ZipZoomer ZipZoomer help: how to select ZIP codes and export the list

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ZipZoomer is a map of U.S. ZIP codes where you select ZIP codes by clicking, by drawing a circle or lasso, or by distance around a ZIP code, then copy or download the list. This page has the same instructions as the Help button on the map, with pictures, for computers and for phones and tablets.

ZipZoomer on a computer: a 5-mile radius around 60601 in Chicago has added 35 ZIP codes, highlighted yellow on the map; the list panel on the right shows 35 ZIP codes selected, their population and the editable list.
On a computer: the selection tools at the upper right, the list panel on the right.

Quick start

  1. Find your area: type a ZIP code, city or county in the search box, or just type digits anywhere.
  2. Select ZIP codes: click or tap one, draw a circle or lasso, or press Radius next to a ZIP code in the search results and type a distance.
  3. Check the list in the list panel (on a phone, the ZIPs button at the top or the bar at the bottom).
  4. Copy, download or share it with the buttons at the bottom of the panel.

With a mouse or trackpad

On a phone or tablet

ZipZoomer on a phone: the map fills the screen with the selected ZIP codes in yellow; the selection tools sit at the lower left with the zoom buttons beside them, and the list bar at the bottom shows the number of ZIP codes selected.
On a phone: the tools at the bottom left, the list in a sheet that slides up.

Circle, lasso and edge rules

Circle is measured from where you first press, with a readout of the distance; Lasso follows your outline. The switch under Add and Remove decides which ZIP codes count: Touching (any ZIP code the shape touches), Center in (its center point is inside) or Fully in (the whole ZIP code is inside). The drawing page has more.

Radius and Use my location

For an exact distance, type a ZIP code in the search box and press Radius next to it. A card opens with a distance box (up to 200 miles, mi or km); the circle and a yellow preview redraw as you type, and nothing joins the list until you press Add. With the search box empty, its first row is Use my location, which opens the same card around where you are after your browser asks. See the radius page and ZIP codes near me.

ZIP types

To leave out PO Box or single-organization ZIP codes (a company, university or government office), or to keep only those, uncheck the others under ZIP types in the list panel. Unchecked types leave your list (you can undo it) and are skipped by circles, lassos, Radius and Add all; they are hatched or faded on the map. Clicking one still adds it.

The list panel and export

Moving the boxes

The dotted grip on each floating box moves it: click or tap the grip to fold the box away into a small label, or drag it to put the box somewhere else. Reset layout in the Help box puts everything back.

Questions and answers

How do I select a whole city or county?

Type its name in the search box and press Add all next to it in the results. Remove all takes them out again.

How do I undo a mistake?

Press the curved arrow next to the search box, or Command+Z (Ctrl+Z on Windows). Redo with the other arrow or Shift+Command+Z (Ctrl+Y on Windows).

Is my list saved?

Yes, in your own browser, so it is there when you come back on the same device. Copy share link makes a link that opens it anywhere.

Why does drawing move the map instead?

A plain drag moves the map. Hold SHIFT while you drag, or click Add to keep it on; on a touchscreen, hold Add with one finger while you draw, or tap Add to lock it.

Related pages

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