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StoryMapJS
Evanston, Illinois, United States
What it is
StoryMapJS is a free, open-source web tool for building narratives around places. Authors arrange story segments as slides, each connected to a map location that readers follow. Slides can contain photos, videos, sound, tweets, and other embedded media. Locations can be found by name and adjusted by dragging the map pin. Stories may use standard cartographic maps or large images, including gigapixel maps. Basemap choices include OpenStreetMap Standard and Cooper Hewitt Watercolor, and Mapbox maps are supported as well. OpenStreetMap Standard is listed as a no-cost option, while Mapbox and Stadia basemaps may involve usage-based fees. The publishing tool supplies HTML that authors copy into their own websites for embedding. The authoring tool asks for authorization to store files in the user’s Google Drive account. Knight Lab identifies journalists and storytellers whose work depends on place as intended users. Support is available through a StoryMapJS forum and a private request form. The Free plan is listed as free, with no usage limits stated.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Slides connect story segments to places
- Supports photos, video, sound, and tweets
- Provides HTML for website embedding
- Offers cartographic and gigapixel map options
Against
- Google Drive authorization is required for storage
- Some basemaps may incur usage fees
- Web-based authoring only
The verdict
StoryMapJS offers a focused way to publish media-rich, place-based stories without a listed subscription charge. Authors should consider Google Drive storage authorization and possible usage fees for certain map providers.
Who it suits
StoryMapJS suits journalists and storytellers whose narratives depend on location. It is also useful for authors who want embedded media, interactive maps, or large-image story backgrounds on a website.
Plans and prices
Free
No price or usage limits stated
Read 3 Oct 2026 · knightlab.northwestern.edu
On the record
- Embedded media
- Slides can include photos, videos, sound, tweets, and other embedded media.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Gigapixel maps
- StoryMapJS supports stories based on large images as well as cartographic maps.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Google Drive
- The authoring tool asks users to authorize StoryMapJS to store files on their Google Drive account.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Knight Lab describes StoryMapJS as a tool for journalists and storytellers whose stories depend on place.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Location editing
- Authors can search for places by name and fine-tune a location by dragging its map pin.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Map provider costs
- Mapbox and Stadia basemaps may involve usage-based fees, while OpenStreetMap Standard is listed as a no-cost option.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Map providers
- Available basemaps include OpenStreetMap Standard and Cooper Hewitt Watercolor, and the tool also supports Mapbox maps.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Publishing
- The publishing tool provides HTML that authors can copy into their own website to embed a StoryMap.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- StoryMapJS helps connect places in a story into a media-rich narrative.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security and trust
- The authoring tool requests permission to store files in Google Drive; the page does not describe security certifications or compliance standards.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Slides and locations
- A StoryMap uses slides for story segments, with map locations that readers can follow.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Knight Lab points users to a StoryMapJS support forum and a private support request form.knightlab.northwestern.edu · read 3 Oct 2026
