> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.maps.gov.sg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.maps.gov.sg/sharing-your-map/making-a-map-private.md). # Making a map private By default, a map is **private** — only its owner, its editors, and an **audience** list of email addresses you choose can view it. Everyone else who opens the link is asked to sign in first, and does not see the map's content until they do. Set a map to **public** when you want anyone with the link to view it, and to let it appear in public search. {% hint style="info" %} Access type and publishing are independent settings. Access type only affects who can view a map once it is [published](/sharing-your-map/publishing-your-map.md). {% endhint %} ## Choosing an access type In the navigation bar on the left, select **Publish map**. Under **Access type**, choose **Private map** or **Public map**. A new map already has **Private map** selected.
Access type card with Private map selected and Public map unselected
Choosing **Public map** opens the **Make this map public?** dialog, which states that anyone can see the map with no login, that it will appear in search results, and that you can make it private again anytime. Select **Make map public** to confirm. Choosing **Private map** opens the **Turn off public access?** dialog, which states that viewers must log in with email OTP, that the map can only be shared via link or QR code, and that you can turn public access back on anytime. Select **Turn off public access** to confirm. Switching back to **Public map** at any time restores public access — your audience list is kept, so switching back to private later doesn't require re-adding anyone. ## Managing the audience Audience members share the same **Members** list as editors, on the **Publish map** page (see [Adding collaborators](/managing-collaborators/adding-collaborators.md)). Once a map is private, the **Add member** role dropdown also offers **Viewer** — this is the audience role, not an editing role. * **Add** a person as a Viewer by entering their email address, choosing **Viewer**, and selecting **Add**. Any valid email address works — unlike adding an Editor, there is no `.gov.sg`-domain restriction, so members of the public can be added to a private map's audience. * **Remove** a person to revoke their access immediately, including any session they currently have open. They are not notified by email of the removal. * **Promote to editor** moves a person from the audience into the map's Editor list (see [Adding collaborators](/managing-collaborators/adding-collaborators.md)) in one step — they gain edit access and are no longer a plain audience member. Adding someone to the audience never sends them an email. They find out about the map the same way anyone shares a link with them, and sign in with a one-time code sent to their address only when they actually open it. ## Signing in to a private map A map user who isn't yet signed in to a private map sees the **Sign in to view map** screen instead. They enter their email address and, if that address is on the audience list (or is the map's owner or an editor), receive a 6-character code by email. Entering the correct code within its validity window signs them in to that map for 7 days. To protect who is and isn't on the audience list, this screen behaves identically whether or not an address is eligible — the same message, and no indication either way of whether a code was actually sent. {% hint style="info" %} A browser holds one private-map sign-in at a time. If the same person signs in to a second private map, the first map asks for a new code the next time they open it. {% endhint %} ## Embedding isn't available for private maps A private map's sharing options offer only the map link and **QR code**. The **Embed code** card reads `Private maps cannot be embedded on a website.` (see [Embedding Maps on your website](/sharing-your-map/embedding-maps-to-your-website.md)). Map users can't sign in inside an embedded frame, so a private map can only be shared via its link or QR code.