> 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 published map is **public** — anyone with the link can view it, and it can appear in public search. A **private** map can only be viewed by its owner, its editors, and an **audience** list of email addresses you choose. Everyone else who opens the link is asked to sign in first, and does not see the map's content until they do.

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You need to [publish your map](/sharing-your-map/publishing-your-map.md) first. Access type only affects who can view a map once it is published — publishing and access type are independent settings.
{% endhint %}

## Choosing an access type

Click on the **Publish map** icon on the navigation bar on the left. Under **Who can view this map**, choose **Private map** or **Public map**.

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A screenshot of the "Who can view this map" card is pending.
{% endhint %}

Selecting **Private map** opens a confirmation dialog. If you haven't added any audience members yet, the dialog warns that only you and this map's editors will be able to view it until you do.

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 same Publish 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 clicking **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 visitor who isn't yet signed in to a private map sees a sign-in screen instead of the map. 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 one-time code by email. Entering the correct code within its validity window signs them in for 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.

## Embedding isn't available for private maps

A private map's **Share this link** section offers only the map's link and QR code — the **Embed the map on your website** option (see [Embedding Maps on your website](/sharing-your-map/embedding-maps-to-your-website.md)) is not offered. Visitors can't sign in inside an embedded frame, so a private map can only be shared via its link or QR code.