I am not finding the homebrew creation process user friendly in the least.
The dropdown spell list is incomplete: neither the spell catnap nor ceremony & I don't know how many other spells are missing from the list. This has been an issue with both item and feat creation.
I've also been unable to add any features to subraces. When I hit the expand (+) button, the icon changes to close (-) but there are no options listed.
I understand that setting this all up is not an easy task and I do appreciate your efforts to help bring our individual creations to the community at large.
I am finding that the more time I spend in homebrew, the easier it is to navigate, but it's still taking me hours to hammer a five minute knockout into the homebrew format.
Under race creation, one thing that would streamline the process a little would be preceding the abilities menu with a 'default abilities' section. All pc races will have a primary and probably secondary stat. A dropdown menu with stat & another with bonus to that stat would be a lot easier to work with than the current system that treats this and similar default features (like size, move, age & alignment) in the same 12 step process used to create and list the truly unique features that distinguish a new race from those previously published.
Another struggle I'm having with the race creator is trying to figure out how to give the player options, such as 'choose one of the following proficiencies' or 'choose one race quirk.'
In short, I'm finding the process far more daunting than I expected going into it. I realize this should probably be multiple threads, but I didn't want to clutter the network. Again, I do appreciate all that you guys do, but would be even more grateful if you could address these issues.
I am not finding the homebrew creation process user friendly in the least.
The homebrew tools are very much provided as-is as user facing versions of the same tools that the developers use. A homebrew overhaul is on the roadmap for improving this user experience.
The dropdown spell list is incomplete: neither the spell catnap nor ceremony & I don't know how many other spells are missing from the list. This has been an issue with both item and feat creation.
Do you own these spells? They're both from Xanathar's Guide Everything and are not included in the system reference document. Both spells are present for me:
I've also been unable to add any features to subraces. When I hit the expand (+) button, the icon changes to close (-) but there are no options listed.
You don't click the (+), that and the (-) expand/collapse that section of the tools.
You want to hit the button that says 'add an option/modifier/spell/action/creature rule'
I understand that setting this all up is not an easy task and I do appreciate your efforts to help bring our individual creations to the community at large.
I am finding that the more time I spend in homebrew, the easier it is to navigate, but it's still taking me hours to hammer a five minute knockout into the homebrew format.
Under race creation, one thing that would streamline the process a little would be preceding the abilities menu with a 'default abilities' section. All pc races will have a primary and probably secondary stat. A dropdown menu with stat & another with bonus to that stat would be a lot easier to work with than the current system that treats this and similar default features (like size, move, age & alignment) in the same 12 step process used to create and list the truly unique features that distinguish a new race from those previously published.
It's important to note that subraces and variants can differ a lot from the base race, so there's a lot of control placed in the tools to change/override base characteristics. The main issue is the more you simplify the tools experience, the more you risk restricting the creative process.
Another struggle I'm having with the race creator is trying to figure out how to give the player options, such as 'choose one of the following proficiencies' or 'choose one race quirk.'
In short, I'm finding the process far more daunting than I expected going into it. I realize this should probably be multiple threads, but I didn't want to clutter the network. Again, I do appreciate all that you guys do, but would be even more grateful if you could address these issues.
Homebrewing, even outside the D&D Beyond tools, is a daunting process. DDB can't make the design process easier, but they're always working to improve the tools.
"The dropdown spell list is incomplete: neither the spell catnap nor ceremony & I don't know how many other spells are missing from the list. This has been an issue with both item and feat creation."
You can only create homebrew copies of non-free spells if you have purchased them. The spells you mention are not free, they're part of Xanathar's Guide to Everything. Even if you are having these shared with you in a campaign, to make quick copies you need to buy them yourself.
Having it this way is quite important and will not ever change.
-
"I've also been unable to add any features to subraces. When I hit the expand (+) button, the icon changes to close (-) but there are no options listed."
The expand and close buttons only open close the list. Click the Add Trait button to add a racial feature. It is next to the + / -.
-
"Under race creation, one thing that would streamline the process a little would be preceding the abilities menu with a 'default abilities' section. All pc races will have a primary and probably secondary stat. A dropdown menu with stat & another with bonus to that stat would be a lot easier to work with than the current system that treats this and similar default features (like size, move, age & alignment) in the same 12 step process used to create and list the truly unique features that distinguish a new race from those previously published."
The way it is currently is deliberate to allow the freedom to break from normal rules and schemes and make what you want. Perhaps rather than having standard ability score increases you instead want a more powerful racial feature? Is there a point in listing Age trait if you're making an Undead race that never ages? While these traits are common there is no requirement for a race to have them - the freedom is preferred.
I can only hope this doesn't change.
-
"Another struggle I'm having with the race creator is trying to figure out how to give the player options, such as 'choose one of the following proficiencies' or 'choose one race quirk.'"
Some modifiers have this built in. The proficiency modifier has the subtype to choose a profiency. This will mean the player, when adding the race, gets to pick any profiency they want.
Where there is no "choose" subtype then you have the main Options route. On the racial trait edit page there is a section "options" and here you can create multiple options. If you make a copy of the main Dragonborn race you will see how the options are set up.
-
"In short, I'm finding the process far more daunting than I expected going into it."
It takes a bit to get used to but soon you'll be flying in no time. The best advice is take a look at other races/items/etc and make a copy to see how it was done. The Devs used the same things to make the official stuff so by seeing how they did it - what options and modifiers etc - you will learn how to do it yourself for your own creations.
If you need help with a specific feature or such there is always the Homebrew forum where us homebrewers will be happy to help you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
I understood that. I needed to buy online content for character building, I didn't realize I needed it for homebrew too. It's frustrating that I've dropped cash for a dozen hardcopies but can't use most of that investment online.
O.K. I admit it, I'm just generally frustrated.
Thanks again for the reply, I'll see if I can get it together.
Hrm. Subrace edit only has 2 buttons- save & expand(no content) racial traits.
Will carry this thread to the homebrew forum.
Hello Drawfonaf! Are you by chance creating content on a mobile device? If so, you may need to switch to landscape mode to see the additional buttons shown in Davedamon's screenshots.
Am on a device, landscape doesn't change anything. Found that editable copies of existing subrace & variant have the extra buttons that my scratch created subrace is lacking.
In create from scratch subrace I'm seeing no buttons but the 2 I've listed.
Copies of existing subrace/variant have some of the missing buttons. Although there is no add feature button, I should be able to work around the problem just by extensively editing existing templates instead of working from scratch.
I've also been unable to add any features to subraces. When I hit the expand (+) button, the icon changes to close (-) but there are no options listed.
Doesn't make a difference what you call the action, it doesn't show or add options that I can't see in portrait (normal right side up) mode when creating from scratch. Copies of existing stuff have the missing buttons though, so the only way to create a variant of a race is to start with the human variant template. (Haven't tried this yet, but I expect problems linking created subrace & variants to created races.)
What browser are you using? When I go into landscape and touch the blue plus’s sign there’s an “add whatever” button that I cannot see in portrait view.
One year on, and I have to echo the general complaint above. I don't understand half of the terminology used in the builder, I get a headache trying to read through the "how to" articles, and when I create races and subraces and subclasses multiple problems crop up. For example, I tried using Elf as a base race for a new race I made. It continually adds the +2 to Dex, even though I took that ability increase out. I made a subrace for the race, but when I go to the character builder, it lists the subrace but not the race as an option, and says that I have not created any subraces even though I did when I go back to the homebrew edit pages. I also have abilities for subclasses continually show up even though I removed them. I still don't understand the difference between snippets and descriptions, even though I have had multiple people try to explain it. Look, I'm not a programmer, and code might as well be an alien language to me. Please, please offer a simplified version to this builder and change the language to make it user friendly to nondigital natives.
One year on, and I have to echo the general complaint above. I don't understand half of the terminology used in the builder, I get a headache trying to read through the "how to" articles, and when I create races and subraces and subclasses multiple problems crop up. For example, I tried using Elf as a base race for a new race I made. It continually adds the +2 to Dex, even though I took that ability increase out. I made a subrace for the race, but when I go to the character builder, it lists the subrace but not the race as an option, and says that I have not created any subraces even though I did when I go back to the homebrew edit pages. I also have abilities for subclasses continually show up even though I removed them. I still don't understand the difference between snippets and descriptions, even though I have had multiple people try to explain it. Look, I'm not a programmer, and code might as well be an alien language to me. Please, please offer a simplified version to this builder and change the language to make it user friendly to nondigital natives.
Always feel free to ask over in the Homebrew Forum if something has you stumped. People there have been dealing with the homebrew system and its ways for some time, and know how tricky it can be. You'd definitely be better served by making a thread there about your issues with using Elf as a base race, for example.
And it's fine if you don't understand the difference between snippets and descriptions, it's just a matter of how and where DDB presents the two on the character sheet. You can focus on getting a homebrew to do the thing you want before you try to make it have a nice tidy description with great formatting, much less dive into the headaches of snippet coding.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
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I am not finding the homebrew creation process user friendly in the least.
The dropdown spell list is incomplete: neither the spell catnap nor ceremony & I don't know how many other spells are missing from the list. This has been an issue with both item and feat creation.
I've also been unable to add any features to subraces. When I hit the expand (+) button, the icon changes to close (-) but there are no options listed.
I understand that setting this all up is not an easy task and I do appreciate your efforts to help bring our individual creations to the community at large.
I am finding that the more time I spend in homebrew, the easier it is to navigate, but it's still taking me hours to hammer a five minute knockout into the homebrew format.
Under race creation, one thing that would streamline the process a little would be preceding the abilities menu with a 'default abilities' section. All pc races will have a primary and probably secondary stat. A dropdown menu with stat & another with bonus to that stat would be a lot easier to work with than the current system that treats this and similar default features (like size, move, age & alignment) in the same 12 step process used to create and list the truly unique features that distinguish a new race from those previously published.
Another struggle I'm having with the race creator is trying to figure out how to give the player options, such as 'choose one of the following proficiencies' or 'choose one race quirk.'
In short, I'm finding the process far more daunting than I expected going into it. I realize this should probably be multiple threads, but I didn't want to clutter the network. Again, I do appreciate all that you guys do, but would be even more grateful if you could address these issues.
The homebrew tools are very much provided as-is as user facing versions of the same tools that the developers use. A homebrew overhaul is on the roadmap for improving this user experience.
Do you own these spells? They're both from Xanathar's Guide Everything and are not included in the system reference document. Both spells are present for me:
You don't click the (+), that and the (-) expand/collapse that section of the tools.
You want to hit the button that says 'add an option/modifier/spell/action/creature rule'
It's important to note that subraces and variants can differ a lot from the base race, so there's a lot of control placed in the tools to change/override base characteristics. The main issue is the more you simplify the tools experience, the more you risk restricting the creative process.
Homebrewing, even outside the D&D Beyond tools, is a daunting process. DDB can't make the design process easier, but they're always working to improve the tools.
Find my D&D Beyond articles here
"The dropdown spell list is incomplete: neither the spell catnap nor ceremony & I don't know how many other spells are missing from the list. This has been an issue with both item and feat creation."
You can only create homebrew copies of non-free spells if you have purchased them. The spells you mention are not free, they're part of Xanathar's Guide to Everything. Even if you are having these shared with you in a campaign, to make quick copies you need to buy them yourself.
Having it this way is quite important and will not ever change.
-
"I've also been unable to add any features to subraces. When I hit the expand (+) button, the icon changes to close (-) but there are no options listed."
The expand and close buttons only open close the list. Click the Add Trait button to add a racial feature. It is next to the + / -.
-
"Under race creation, one thing that would streamline the process a little would be preceding the abilities menu with a 'default abilities' section. All pc races will have a primary and probably secondary stat. A dropdown menu with stat & another with bonus to that stat would be a lot easier to work with than the current system that treats this and similar default features (like size, move, age & alignment) in the same 12 step process used to create and list the truly unique features that distinguish a new race from those previously published."
The way it is currently is deliberate to allow the freedom to break from normal rules and schemes and make what you want. Perhaps rather than having standard ability score increases you instead want a more powerful racial feature? Is there a point in listing Age trait if you're making an Undead race that never ages? While these traits are common there is no requirement for a race to have them - the freedom is preferred.
I can only hope this doesn't change.
-
"Another struggle I'm having with the race creator is trying to figure out how to give the player options, such as 'choose one of the following proficiencies' or 'choose one race quirk.'"
Some modifiers have this built in. The proficiency modifier has the subtype to choose a profiency. This will mean the player, when adding the race, gets to pick any profiency they want.
Where there is no "choose" subtype then you have the main Options route. On the racial trait edit page there is a section "options" and here you can create multiple options. If you make a copy of the main Dragonborn race you will see how the options are set up.
-
"In short, I'm finding the process far more daunting than I expected going into it."
It takes a bit to get used to but soon you'll be flying in no time. The best advice is take a look at other races/items/etc and make a copy to see how it was done. The Devs used the same things to make the official stuff so by seeing how they did it - what options and modifiers etc - you will learn how to do it yourself for your own creations.
If you need help with a specific feature or such there is always the Homebrew forum where us homebrewers will be happy to help you.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
Thank you. (Where's the thank button?)
I understood that. I needed to buy online content for character building, I didn't realize I needed it for homebrew too. It's frustrating that I've dropped cash for a dozen hardcopies but can't use most of that investment online.
O.K. I admit it, I'm just generally frustrated.
Thanks again for the reply, I'll see if I can get it together.
Hrm. Subrace edit only has 2 buttons- save & expand(no content) racial traits.
Will carry this thread to the homebrew forum.
Hello Drawfonaf! Are you by chance creating content on a mobile device? If so, you may need to switch to landscape mode to see the additional buttons shown in Davedamon's screenshots.
Am on a device, landscape doesn't change anything. Found that editable copies of existing subrace & variant have the extra buttons that my scratch created subrace is lacking.
Will see what I can finagle with that.
Are you seeing the "Add a Modifier" option in landscape mode? You will not see any of the other options until you have Added a Modifier. :)
In create from scratch subrace I'm seeing no buttons but the 2 I've listed.
Copies of existing subrace/variant have some of the missing buttons. Although there is no add feature button, I should be able to work around the problem just by extensively editing existing templates instead of working from scratch.
Turn your phone sideways.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Landscape means wide screen orientation, as opposed to tall screen orientation.
In other words, turn your phone sideways.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
I wasn't disagreeing. Just pointing out that this advice was already given, and clarifying what that advice meant in case they didn't know.
I know, I was just putting it in layman’s terms
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Doesn't make a difference what you call the action, it doesn't show or add options that I can't see in portrait (normal right side up) mode when creating from scratch. Copies of existing stuff have the missing buttons though, so the only way to create a variant of a race is to start with the human variant template. (Haven't tried this yet, but I expect problems linking created subrace & variants to created races.)
What browser are you using? When I go into landscape and touch the blue plus’s sign there’s an “add whatever” button that I cannot see in portrait view.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
One year on, and I have to echo the general complaint above. I don't understand half of the terminology used in the builder, I get a headache trying to read through the "how to" articles, and when I create races and subraces and subclasses multiple problems crop up. For example, I tried using Elf as a base race for a new race I made. It continually adds the +2 to Dex, even though I took that ability increase out. I made a subrace for the race, but when I go to the character builder, it lists the subrace but not the race as an option, and says that I have not created any subraces even though I did when I go back to the homebrew edit pages. I also have abilities for subclasses continually show up even though I removed them. I still don't understand the difference between snippets and descriptions, even though I have had multiple people try to explain it. Look, I'm not a programmer, and code might as well be an alien language to me. Please, please offer a simplified version to this builder and change the language to make it user friendly to nondigital natives.
Always feel free to ask over in the Homebrew Forum if something has you stumped. People there have been dealing with the homebrew system and its ways for some time, and know how tricky it can be. You'd definitely be better served by making a thread there about your issues with using Elf as a base race, for example.
And it's fine if you don't understand the difference between snippets and descriptions, it's just a matter of how and where DDB presents the two on the character sheet. You can focus on getting a homebrew to do the thing you want before you try to make it have a nice tidy description with great formatting, much less dive into the headaches of snippet coding.
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)