> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/llms.txt)

# style

In Mapbox, a **style** is a JSON document that defines the visual appearance of a map.

A style must adhere to the [Mapbox Style Specification](https://docs.mapbox.com/style-spec/). A style must include information about [data sources](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/glossary/source/) and [style layers](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/glossary/layer/). Additional information like metadata and [sprites](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/glossary/sprite/) or glyphs properties is optional.

Here is an example style JSON showing one style layer:

```json
{
  "version": 8,
  "name": "Meteorites",
  "metadata": {
    "mapbox:origin": "basic-template-v1",
    "mapbox:autocomposite": true,
    "mapbox:type": "template",
    "mapbox:sdk-support": {
      "js": "0.45.0",
      "android": "6.0.0",
      "ios": "4.0.0"
    }
  },
  "center": [
    74.24426803763072,
    -2.2507114487818853
  ],
  "zoom": 0.6851443156248076,
  "bearing": 0,
  "pitch": 0,
  "sources": {
    "composite": {
      "url": "mapbox://mapbox.mapbox-streets-v8,examples.0fr72zt8",
      "type": "vector"
    }
  },
  "sprite": "mapbox://sprites/examples/cjikt35x83t1z2rnxpdmjs7y7",
  "glyphs": "mapbox://fonts/{username}/{fontstack}/{range}.pbf",
  "layers": [
    {
      "id": "background",
      "type": "background",
      "layout": {},
      "paint": {
        "background-color": [ ]
      }
    },
    { ... }
  ],
  "created": "2015-10-30T22:18:31.111Z",
  "id": "cjikt35x83t1z2rnxpdmjs7y7",
  "modified": "2015-10-30T22:22:06.077Z",
  "owner": "examples",
  "visibility": "public",
  "draft": false
}
```

You can create a style with the [Mapbox Studio](https://docs.mapbox.com/studio-manual/) style editor. You can also write a style document independently and upload it to your account using the [Mapbox Styles API](https://docs.mapbox.com/api/maps/styles/). You can retrieve a style directly using the [Mapbox Styles API](https://docs.mapbox.com/api/maps/styles/).

You can use a Mapbox-hosted style by referencing its [style ID](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/glossary/style-id/) or [style URL](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/glossary/style-url/) in your web or mobile app.

**Related resources:**

-   [Map design getting started guide](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/dive-deeper/map-design/)
-   [Style documentation in Studio Manual](https://docs.mapbox.com/studio-manual/reference/styles/)
-   [Mapbox Style Specification](https://docs.mapbox.com/style-spec/)
-   [Styles API documentation](https://docs.mapbox.com/api/maps/#styles)