Software, Computers, Video Games and D&D UtilitiesGeneral discussion on computer software and hardware, PC and console games, and RPG utilities such as eTools, PC GEN, etc.
What dungeon mapping software do people recommmend? I dont mind whether it is free or purchasable as long as it is highly recommended.
Cheers
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Depends on what you mean by mapping software. Do you mean virtual tabletop or software used to draw maps?
For virtual tabletop MapTool is probably tops if your focus is on maps. FantasyGrounds is also good, but doesn't have as many map features.
For creating maps, I like vector graphics programs. Adobe Illustrator is my choice, but Inkscape is free and very good. Photoshop is in there too. A good free work-alike is Paint.Net.
What dungeon mapping software do people recommmend? I dont mind whether it is free or purchasable as long as it is highly recommended.
Cheers
I have both Campaign Cartographer 3 and Dundjinni. My personal recommendation is Dundjinni as my learning curve on it was significantly less than CC3; however, CC3 does have a lot of features that Dundjinni doesn't have that if you have the time, you can create some really cool-looking maps.
I know that some people on the boards here will swear by CC3 only or Dundjinni, but again, I think they are both really good programs, but for me, the learning curve on Dundjinni was really easy to get some decent maps going.
I don't know of the other tools though, I'm sure that some other mapping software is out there that's cool too.
I have to agree Dundjinni and CC3 (and its plugin Dungeon Designer 3) are both great programs. However, I prefer CC3.
The learning curve for CC3 is longer than the curve for Dundjinni. And if you want fully exploit CC3 for dungeons, you really want its plugin Dungeon Designer 3 as well. Once you explore options CC3 offers, you most likely want its plugins City Designer 3 and Cartographer's Annuals as well. And it's pretty packet. However, if you decide to spend the money and learn the course, you will be able to make the most beautiful maps you could ever imagine and it will be a piece of cake.
Trust me. If you buy the CC3, DD3 and CD3 and invest time to learn them, you will never regret the spent money and you will be fully satisfied.
Thanks for the ideas guys. I'm working on Dundjinni atm but will probably go for CC3 or the dungeon equivalant at some future point.
__________________ "It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything. "
"A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic. "
"Death solves all problems - no man, no problem. "
I use CC3 (and the add-ons and annuals) for all my mapping and highly recommend it. I also don't think the learning curve is nearly as high as it used to be with previous versions of the program. I suggest taking a look at the video tutorials for CC3 and DD3 over at Profantasy before you buy because they really show off a lot of what you can do with the software (and more importantly, how you can do it):
No matter what software you choose, be sure to check out The Cartographers Guild, a very helpful and friendly online community of RPG mappers who will be more than willing to help you out and give you advice.
I always say, download the demos and play around a bit to find with one works for you, every mapper has different needs and does things a bit different. Find the one that best fits your needs!
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OK, I'm on Mac OS X, but I've been using OmniGraffle for building maps and adding props and details, some Dundjinni for map making and some different image editing apps for creating/cutting props and textures.
Also, I render objects in Cheetah 3D and Bryce (specially trees in Bryce).
And don't forget, the forums at dundjinni is full of user creates props, ready to be put onto your maps top make the come alive.
You can check out the battle maps I've done here: 4E Adventures
cheers,
// Totte
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Anyone know of an easy hex map generator to make area maps?
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What I am after specifically is dungeon mapping software rather than land and sea cartography (although in future that may come in handy). I use my laptop for all my adventure notes and this takes up quite a bit of space so I find that my maps are ontop of and around my laptop which can be a pain. Does anybody use ProFantasy's Dungeon Designer 3? Is it an add-on to CC3 or is it a stand alone? Is it any good? I notice their bundle pack is over a hundred quid. Seems a bit steep but If there is nothing else out there of this quality I guess it may be worth it.
__________________ "It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything. "
"A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic. "
"Death solves all problems - no man, no problem. "
I don't know if this program is easy, but you can try the hex map maker at ink well ideas (Inkwell Ideas).
If its not easy and you have a specific suggestion to make it better, post or pm me. Thanks for thinking of it! (Look for the "Hexographer" links in the linked page's left sidebar.)
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