accommodation booking platform showcasing vacation rentals and properties across multiple neighborhoods with integrated booking functionality, inspired by platforms like Airbnb.

Get Cloneable

Interactive Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide helping tourists discover attractions, landmarks, and experiences across different neighborhoods in Berlin.

Get Cloneable

Multi Store Locator

A retail chain with multiple store locations needs customers to easily find nearby stores, check hours, and access contact information for optimal shopping experiences.

Get Cloneable

Conclusion: When to use Webflow's default Google Maps element vs. Dynamic Map for Webflow

When to use Webflow’s Google Maps element:

• You want to build a simple map for your contact page
• You just want to show one location marker
• You don’t want to connect your CMS
• You don’t want your users to use advanced settings such as pop-ups or filters#

When to use Dynamic Map for Webflow:

• You want to build a more complex map with Webflow CMS
• You want to show multiple locations markers
• You want your map data to be CMS-driven
• You want your users to use advanced settings such as pop-ups or filters