How to Use a Map in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to use a map with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, you can use a map to help you navigate around in your world. Let's explore how to use a map.

Required Materials

In Minecraft, these are the required materials to use a map:

Background

It is quite exciting to explore new areas in your Minecraft world. Just like in real life, you don't want to get lost so you can create and use maps to find your way around in the game.

When you start, it is a good idea to create a map where your shelter is located so that you can find your way back home. As you adventure out, you might want to create additional maps as you explore outside of your map area.

Steps to Use a Map

1. Hold the Empty Map

It is very easy to create your own map. First you will need to craft an empty map and select it in your hotbar.

how to use map

2. Fill the Map

To fill in the map details of your current location, you wil need to use the empty map. The game control to use the empty map depends on the version of Minecraft:

For Java Edition (PC/Mac), right click.
For Pocket Edition (PE), tap on the Create Map button.
For PS3 and PS4, press the L2 button on the PS controller.
For Xbox 360 and Xbox One, press the LT button on the Xbox controller.
For Windows 10 Edition, right click.
For Wii U, press the ZL button on the gamepad.
For Nintendo Switch, press the ZL button on the controller.
For Education Edition, right click.

how to use map

The Empty Map will be replaced with Map in your hotbar and will display a map of the area based on your current position in the game.

TIP: A map will not display the entire Minecraft world due its vastness. The map will only display a portion of the map based on your current location.

3. See where you are on the Map

You will have to move your line of sight downwards so that you can view the map directly.

how to use map

On the map, you will see all major structures in the area such as buildings, fences, water, trees, and grass.

POCKET EDITION (PE) and WINDOWS 10:

For PE and Windows 10, make sure you craft an empty map using 8 paper and 1 compass.

Do not use the old recipe for a map that uses 9 paper and no compass. If you try the map without the compass in the recipe, your location will not appear on the map as a white dot.

You are the white dot on the map. And if you move while holding the map, you will see your white dot move across the map.

TIP: Once you have created a map, it is only good for a particular area in your world. If you move to an area that is outside of your current map, just craft another map for the new area. Then switch between the maps to navigate around your Minecraft world.

Congratulations, you just learned how to use a map in Minecraft.

Videos

Watch this video to learn about Locator Maps, what they are used for, and how to craft the different sizes of maps in Minecraft. Not all maps are created equal!

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