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Does anyone know of a free image-map creation software ? I am using Mapedit, but it has only a 30 day licence

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A short, practical summary to sit above the existing replies.

For learning/experimentation (as described) there are three sensible paths: hand-write a small HTML image map to understand how coords work, use a free offline editor that can export the HTML, or use a browser-based generator for quick point-and-click work. was right that complexity determines the tool: simple rectangular/circular hotspots need no special software; complex polygons benefit from an editor. ’s suggestion of an online mapper is the fastest way to test ideas.

A minimal, correct HTML example that shows the required structure and coords (CSS pixels) is below. Writing one by hand builds understanding:

<img src="map.png" usemap="#city" alt="City map" width="800" height="600">

<map name="city">
  <area shape="rect" coords="10,20,110,120" href="neighbourhood.html" alt="Neighbourhood">
  <area shape="circle" coords="400,300,50" href="park.html" alt="Park">
  <area shape="poly" coords="200,10,250,50,200,90,150,50" href="landmark.html" alt="Landmark">
</map>

The basic element semantics and coords format are documented in the HTML spec / MDN. (developer.mozilla.org)

Free tools that are useful for experiments:

  • GIMP includes an Image Map export/plugin so an editor workflow can produce the HTML snippet directly. Great for offline work and learning the coordinates. (docs.gimp.org)
  • Several browser-based generators let one draw shapes and copy the resulting <map> HTML; these are perfect for one-off tests. (image-map.net)

Notes and troubleshooting:

  • Classic image maps use pixel coords; scaling the image with CSS breaks the coords. For responsive pages either use SVG/hyperlinked SVG regions or bind a small JS helper that recalculates areas on resize (examples exist on GitHub). (github.com)
  • Flash-based map widgets were suggested historically, but Flash is end-of-life and should not be used for new work. ()

These options let experimentation proceed quickly (online generator) while also giving a low-level path (hand-coded HTML + a responsive helper) for production-quality behavior.

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Member Avatar for aparnesh

Thanks, but that's the trouble. Too many choices, quite difficult to identify the good ones.

Member Avatar for aparnesh

I am just learning this stuff, trying out different things, experimenting, etc. Not for a project or anything

Member Avatar for Smit.J

Does anyone know of a free image-map creation software ? I am using Mapedit, but it has only a 30 day licence

I know one company that is developing great flash maps. It's not free, but they have demo version, you could find one there...

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