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October 6, 2013

Classic Google Maps URL

Update (June 25, 2015): Classic Google Maps is no longer available.

If you've switched to the new Google Maps desktop interface, you can quickly go back to the classic interface by clicking the "Help" icon at the bottom of the page and picking "Return to classic Google Maps". You'll see a message that asks you if you want to permanently go back to the old interface or temporarily switch.

Another option is to bookmark this URL: Classic Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps?output=class). It will always send you to the standard Maps interface and you won't have to open the new interface first.


Why would you switch to the old interface? Maybe you need to use the more advanced directions that let you add more than 2 destinations, maybe you like the terrain/photos/webcam layers or Maps Labs features like the distance measurement tools or the LatLng tooltip, maybe you miss the Pegman icon you could drag and drop to switch to Street View or you want to customize the printing format for directions.

You've probably noticed that the new maps style (with new colors, icons, labels, tooltips) is now also available in the classic Google Maps. If you hide the sidebar, you can make it look more like the new Google Maps.

43 comments:

  1. That dosen't work anymore... :( RIP Classic Google Maps.

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  2. Forced to use an inferior layout. Of course no matter what anyone says they will not put it back, or allow those that like the classic maps to use it any further. After all they know better than what their customers want.

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  3. Used to be able to see the close up terrain so clearly under the satellite but with the new map you can not...check out the ocean off of Capetown California...what are those lines that look man made?

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  4. Arrrrgh!
    Classic gave me more of what I wanted when printing the directions.
    Wasn't perfect, but still better than it is now!
    They should do like Coke did in the 80's and go back to Classic!!

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  5. Why fix if it ain't broken! New google maps is just terrible!!!

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    Replies
    1. I know someone had to say it!d

      Delete
  6. Agreed. I've been using the new one for a while. It's disorganized, non-intuitive, slower, & generally makes no sense from a logic & organization standpoint. Google has gone down the rabbit hole into their own insane world where they don't improve things, they come up with BS, bad design, & gimmicks. Sound familiar? Yeah, Microsoft. Reduce user power, reduce user customization, design that makes little sense except to them & maybe babies (giant colored blocks, large empty spaces). G is for Google ... infantile...totally infantile.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Agreed. I've been using the new one for a while. It's disorganized, non-intuitive, slower, & generally makes no sense from a logic & organization standpoint. Google has gone down the rabbit hole into their own insane world where they don't improve things, they come up with BS, bad design, & gimmicks. Sound familiar? Yeah, Microsoft. Reduce user power, reduce user customization, design that makes little sense except to them & maybe babies (giant colored blocks, large empty spaces). G is for Google ... infantile...totally infantile.

    ReplyDelete
  8. i hate this new google map so much!!! very impractical and harder to see. wanna make new one, make better one! cant make better one, dont force others to use it please

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  9. GOOD JOB MOUNTAIN VIEW NERDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  10. I loathe this. I want the old one back. I won't be using this anymore until they do.

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    Replies
    1. Good job trying to prove your point I like it but don't change your mind sitck to what you say stand your ground.Plese for me!

      Delete
  11. someone will invent a better one!!

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  12. someone will invent a better one!!

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  13. Don
    This really sucks. Can't get classic to work. I tried to copy the directions into WORD and it didn't work. There is a web site for 8 alternatives and I went with bing.com.maps I almost never ever use a Microsoft product.

    Google screwed up big time with this thing.

    They may be targeting the hand held device market. I get maps from a desktop and print out directions.

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  14. https://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=EXIPRV

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  15. I really miss old google maps and streetview was prefect on old google maps. Plus I did not expect them to get rid of old google maps. Streetview is just usless on new google maps plus I did not see what was wrong with switching back to old google maps. Can you please just bring old google maps back?

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  16. The url listed in article is no longer valid, but you can still access the classic maps interface via the Google MapMaker website, Directions, points of interest, etc all still work.
    https://www.google.com/mapmaker

    David Knapp
    www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavidknapp

    ReplyDelete
  17. JUST LOVED TO GO AND EXPLORE , CLASSIC WAS A JOY TO FIND AND USE . JUST STOP IN TO SEE IF THEY SEEN THERE MISTAKE , NO THEY HAVE NOT HOW ABOUT RIDING SKATE BOARDS AROUND THE OFFICE AND READ WHAT USERS ARE SAYING . OLD MAP WAS SIMPLE AND EASY TO USE

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    Replies
    1. Awsome that really is and I can see how this can be fun! I just wanted to stop and say something and too take time out of my day just to wish you a good day.

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  18. Can someone help me, on the old Google Maps it let me pick three different directions. Options!!! Now with the new Google Maps it just says fastest route as usual and does not let me pick an option on which way I can go

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  19. I love to use Classic Google Maps...

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  20. Hi this is ofcorce done for due to what the top commets say I am typeing becuse I'm bored

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