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’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'm trying to make my first dungeon and have no idea which resource to use for my map making. Obviously it should be simple and easy to use. I don't care if it has fancy stuff either as long as it gets the job done and it's compatible with Roll20 since that what my group uses. Thank you if you respond.

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.

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?

I recently made a bunch with Inkarnate.com, but I would really like something better. Thanks in advance!

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 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.

Me and my friends are making a new DnD campaign, and we have been drawing our own maps but recently we wanted to make them online so we can have more detail. Anyone know of a good free one or a pirated one with an easy download?

Preferably simple and quick

I am new to map making and looking to get suggestions on free map making software. I have found through google Inkarnate. Is that a good tool to start map making with?

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

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!

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.

If you would like to suggest an addition to this page

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

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

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!

Gimp/Photoshop!

Just kidding, who wants to bother spending the time to learn and create with that? Why not download one of these fancy tools that were specifically made for it?

This will not include random map generators.

Free Resources

(..that are 100% free. Listed in no particular order.)

RPG Map Editor 2 Awesome tool for creating encounters or dungeon maps, limited furniture/placeables but surprisingly good lighting and coloration effects.

Dungeon Painter Online Downloadable program, snap high-resolution tiles onto a grid from a limited resource bank.

Dungeon Scrawler Like the next two, a "hand-drawn dungeon map" maker that has one of the better options for tools and scribing. Plus a fast UI. Plus a decent number of "stamp" resources, which you can import more into. Definitely check it out.

Mipui's Map Maker Simplistic browser-based dungeon maker, perfect for easy layout design.

Dungeon Map Doodler Similar to Mipui's, this is a browser-based dungeon designer, with a simple and fast UI.

Realm Engine Made by one of our own, this 3D mapmaking program frankly rivals a number of paid alternatives. There are DLC assets to be bought, but otherwise this is a phenomenal free option.

Limited-Trial Resources

(That restrict some features to premium/purchasable costs. Sorted roughly by price.)

Mapper RPG (Premium for full resource bank, unlimited save slots. $4.99/month) "Stamp"-based map drawing program, with a large amount of resources. Fairly limited features.

Inkarnate (Free version with limited resources and functions, monthly price $5/month or $25/year) VERY popular stamp-based software for world-mapping, but has decent versatility to make battlemaps too. Pro version unlocks commercial use.

Dungeon Fog (Free version with limited resources, monthly price 4.90/month, or $50/year) Fairly detailed dungeon-drawing software with multiplayer functionality. Commercial use allowed with an extra $50/year.

Battlemapp (Patreon version unlocks a much wider array of resources and functions, $6.50/month) Versatile 3D map maker with in-game dice-rolling and token options.

AstralTabeltop (Free version with limited resources and space, $10/month for premium access) Very detailed full-game suite with many GM options, but also a decent map-building resource.

Hobbyte (Demo available with limited functionality. One-time price of ~$72) A cutesie Isometric map builder that has a great hand-drawn style.

Purchasable Resources

(With no free options)

Illwinter's Floorplan Generator ($7) Simple yet effective map creator with a wide variety of resources.

Flowscape ($15) I personally use this. Great for making beautiful 3D pictures to set a mood, plus an orthographic mode to take a top-down. With a good eye and some decent manipulation, can create amazing wilderness or city battlemaps.

Dungeon Painter Studio ($15) Effectively the sequel to Dungeon Painter Online, has a much wider array of functions and resources.

Dungeon Draft ($20) u/geovincent "You can find tons of free asset packs or make your own, and it makes things very good with its lighting options and wide array of assets and textures."

theCalamus ($3/month or $30/year) Here's an interesting one. It's a full-game service where you can host your DND games for players, and has a functional mobile version, which isn't something you see often. Consider it if you're looking for Roll20 alternatives. Player version is $1/month.

Campaign Cartographer 3 ($33) u/Savageptts "The city designer add on is the best thing i've found for city maps."

Arkenforge ($35) Also an option for full-game playability given it's good DM tools, Arkenforge also has a fairly decent amount of map-making resources.

Did I miss anything? Have any suggestions? Feel free to throw them in the comments and I'll edit them into the post.

so I was learning how to use roll20 in preparation for a campaign I am planning, and I was dishearted to find out that you cant make maps on roll20. sure you can draw on it, but the lines dont even snap to the grid. so i was wondering if there is a decent enough free map maker i can use to make battle map/town maps and upload them to roll20?

I'm looking to make a dungeon map but I'm struggling it find a free easy to use dungeon creator? I really only need to make the map of the dungeon so it doesn't have to be anything fancy.