Map Making Tools?

[Tripod]

I'm about to start my first DMing game on this website and it has occured to me that I need some way to make maps for my players to fight on! Does anyone have any suggestions on a good program and way to import those maps here on the forums? I have no idea how to do any of this, so any help would be appreciated.

[Arcanus]

There are numerous threads in this section that cater for the very subject. Also threads using Photoshop (commercial software=expensive) and Gimp (free). This post I did a while back is to a Yahoo group for PyMapper - software that using images of WoTC official tiles to create maps. That might be a good start. As is MapTool. You can also use your own graphics or download them from other sites, like Dundjinni.com

It all depends on how proficient you are with graphics/image editing software. Some here use spreadsheets to create maps. Take a look and if you find something you like and need help with it, ask and we'll see what we can do

[Still_Pond]

A list of mapping resources linked to in this thread - updated 2020


Drawing programs
GIMP - open source photoshop-like program
Paint.net - free better than Windows Paint-like program.
Grid maker plugin for paint.net
Inkscape - open source vector drawing program.
Pixlr - Free on-line image editor and drawing program.
Google Drawing
Google Drawing Map Template with grid


Image collections
My mapping albums
Maps in my gallery
Free textures
Monster/character Sprites - mostly from old video games.
Sporepedia - searchable database of Spore creations. Lots of D&D inspired creatures.
Google Docs Encounter Grid Template.
Print Free Graph Paper
Map Icons

Map making software
A newer (2021) on-line map drawing tool.
mipui.net - simple on-line mapping tool.
MapMagical mirror site - The O.G. of online mappers.
Map Tool
Random Dungeon Map Generator
MapMage
AutoREALM - usefull for creating large scale maps of regions, countries or even a world map. Lots of Icons that can be placed on the map.
Pymapper - uses the Wizards Dungeon Tiles. With it you can create maps and add notes, descriptions, etc.
Obsidian Portal
Pyromancer's Dungeon Painter Studio
Stone Sword mapping tools.
Stone Sword's Dungeon Maker - direct link
YeOldmapMaker - classic and clean looking mapper (uses Flash)
Tiamat the Tile Mapper - on-line mapper
Roll20 - popular toolset
MapForge - kickstarted program that may be a scam?
Dave's Mapper - random dungeon generator


Tutorials
Spreadsheet Map Tutorial hvg3akaek explains using a spreadsheet program (like Excel) for map management.
Make a grid in GIMP
Paint.net map making tutorial
Simple Mapping using Google Docs


Other
Spore creature creator - make your own sprites.
Make your own map tokens on-line

[TPasq98]

Hey guys, same question here... but I did my own digging and found a program that I am thinking about investing in called Campaign Cartographer from ProFantasy Software.

Have any of you guys had any experiance using this product?

I am to the point in the campaign I am writting that it is becoming very difficult to continue on without sound maps.

[VampyricAcid]

it depends what maps you need, if you need world maps, then even something as basic as MSPaint will suffice. If its battle/encounter maps you needs I've discovered the wonderful world of Photoshop (GIMP is just as good) and followed Evo's Tutorial its really easy to pick up, I only started yesterday and already I've knocked out two buildings (5 maps) for a campaign I'm writing!

[Tripod]

How do you use things like photoshop or GIMP? I don't know where to find things like floor images, character tokens, etc... Also, I applied to join the Yahoo group at the start of this thread, but I hope it doesn't take long for me to be accepted, if I am accepted.

[Arcanus]

Here is some stuff from the Dunjinni archives

Here is a great link to all kind of textures you can use

This site has a useful gallery of various bits and pieces

Another good site

This one will probably have everything you need and its free. I use the various map objects and the tokens in my own games.

If you search the forums for 'map' 'gimp' or 'photoshop' I'm sure you'll find something to help you as plenty has been posted. However if you find yourself struggling, if you explain what you are trying to do I may be able to knock something up to help.

[Quimnthemaster]

How do u use GIMP to make either a world map or create a grid?

[Arcanus]

This thread has some premade grids for Gimp, Still Pond did a few as well as others. Basically you need to create a tileable image and fill a blank layer with it.

World maps are somewhat trickier, as you can probably imagine The Cartographers Guild is a great place to go as users there utilise a variety of software, including Gimp and there is a great pdf tutorial too. Whilst it's for Photoshop I think it should be possible to work through with Gimp.

[Still_Pond]

I tell you how to make a grid in GIMP here.

[Quimnthemaster]

Does anyone know how to open exel in a different program so that I can upload it?

[Still_Pond]

I don't understand the question, Quimnthemaster. Excel is a program. I'm assuming you mean open up an Excel spread sheet document, (.xls) using some other program. I think Open Office can do that. You can view it using a simple viewer like this one.

If that isn't what you wanted, you'll need to explain your question better.

[Arcanus]

Originally Posted by Quimnthemaster

Does anyone know how to open exel in a different program so that I can upload it?

If you are asking about how to make attachments to your posts then here is the help file.

[Quimnthemaster]

Basically I want to be able to take a map I created in excel and upload it to this site. However, DNDOG does not support .xls so i need to convert the excel document into a form that is supported on the site.

[Zeppo007]

Take a screen shot of your map (hit the print screen button on your keyboard). Paste your screen shot into MS paint. Select out your map and save it as a jpg or png. That is how I do it.