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StoryMapJS

storymap.knightlab.com

Free plan Web
Visit storymap.knightlab.com
Spec score 7.2 #23 of 26 in Map Creation Software

What it is

StoryMapJS is a free, open-source web tool for building narratives tied to place. A story is arranged as slides, each representing a segment and carrying a map location that readers can follow. Slides can contain photos, video, sound, tweets, and other embedded media. Authors search for locations by name and adjust the position by dragging a map pin. Stories may use ordinary cartographic maps or large images, including gigapixel maps. Basemap choices include OpenStreetMap Standard and Cooper Hewitt Watercolor, with Mapbox maps also supported. OpenStreetMap Standard is listed as a no-cost option; Mapbox and Stadia basemaps may have usage-based fees. The publishing tool supplies HTML for embedding a finished StoryMap on another website. The authoring tool asks permission to store files in the user’s Google Drive. StoryMapJS runs on the web, supports custom data import and built-in location data, and offers interactive output, web embedding, HTML export, and brand customization. Knight Lab describes it for journalists and storytellers whose work depends on place.

Spec sheet

Purpose
StoryMapJS helps connect places in a story into a media-rich narrative.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Intended users
Knight Lab describes StoryMapJS as a tool for journalists and storytellers whose stories depend on place.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Support
Knight Lab points users to a StoryMapJS support forum and a private support request form.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Headquarters
Evanston, Illinois, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · storymap.knightlab.com
Founded
2013Read 28 Sep 2026 · storymap.knightlab.com
Embedded media
Slides can include photos, videos, sound, tweets, and other embedded media.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Gigapixel maps
StoryMapJS supports stories based on large images as well as cartographic maps.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Google Drive
The authoring tool asks users to authorize StoryMapJS to store files on their Google Drive account.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Location editing
Authors can search for places by name and fine-tune a location by dragging its map pin.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Map provider costs
Mapbox and Stadia basemaps may involve usage-based fees, while OpenStreetMap Standard is listed as a no-cost option.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Map providers
Available basemaps include OpenStreetMap Standard and Cooper Hewitt Watercolor, and the tool also supports Mapbox maps.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Publishing
The publishing tool provides HTML that authors can copy into their own website to embed a StoryMap.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Security and trust
The authoring tool requests permission to store files in Google Drive; the page does not describe security certifications or compliance standards.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
Slides and locations
A StoryMap uses slides for story segments, with map locations that readers can follow.Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu

Plans and prices

Free Free No price or usage limits stated Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu

Every StoryMapJS plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free, open-source web tool
  • Slides combine locations with rich embedded media
  • Supports maps and gigapixel images
  • Provides HTML for website embedding
  • Custom data import and brand customization

Limits

  • Mapbox and Stadia may incur usage fees
  • Requires Google Drive storage authorization
  • No security certifications or compliance described

Who it suits

It suits journalists and storytellers who need to organize media around geographic locations. Anyone wanting an embeddable, map-based web narrative can use it without paying for the Free plan.

Verdict

StoryMapJS focuses on place-led storytelling with slides, interactive maps, and embedded media. Its free web plan covers publishing and customization, while map-provider fees and Google Drive authorization are considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to StoryMapJSAll alternatives →