D&D General Mapping Tools

[The Green Hermit]

Do they print out well?

 

[tetrasodium]

There are a ton of mapping tools out there. While I own and like Dungeondraft, I'm thinking I want a tool(s) that links locations.......maybe. Also thinking I want 3d (again, maybe) pictures/maps. (need to be able to use it commercially, at least some of it)

Anyone have tools they love? I am not a fan of CC's look.....so that one is out for me.

Here is what I'd like:
Ok for commercial use
Isometric capability
animated (nice to have)
linking of maps
from world to dungeon
3D would be great (nice to have?)

thanks,

I think that Arkenforge checks all those boxes but the last, but it runs in unity

 

[Scott Christian]

Do they print out well?

They can be exported at 4k. I used (pre-Covid) print versions more than virtual, and never had a problem. It is expensive if you go through a place like Kinkos or FedEx, but it will last.

 

[The Green Hermit]

They can be exported at 4k. I used (pre-Covid) print versions more than virtual, and never had a problem. It is expensive if you go through a place like Kinkos or FedEx, but it will last.

Thanks. Do they work with a home computer as well? My prep tends to be completed a day or two before we actually play.

 

[Scott Christian]

Thanks. Do they work with a home computer as well? My prep tends to be completed a day or two before we actually play.

I'll be honest, I have not tried to complete a printing project with them. My stuff has always gone though a professional printing place. But I imagine it would work just as well.

 

[R_J_K75]

I have never seen a better program than Inkarnate. It is incredible and worth every penny. Regional, city, world, and battle maps. And it is relatively easy to learn. Let me rephrase that: It is beyond easy to make a descent map for say Roll20. It takes patience to make a good map if you are not artistic. And if you practice and are artistic, the maps are awesome.

Inkarnate - Create Fantasy Maps Online

Here are a few I made, and I promise, I am the most visually non-talented human on the planet. The first took about 4-5 hours (maybe 6-8?). The second, a battlemap, took me less than an hour.
View attachment 131714

View attachment 131715

First time I've used the program and I found it really easy to learn. I just made a small map in about two hours. I have a background in CADD so I'd imagine that probably helped but regardless Im happy with how it came out. I had Campaign cartographer for years and it was too complicated to learn the basics, this is way better. I'll probably buy a yearly subscription next month when the month I bought is up. One thing I really like is its cheap and you dont have to install any programs.

 

[Scott Christian]

First time I've used the program and I found it really easy to learn. I just made a small map in about two hours. I have a background in CADD so I'd imagine that probably helped but regardless Im happy with how it came out. I had Campaign cartographer for years and it was too complicated to learn the basics, this is way better. I'll probably buy a yearly subscription next month when the month I bought is up. One thing I really like is its cheap and you dont have to install any programs.

The learning curve is "just right." It's not too steep in the beginning to deter you from continued learning; however, as you learn, you realize there are a bunch of little lessons to help continue learning.

As for the annual, imho, so worth it. It's not that expensive for what you get. And they are constantly updating, so to me and my playstyle, it's a no brainer.

 

[R_J_K75]

The learning curve is "just right." It's not too steep in the beginning to deter you from continued learning; however, as you learn, you realize there are a bunch of little lessons to help continue learning.

As for the annual, imho, so worth it. It's not that expensive for what you get. And they are constantly updating, so to me and my playstyle, it's a no brainer.

You are correct about the learning curve. Im pretty confident that I'll be able to create a decent map in under hour shortly. I noticed a few things that could be better, but I'm sure thats just my lack of experience. Going to look for some tutorials on Youtube, didnt see any on their website. I also like that you dont have to invest in multiple packages to get all the icons.

I saw a program on Kickstarter that looked pretty nice called Dungeon Alchemist. Its an AI map creator, basically creates the map for you based on parameters you set. Didnt look into much past the price tag and the Jan '22 ship date though. I dont want to spend that much money or wait that long but it seems a rather original idea.

 

[Zaukrie]

Made these on Wildshape today.....took a few hours to tweak it.

 

[Scott Christian]

You are correct about the learning curve. Im pretty confident that I'll be able to create a decent map in under hour shortly. I noticed a few things that could be better, but I'm sure thats just my lack of experience. Going to look for some tutorials on Youtube, didnt see any on their website. I also like that you dont have to invest in multiple packages to get all the icons.

I saw a program on Kickstarter that looked pretty nice called Dungeon Alchemist. Its an AI map creator, basically creates the map for you based on parameters you set. Didnt look into much past the price tag and the Jan '22 ship date though. I dont want to spend that much money or wait that long but it seems a rather original idea.

I saw it too. It is nearing the last day. I am torn. That is a long time to wait, but it might be worth it.