Explore the philosophy, guides, and stories behind TrailNote.
Learn how to sketch custom routes directly on the map and get automatic distance and route styling.
A story about dreams, travel, and code, detailing how TrailNote went from an idea to reality.
A fast start guide: create a project, add your first marker and route, then share or export your map.
Learn how projects keep your trips separate, how to structure projects, and how to name them for quick scanning.
How to create useful POI markers: naming conventions, readable notes, and photos without clutter.
Two ways to build routes: sketch by hand or use directions for accurate distance and travel time.
A practical guide to directions planning profiles, waypoints, and fixing routes that fail to calculate.
Import GPX routes and waypoints into an existing project. Includes limits, cleanup tips, and common errors.
Export routes and markers as GPX for backup, sharing, or importing into other apps and GPS devices.
How unlisted share links work, what live sharing means, and how to revoke a link safely.
Use a cover image to make map projects easier to recognize and share. Includes thumbnail tips.
Make routes readable with consistent colors, line width hierarchy, and opacity control.
Group markers and routes by day, area, or theme so large map projects stay manageable.
Use map search to jump to locations quickly, then convert discoveries into markers and routes.
Use quick measurements to estimate distance and time before committing to a route.
Attach photos to markers and routes, keep image sets small, and avoid duplicate uploads.
Use start and end dates on markers and routes to plan ahead and document what happened.
Understand plan limits for projects, markers, and routes and decide when Premium makes sense.
Use AI chat to brainstorm routes, create packing checklists, and turn rough ideas into an actionable map plan.
A practical checklist for sharing maps safely: unlisted links, sensitive locations, and oversharing risks.
A complete workflow: choose an area, create a project, add markers, plan a route, and export GPX.
Quick fixes for common problems: GPX import errors, missing routes, share links, and map performance.
Add lightweight text labels to your map for quick context: names, reminders, and notes you want visible at a glance.
Draw areas (polygons) to mark zones like camps, viewpoints, restricted regions, or day-by-day regions with editable geometry and styling.