I’m running campaign in the desert and I’m having trouble finding a good map making software and I don’t want to find a map off the internet, any suggestions?

I am trying to make some world, and hex crawl maps. Would prefer something free, but would consider paying for something good.

I am Dming a game and am in desperate need of a free map creation software. The more details i can add the better. Thanks alot!

I want to pick up map-making as a hobby. In the future I want to run a campaign Ive had in my mind for a while, and currently I'd like to help out two of my friends who are DM's by creating some maps in my free time. However, I have never used programs for it, and I'm also not sure about spending money on programs Im unfamiliar with without feedback.

Ideally I'm looking for a free program to experiment with a bit, but I'm not opposed to spending some money on a program if the general consensus is that it's a solid program.

Userfriendliness is an absolute must though, as I have no experience whatsoever yet on this.

There has been a surge of map maker "games" on Steam. I am curious about them, as I was never the biggest fan of Inkarnate for city maps in particular. Has anyone tried some of them?

I've been a long time dm. I really enjoy using maps to help combat scenes. I remember when I started I would draw the maps out on poster board and create whatever details for the map.

Fast forward twenty years, I have found the ability to use online tools to create custom maps from scratch.

I'm currently using inkarnate. It's very user friendly and provides great options to choose from and different styles of maps available. As well as the amount of items for detailing is wonderful.

My question for you is this, what site do you use to create your maps, where do you draw your inspiration and what's your favorite map made so far? Pictures always welcome

I have one map that u have been working on. I putting the finishing touches on it currently however this is what I got.

I'm attempting to make some custom campaigns and I'm wanting a highly customizable map maker. I've got years as a top builder in far cry, halo, and have made my own games/tiles/etc,. for some pixel games I did as self projects, I've used some video game creator apps (wysiwyg style editors)

I love map making and want to get a good program to make a bunch of maps. I already make my own music for DnD and I'm looking to make my own storylines and all that too but I want the maps first.

I am currently preparing a homebrew campaign and I want to start creating some maps for my world. I am not that good at drawing so I am looking for an app/website where I can create maps. I wanna create both large and small scale maps. I need maps depicting the whole world, a region/city, or just the setting a battle is taking place.

I've been looking around for a while now, since it feels like half of my prep time is spent just finding a good map that I feel like fits what I'm going for, and I think I've got it down to Canvas of Kings, Dungeon Alchemist, and Dungeondraft. Each very clearly have their own style but that aside, all look fairly easy to use(once you get used to it) and customizable. So I'm wondering, what are your guys's favorites, and for those who have tried multiple, pros/cons?

So I’ve been playing online with my group for a couple years, and when we don’t run off a module I find the biggest problem is obtaining battle maps that are relative to the scene but also look good. We play off roll20 soon to be Foundry, and I’m wondering what good suggestions there are to create our own maps?

I’ve tried things like Flowscape for some nature settings but looking for a more complete package including dungeon building, any prices are fine just fire away!

My group has moved digital and decided to use AboveVTT.

Any suggestions for map creation resources, and why you feel its the best? Hoping to find something to create World, Region, City, and Dungeon/Interior maps. Preferably one program but I'd love to hear your reasoning behind using multiple if you do.

I know a lot that generate cities but i would love to know a good battlemap generator if there even is one

I’m DM for the first time and decided to create my own campaign instead of an out of the box one. My question is if there is a website or tool I can use to create both world maps and town maps. Preferably free but if I have to pay then I will. Thanks!

I need a tool with which I can make maps, but on which I can also move characters. We are playing at my home, so id be casting the app with the map to a TV for everyone to see and play, so I dont really need some online functions or things like that.

First campaign (two shot) I ran a week ago, I drew in Paint and moved pieces around which was annoying. I wanna save myself some trouble of doing the same thing again, and also because of the grid and all of that.

So, id like a tool in which I can create a map, move pieces (PCs, NPCs, enemies) around with everyone being marked a certain way (it can be like a colored square, I dont really care about the aesthetics), I want to be able to copy the map so I can make one for myself which has traps or other things marked and id preferably like it to be an app, which I can download. Also, preferably free, but if its paid with a demo, id be willing to give it a shot and id be willing to pay if I like it enough.

Or perhaps there is an app in which I can import my map and just play with friends. That'd be fine as well.

What would you recommend?

This might not be the best place for this question, but since I'm using OBR for all my games...

I am looking for a map making tool that is decently easy for a beginner and can do maps with a modern look. I am wanting to do the home lodge for a monster hunter group in a game set in current day.

I would prefer free, but inexpensive is not out of the question!!

Thanks for the help, y'all!

Hii, I'm currently prepping for a campaign and was wanting to create a worldmap. I prefer something similar to Azgaar's, and how towns/dungeons/etc. are available in greater detail on little points of the map. I was experimenting with Watabou's, but the world map generator obviously is more generative than user creative. My gripe with Azgaar's is the optimization of it, I can't zoom in on finer spots or really navigate the map without lagging the whole software. Does anyone know a map making tool that might fit this description, and if not free, won't break the bank? Thanks!

In an effort to better serve the community, the moderation staff will be creating a series of guides and collections of resources over the next week or so, to both help interested new players, and provide a compendium for more seasoned veterans.

This post will be linked in the sidebar for all to see, and will be heavily curated to remain relevant and optimized.

The following resources are divided into tools for making your own maps, tools for generating random maps, and map repositories, if you want someone ELSE to make the maps.

Map Making - Creating your own maps

Campaign Cartographer 3 [$44.95] - Considered by many to be the ultimate map-making software, CC3 can initially be very intimidating. It's hefty price tag and steep learning-curve have turned more than a few away. However, the results can be stunning. Take a look through their gallery, or some creations from the Cartographer's Guild, and be amazed.

Dundjinni [$39.95] - Something of a rival with CC3, Dundjinni specializes in more playable maps, and less on getting that real map look. The system is also slightly more approachable than CC3, with fairly similar results. Take a look through the gallery on that page as well, it's the best way to understand the kind of results you're going to get.

AutoREALM [free] - This GNU mapping resource is a simple but powerful map-maker. It is a more watered down version of the predecessors, but the maps it makes are still incredibly beautiful and versatile. It also supports pretty much any system, able to make grid-maps, hex-maps, triangular-maps, etc etc.

Dungeon Painter [free] - This is a HIGHLY recommended battle-map maker. It is almost as simple to use as Paint.Net, but comes loaded with tons of map-making resources. the best part is that, not only is it compeltely free, you don't even need to register to use it. Seriously, try it right now. Right the hell now.

Hexographer http://www.hexographer.com [Free/$30] - Very easily makes maps in the Mystara D&D style as well as the 1st Edition World of Greyhawk maps. Also creates Traveller style star maps and overland/wilderness battle maps.

Dungeonographer http://www.dungeonographer.com [Free/$30] - Same interface as Hexographer, but includes icons for dungeons, caverns and building interiors. All built-in icons have line art and battlemat styles and one click lets you toggle modes to have a GM's view or player's battlemat view.

Map Generating - Having a map made for you

donjon RPG Tools [free] - While already mentioned in the character Generation post, there are a myriad of tools for map generating as well. The fractal world generator will craft entire continents on a globe. There are also generators for dungeons, inns, town, magic shops, etc. While the details are usually fairly lacking, the DM is given leave to create exactly what he wants inside of those confines. Seriously, if you're a DM who doesn't use dj's stuff, you're trying too hard (also, iirc, donjon himself is a redditor. So hey!).

Gozzy's Cartographic Emporium [free] - Gozzy's multiple map generators allow for a lot more in the way of parameters, allowing the DM to really specify the details he or she wants in a map. As with most generators, the details will still be a little lacking compared to hand-made maps, but it's great for on-the-fly map building.

Mathemagician! [free] - Very user friendly and simple generator, can pretty much instantly populate a small area with however many of each race you desire. Great for when your group is SUPER INSISTENT on stopping at the dwarven enclave that you just mentioned in passing.

Map Repositories - Because sometimes you want someone else to make the map

Cartographer's Guild - The premier home of fantasy map-makers. CG doesn't just host a bevy of maps for your use, but also boasts a full-fledged community built around the idea of map-making. With weekly contests, experienced advice-givers, and discussion on every aspect of map-making, it's an excellent resource for any DM.

r/mapmaking, r/worldbuilding, r/battlemaps - Three subreddits specifically built around making believable and convincing maps and worlds. A quick perusal of their frontpages will reveal dedicated and inspired communities.

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  Resource Name [price] - Description, noting ease of use, versatility of the tool, possible uses, and reliability.

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