Tools you need

You do not need any special software to make a custom star map. All you need is:

A computer or phone

Internet access

A specific date and location in mind

There are several free and paid star map generators online. The same principles apply to all of them.

Step 1: Choose your location

Enter the city, address, or coordinates. The more precise you are, the more accurate the map will be.

Enter the date and time. This is the most important part of the process. The map will show the sky as it appeared at that moment.

Most star map tools let you choose:

**Background colour**: Black, dark blue, vintage paper, or white.

**Star style**: Dots, circles, or outlined figures.

**Constellation lines**: On or off.

**Labels**: Names of constellations and stars.

A title and caption personalise the map. Examples:

"The night I was born"

"Our wedding night, in Porto"

"The night we got engaged"

Export the map as a high-resolution image (PNG or SVG). Then print it and frame it in a way that suits your space.

Making a custom star map is simple, and the result is something you will keep for years. It is a gift that is impossible to repeat.