DM Software

rwelle · Oct 1, 2010

What do you other DMs use for map software? Just thinking of maps for the battles. Could do a simple grid with letters but would like to be able to use a grid overlay with a map and images for characters and monsters.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Someone · Oct 1, 2010

I've used Photoshop and Flash (even animated maps); both are quick to use when you know what you're doing, but getting and learning to use them just for the purpose of making pbp maps it's overkill.

There are free image manipulation programs, like paint.net you may want to use; and there are also web based applications for map making, but I don't know them well.

stonegod · Oct 1, 2010

Many folks used MapTools for that. Some just use excel. Depends on how fancy you want to be.

renau1g · Oct 1, 2010

Maptools tends to be amongst the most popular, it's not too difficult to learn.

I know one DM uses GIMP - GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

rwelle · Oct 1, 2010

Thanks for all the quick responses and suggestions.

GIMP is definitely my fall back seems like it would be pretty easy since you just have to make a grid and then import a map layer and character tokens on their own layers.

Will look at maptools and see how I like that, thanks again!

One other quick question, can I put links in my signature? a href doesn't seem to work in there or do I need to put html brackets around it?

Someone · Oct 1, 2010

links in signature is, IIRC, a community supporter feature.

Voda Vosa · Nov 4, 2010

I use google spreadsheets. Here's an example. It's free, on the plus side.

MAP

Iron Sky · Nov 4, 2010

I use Masterplan - not just for online games, but for RL games as well. The only downside is if you have a complex combat and want to label the creatures somehow. No option to do that, at least that I've found.

That's just about the only complaint I have with it however, otherwise it rocks. They do drop a new version every few weeks though it seems so they might add that in the future. In fact, they drop them often enough that I don't even know how to use half the features the program has!

Tenchuu · Nov 13, 2010

I have virtually no artistic talent, but I use MapTool, and my maps turn out pretty good (example). The interface is a bit non-intuitive, but after watching a few short tutorials on this site, it really became very easy.

rb780nm · Nov 13, 2010

We're using dabbleboard for a campaign i'm in on another site. it's collaborative, so the players can move their markers for themselves. I'm still trying to decide if it superior to a standard map that the DM updates every round or do.

http://dabbleboard.com/draw/DivineAo/ROL