Jeff Carlsen
Adventurer
*UPDATE: Sheet now compatible with the PHB!*
I've updated the static version of the sheet. I want to get feedback before I put in the effort to update the fillable sheet. I'll once again provide the InDesign file when finished.
Version 1.1 is available from the forum Downloads Section.
Previous Versions:
I started working on a character sheet for D&D Next as a thought experiment when, low and behold, Wizards announced a contest.
I don't care so much about winning, though it would be nice. I just want to make a really good sheet, so I'm looking for feedback.
My initial work is being done in Libre Office Calc, because it allows for quick prototyping of the basic design. When that gets nailed down, I'll switch to either InDesign or GIMP to build a more attractive version.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Release 0.1
For this release, the basic design concepts are in place. The front page is focused on the core mechanics of the game, broken into four major vertical sections. Horizontally, the design is split into thirds to create visual symmetry.
The top section is dedicated to a character biography. I've always felt that having an image in the top left corner next to pure character description was important for two reasons. First, It makes an individual character sheet recognizable at a glance. Second, it reinforces that you're playing a character first, and that the rules are secondary to that.
Lastly, I use a separate sheet for spells. I figure you either need a lot of space, or none.
Release 0.2
This release made several changes based on the feedback given.
I've also further embraced the concept of a modular character sheet. The first two pages are core, and relate to everyone. Additional optional pages add detail for those who want it.
I'm also providing the LibreOffice Calc file I'm using for reference.
Changelog
Release 0.3
This release has a redesigned second page and a focus on increasing white space.
I wasn't happy with the amount of space for equipment and treasure, so I've expanded that section.
With the design team planning to implement bigger feats, I've decided to treat them in the same manner as I do magic items. Namely, have a concise list of feats on the main sheet, and then provide an optional reference sheet, which will be designed when we know what the new feats look like.
Release 0.4
I've moved on to InDesign! This is just the front page for now. Working this way takes more time, and I want to get feedback at this point.
Some caveats:
Release 0.5
This release represents the basic sheet in a fully useable form.
I fixed some copy problems, added a new portrait border, redesigned the hit points section, and completed the second page. Next step is the spell sheet. It's possible that I'll have all of the sheets converted for the next release.
Release 0.6
The sheet is complete, including all the optional sheets I've presented so far. I post it now for final feedback before I submit it to the competition.
Release 0.7
I have done a quick update to reflect the changes in the 8-2-2013 playtest packet.
Release 0.8
I've made changes according to feedback and experience. In particular, there's a place to record your lifestyle costs, "vision" has been renamed to "senses", fields of lore is now a checklist, the class features section has been revised, the hit point tracker has been redesigned, and magic items now how a checkbox for attunement.
Release 0.9
I've updated the sheet for the September 20th, 2013 packet, as well as to address feedback.
As always, I'm looking for feedback. Once I've address feedback, I'll take the time to make it fillable.
What's changed:
The Defenses and Attacks section have been merged into a combat section and rearranged. This was done to open up some more space for tracking proficiencies and various modifiers while keeping the sheet feeling organized.
A fair amount of stylistic polish has been included as well. Hopefully you like it.
After far too many hours, the 1.0 release of my sheet is complete. Thank you all for your feedback. It was invaluable.
I have only made the main page and the spellcasting pages fillable for now (though that alone increased the file size by an order of magnitude). I'll get to the other two pages eventually, but I needed a break.
D&D 5E Character Sheet 1.0 (Static).pdf (185 KB)
D&D 5E Character Sheet 1.0 (Paritally Fillable).pdf (1,674 KB)
As promised, I'm also providing the InDesign document. Feel free to do with it as you will.
Dungeons and Dragons 5E character sheet.indd
I've updated the static version of the sheet. I want to get feedback before I put in the effort to update the fillable sheet. I'll once again provide the InDesign file when finished.
Version 1.1 is available from the forum Downloads Section.
Previous Versions:
I started working on a character sheet for D&D Next as a thought experiment when, low and behold, Wizards announced a contest.
I don't care so much about winning, though it would be nice. I just want to make a really good sheet, so I'm looking for feedback.
My initial work is being done in Libre Office Calc, because it allows for quick prototyping of the basic design. When that gets nailed down, I'll switch to either InDesign or GIMP to build a more attractive version.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Release 0.1
For this release, the basic design concepts are in place. The front page is focused on the core mechanics of the game, broken into four major vertical sections. Horizontally, the design is split into thirds to create visual symmetry.
The top section is dedicated to a character biography. I've always felt that having an image in the top left corner next to pure character description was important for two reasons. First, It makes an individual character sheet recognizable at a glance. Second, it reinforces that you're playing a character first, and that the rules are secondary to that.
Lastly, I use a separate sheet for spells. I figure you either need a lot of space, or none.
Release 0.2
This release made several changes based on the feedback given.
I've also further embraced the concept of a modular character sheet. The first two pages are core, and relate to everyone. Additional optional pages add detail for those who want it.
I'm also providing the LibreOffice Calc file I'm using for reference.
Changelog
- Added missing labels in several places
- Reorganized the character biography to keep game related information together and at the top.
- Added description of how to use abilities and skills
- Redesigned the Attacks and Defense sections to allow for more content
- Added entry for Initiative
- Restyled the Class and Race section and added tracking for class features with limited uses.
- Expanded Carrying Capacity information
- Added section to track coinage
- Created optional sheet for recording magic items
- Created optional sheet for tracking hit points, spell effects, conditions, and adventure notes, plus bookkeeping for experience, and treasure.
Release 0.3
This release has a redesigned second page and a focus on increasing white space.
I wasn't happy with the amount of space for equipment and treasure, so I've expanded that section.
With the design team planning to implement bigger feats, I've decided to treat them in the same manner as I do magic items. Namely, have a concise list of feats on the main sheet, and then provide an optional reference sheet, which will be designed when we know what the new feats look like.
Release 0.4
I've moved on to InDesign! This is just the front page for now. Working this way takes more time, and I want to get feedback at this point.
Some caveats:
- I haven't really worked on the portrait box to incorporate a D&D logo or text saying it's a character sheet.
- Some of the lines appear to have varying thickness in the PDF, but not when printed.
- The "Current HP" box extends beyond the pages print margin. I need to find a solution to that.
Release 0.5
This release represents the basic sheet in a fully useable form.
I fixed some copy problems, added a new portrait border, redesigned the hit points section, and completed the second page. Next step is the spell sheet. It's possible that I'll have all of the sheets converted for the next release.
Release 0.6
The sheet is complete, including all the optional sheets I've presented so far. I post it now for final feedback before I submit it to the competition.
Release 0.7
I have done a quick update to reflect the changes in the 8-2-2013 playtest packet.
Release 0.8
I've made changes according to feedback and experience. In particular, there's a place to record your lifestyle costs, "vision" has been renamed to "senses", fields of lore is now a checklist, the class features section has been revised, the hit point tracker has been redesigned, and magic items now how a checkbox for attunement.
Release 0.9
I've updated the sheet for the September 20th, 2013 packet, as well as to address feedback.
As always, I'm looking for feedback. Once I've address feedback, I'll take the time to make it fillable.
What's changed:
The Defenses and Attacks section have been merged into a combat section and rearranged. This was done to open up some more space for tracking proficiencies and various modifiers while keeping the sheet feeling organized.
A fair amount of stylistic polish has been included as well. Hopefully you like it.
After far too many hours, the 1.0 release of my sheet is complete. Thank you all for your feedback. It was invaluable.
I have only made the main page and the spellcasting pages fillable for now (though that alone increased the file size by an order of magnitude). I'll get to the other two pages eventually, but I needed a break.
D&D 5E Character Sheet 1.0 (Static).pdf (185 KB)
D&D 5E Character Sheet 1.0 (Paritally Fillable).pdf (1,674 KB)
As promised, I'm also providing the InDesign document. Feel free to do with it as you will.
Dungeons and Dragons 5E character sheet.indd
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