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What do you use as map-making software? (ttrpg.network)

submitted 22 hours ago by juergen_hubert@ttrpg.network to c/rpg@ttrpg.network

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

If you create your own maps digitally, what do you use as map-making software?

Personally, I am fond of Inkscape, as it gives me maximum flexibility and the vector-based approach is great for scaling and rotating things.

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[–] Skua@kbin.earth 3 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

For large-scale maps, a combination of Inkscape, Gimp, and Wilbur for me! The general process is:

Rough out landmasses in Inkscape
Rough out a heightmap on those landmasses in Gimp
Simulate erosion on Wilbur
Bring it back to Gimp for colouring and manual details
Back to Inkscape for labelling

I made this as a fancied-up version of a Quiet Year game I played with some friends https://i.imgur.com/gB3sIEs.jpeg

For smaller-scale ones like D&D battle maps, just plain old Gimp (or sometimes some layout with Inkscape beforehand, and also sometimes some textures made in Inkscape). I made this version of Biete Mariam, a church in Ethiopia https://i.imgur.com/nz1ysvY.jpeg

[–] juergen_hubert@ttrpg.network 2 points 1 hour ago

I've been eyeing krita for fancy brushwork - GIMP is primarily photomanipulation software, and doesn't really hold a candle when it comes to brushes. Have you tried it out?

[–] Paradachshund@lemmy.today 3 points 11 hours ago

I really like Inkarnate. Very reasonable yearly subscription and a great tool. Obvious caveat that if you want something completely custom built, rather than using their textures and artwork, something else will probably work better. For my needs it works though.

[–] HipsterTenZero@dormi.zone 5 points 14 hours ago

I use Gimp and just hand-draw everything. I've learned that players don't really care too much about maps, so going above and beyond with high quality, ultra detailed stuff is wasted effort unless you derive joy from the creation process.

[–] roflo1@ttrpg.network 5 points 17 hours ago

I settled on Campaign Cartographer 3+.

It has a steep learning curve, but seems to be the most powerful tool by far.

[–] Ziggurat@fedia.io 4 points 18 hours ago

A couple years back I got illwinter floorplan [Link[(http://www.illwinter.com/floorplan/) on steam sales. Which for "indoor map" fits my need.
I don't play D&D, in general do not use "battle map" but still sometimes like to take time to visualise/describe a situation (and because it can be fun to do)

[–] AllrightImmaHeadOut@discuss.tchncs.de 8 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago)

Inkarnate works great and has a lot of usable styles and assets.

[–] Kichae@lemmy.ca 4 points 19 hours ago

I've been using Wonderdraft. It's resource heavy for my little laptop, but it's easy to use.