Core Docs - Core Concepts - Global Attributes
Rock Version: v20.0
Last Modified: 2026-08-28 7:34 AM
Global attributes (Admin Tools > Settings > Global Attributes) are the basic configuration settings that are used to customize Rock. Each has a default value that you can override. Many of these are set up during the installation process. Below is a list of some of the core settings and descriptions.
Editing A Global Attribute
You’ll also notice a ti ti-pencil icon for each row. While clicking the row will let you edit the attribute’s value, clicking ti ti-edit allows you to update the attribute itself. Typically, there won’t be any reason to do this.
Google Maps API
Creating a Google Maps API Key
Let’s take a moment to look more closely at the “Google API Key” global attribute. We’re giving this particular attribute a lot of attention because there are several steps involved with setting it up correctly.
Rock's Group Viewer can display a static map showing a group's location, but to do so it requires you to set up a Google Maps API Key and activate the Google Maps JavaScript and Static APIs. Below are the steps you’ll need to get started.
What Google charges
Each Google service Rock uses comes with its own free allowance of 10,000 calls a month, counted separately per service, and charges only past that. Most organizations never reach it. Google publishes current rates on the Google Maps Platform pricing page.
4. If prompted, provide the requested payment information. Your card will not be charged unless you manually upgrade to a paid account.
5. Answer the provided questions according to your organization.
6. Click the copy button next to the API key to copy it to your clipboard.
7. In Rock, on the Global Attributes page (Admin Tools > Settings > Global Attributes) click the "Google API Key" row to edit and add the key value.
Protect Your API Key
After obtaining your key, you may optionally choose to implement a restriction type, to limit where the API key works. For instance, you might choose HTTP referrers and provide your website as yourdomain.com/* to limit its use to only your website. If you're not sure what to choose we recommend consulting with your IT department.
Back in Google, navigate to the "dashboard" on the API manager and click on the button labeled "ENABLE API". This brings you to a page listing all the available API's. Under the Google Maps API click on the JavaScript API. Then you'll choose your project, and once that's loaded, you'll select the "ENABLE" button near the top center of the page. You'll also need to enable the Static API for static maps used by blocks like Group Finder.
Creating a Server-Side Key
The Google API Key attribute covers the requests your visitors' browsers make. Some Rock features call Google from the server instead, and those read a second attribute, Google API Key Server. Proximity search in the Group Finder is the clearest example: it turns a typed address into a map point, then calculates driving distance and drive time to each group.
Google allows only one application restriction per key, so this has to be a second key rather than the one you already made. The browser key gets restricted by HTTP referrer, and the server key gets restricted by your server's IP address.
Enable both APIs - In your Google Cloud project, open APIs & Services > Library and enable the Geocoding API and the Routes API. The Routes API requires billing to be enabled on the project.
Create the key - Go to APIs & Services > Credentials, select Create credentials, then API key. Give it a name that tells you what it is later, such as Rock Server.
Restrict it to your server - Under Application restrictions, choose IP addresses and add the public IP address of your Rock server.
Restrict it to the two APIs - Under API restrictions, choose Restrict key, then select only Geocoding API and Routes API.
Add it to Rock - On the Global Attributes page (Admin Tools > Settings > Global Attributes), select the Google API Key Server row and paste in the key.
What this key powers
Server-side Google calls include address geocoding and the driving distance and drive time the Group Finder shows on each card. Leave this attribute blank and those features stay off, while the maps that run in the browser keep working on the other key.
What Each Google Service Costs
Rock calls four Google services between the two keys. Each one has its own free allowance and its own rate, so the allowances do not compete with each other. The rates that follow are Google's Essentials tier at the time of writing; check Google's pricing page for current figures before you budget.
Google Map Styles
Maps in Rock serve many purposes—from locating your church to guiding small groups and service projects. Rock’s built-in map themes offer customization, but what if you have a unique vision? If the default templates don’t fit your style, or you want to showcase your design skills, try Google Map Styles to create a look that’s truly yours.
Check out this bright orange map above. Google's Map Styles makes it easy to change how land, road, and water are themed, or whether they are even visible.
Customizing Your Map Style
When you're ready to create a custom map, access the Google Maps Platform . Once there, you can start dreaming in the Map Styles tab.
Now edit and edit to your heart's desire. When your map is ready, go to the Map Management tab. Here you'll find Google's tool to create your Map ID. This string of characters tells other systems how you want your Google maps to look.
To get the key to your custom map, start by generating a Map ID and selecting "JavaScript" as the Map Type. After saving, navigate to the Map Styles section and click "Change Style." Choose your custom design, then save once more to apply your changes.
Now that you have your Map ID handy, go back to Rock, (Admin Tools > Settings > Defined Types).
In Map Styles, many pre-configured options exist. Now, it's time to add a new one. Update the Google Map ID attribute, save, and you have a fresh look to use on any map you desire. Update the block settings for any map block, and you can select your new theme.
Map Style Lava Shortcode
Maps in Rock aren't confined to specific blocks. The Google Map shortcode lets you drop a map onto any page, giving you complete creative freedom.
Here's how it works: If you've set a Google Maps ID in the "Map Types" Defined Type, that styling automatically applies to any shortcode map you create. But let's say you want a particular map to have its own unique look. You can use the 'mapid' parameter in your shortcode to override the global setting. This allows you to fine-tune maps for special use cases without affecting the rest of your system.
Rock's Lava shortcode is also pretty smart. It checks for a 'mapid' parameter in your shortcode first. If it finds one, that style is applied. If not, it falls back to the Defined Type. And if you've skipped both, you can still provide local styling directly in Lava.