Excel based Character Sheet

[smootrk]

I have been wanting an Excel based character sheet that can be used during play on my laptop. I have looked at several, but they are generally unwieldy, poorly laid out for game use, or toner hogs. So this has prompted me to begin construction of a spreadsheet character sheet that addresses these issues. Basically I want something about as functional as real paper, and yet prints well enough to be able to use if the laptop cannot be used at times... all the while, not burning out my supply of toner with excessive black/colors or other graphics.

Attached is my work in progress spreadsheet (along with the fonts that I happened to use on the sheet - for proper viewing of what I have made so far). The main three sheets are generally developed (with only a few tweaks needing to be made). The animal and cohort sheets are not finished (cell references have not been fixed when I copied/pasted aspects together). I plan to add sheets for Spellbook/Spells/Powers etc. and a sheet to keep as a sort of log of character events/xp log/campaign notes.

So, I am looking for critique of my endeavors so far, and especially if I am omitting something vital that should be added to the sheet, or any gross errors in my judgement. Just try to be kind about it. If you have not use whatsoever for something like this, please keep your comments of 'just use paper' and whatnot to yourself.

mod note: I am posting this in the general forum for the additional traffic. When I have a better developed sheet, I will post in the computer oriented forum or the files sections. If you feel the need to move the thread, please wait a little to give a few folk a little time to see it first.

 

[Zendragon]

When I think of spreadsheets, I want them to calculate things for me. Having a ring of protection equipped should be reflected in the AC box. Picking a prestige class should calculate new levels and feats. This is just printout of the character. You are still having to do all the pen and paper work to fill everything out, then putting it in digital form. If you are DM'ing you could create a quick sheet that has all the vital character info on it. AC, BAB, Saves, initiatives. As for the printing problem, that can be an issue. Tweaking the settings might help some with the toner costs.

 

[Ghostwind]

Have you checked out the latest version of Heroforge?

http://www.nzcomputers.net/heroforge/

 

[smootrk]

When I think of spreadsheets, I want them to calculate things for me. Having a ring of protection equipped should be reflected in the AC box. Picking a prestige class should calculate new levels and feats. This is just printout of the character. You are still having to do all the pen and paper work to fill everything out, then putting it in digital form. If you are DM'ing you could create a quick sheet that has all the vital character info on it. AC, BAB, Saves, initiatives. As for the printing problem, that can be an issue. Tweaking the settings might help some with the toner costs.

This sheet does a great number of calculations, based upon some initial entries (see Class area in bottom left of 1st page). Once class info is entered (BAB for the class, save and such) that info is carried to appropriate areas, as is Armor info once entered for the individual piece is carried to the Armor Class section. There are temp boxes for things like specific conditions or spell effects throughout the spreadsheet, but the basics all calculate for most info. However, One area where I did not program yet is the skills section - but that will be forthcoming as I work on this.

 

[smootrk]

Have you checked out the latest version of Heroforge?

http://www.nzcomputers.net/heroforge/

Like I said previously, I have looked at a lot of spreadsheets. Heroforge is overly complex, not landscaped oriented for laptop viewing, and does not lend itself well to further customization (mostly because of my meager Excel programming). I want something that I can work with easily, without worry of screwing up the background programming.... basically I want electronic paper (with just a few key calculations done for me).

But yes, Heroforge is quite nice, but not exactly what I am looking for personally. Not that mine is better by any stretch; it just addresses different design goals of mine.

 

[JDragon]

smootrk,

I have been doing the same for the last 4 or 5 years, since I got my first laptop.

I'm actually currently working on version 3 which is being designed for use on my tablet pc while in tablet mode.

Over the years of building these sheets and taking failed attempts at remakes I've discovered a few things that seem to work better for me, but may not for everyone.

Make it so each page fills the screen but no scrolling is needed. (the only exception to this is spell lists and other data pages)

Reduce the amount of "Excel" showing on the screen (IE tool bars, sliders (see above), worksheet tabs, etc). This allows you to get that larger screen size.

Use hyperlinks to connect pages (allows removal of worksheet tabs at bottom).

Use a seperate sheet for printed version. What I have started doing is having my main sheets be designed for the tablet, then sheets that are formated very close to normal sheets that all information is linked to from the tablet versions, so the print sheet shows the current #'s if I need to print.

I've had varying success, the first version I used for a while, but was always coming up with more improvements as I went along so none of them have ever been 100% done. The first was at 95% plus and I hope the current (tablet) one to make it even further.

Same as you I've never find a sheet out there that meets the needs I'm looking for, envisioning for my tool. However, I do download any new excel based sheets I see to see if they had the same thoughts as me or at least a few good ideas I can incoroprate into mine.

If you interested in seeing the different things I've done drop me an email at jdragon0000 at gmail dot com

I have almost completed the formating on my tablet version, just a few kinks to work out and then I'll start adding what formulas I plan on using. I have a new campaign starting in a month or so and hope to have it ready for that.

JD

 

[smootrk]

smootrk,

I have been doing the same for the last 4 or 5 years, since I got my first laptop.

I'm actually currently working on version 3 which is being designed for use on my tablet pc while in tablet mode.

Over the years of building these sheets and taking failed attempts at remakes I've discovered a few things that seem to work better for me, but may not for everyone.

Make it so each page fills the screen but no scrolling is needed. (the only exception to this is spell lists and other data pages)

Reduce the amount of "Excel" showing on the screen (IE tool bars, sliders (see above), worksheet tabs, etc). This allows you to get that larger screen size.

Use hyperlinks to connect pages (allows removal of worksheet tabs at bottom).

Use a seperate sheet for printed version. What I have started doing is having my main sheets be designed for the tablet, then sheets that are formated very close to normal sheets that all information is linked to from the tablet versions, so the print sheet shows the current #'s if I need to print.

I've had varying success, the first version I used for a while, but was always coming up with more improvements as I went along so none of them have ever been 100% done. The first was at 95% plus and I hope the current (tablet) one to make it even further.

Same as you I've never find a sheet out there that meets the needs I'm looking for, envisioning for my tool. However, I do download any new excel based sheets I see to see if they had the same thoughts as me or at least a few good ideas I can incorporate into mine.

If you interested in seeing the different things I've done drop me an email at...

I have almost completed the formating on my tablet version, just a few kinks to work out and then I'll start adding what formulas I plan on using. I have a new campaign starting in a month or so and hope to have it ready for that.

JD

Thanks for sharing; Email sent

 

[Vrecknidj]

HeroForge is fantastic. It could only be made better by being made compatible with Open Office.

Dave