Hey all, So recently I got a group together to run Ghost of Saltmarsh, our first session is this weekend! But Saltmarsh is located in Greyhawk it seems(far to many hours of trying to figure wtf it was) But I moved it to The sword coast map, (didnt mean to make it a link oops either way i created a smallish island off to the upper left of the wizSwordCoast Map) As you can see I threw it off on its own to the left but the main point of this.
What Map making tools do you all use and find useful? Currently im just using photohshop and some brush sets. Ive done this before when I made a map of a LiF server that had alot of cool faction wars and such. But I dont know what tools for DnD for encounters or normal just maps the players can use to get around, would be decent to have and use.
Depends on what you're looking for in a map I guess...
There are a variety of world building tools out there, some free, some not, some web-based, some downloadable. All of these have advantages and disadvantages when it comes down to it.
For my part, I have worked with basic art software like paint or photoshop in the past, but more recently I've been working with more focused tools. I've tried Inkarnate and World Anvil, to greater or lesser extents and successes, but find I like the way WonderDraft works more than those. I'm sure other people will say diffferent, and/or name their own favorite tools too.
Some of the key things I like in WonderDraft are:
- Ease of use for regional to world scale map generation; including creating regional/sub-regional map segments within the larger map construct
- Wide variety of available image sets in different styles
- Ability to generate full color AND parchment style maps (as well as switch between without too much effort)
- Single purchase for maximum content (yes, you do have to pay for this, but it's comparatively cheap for the product content)
I cannot say how good it is for small area maps (cities/city segments), as I haven't worked on that style, nor can I say how good it is for dungeon/interior maps. There are likely other, or better, tools available for such efforts. But for what it does, I would argue it among the best.
I would recommend looking at WASD20 on YouTube. The channel has several videos covering map creation and different software to assist the process.
if you are a photoshop shark you can get icon packs which includes mountains etc or you can make your own
inkarnate.com has a free options that serves your basic needs and has alot more to offer for a subscription, but the free version became too limiting for me and im not into sub
Wonderdraft is a buy once own forever and should serve you nicely and i feel like its a decent price
Hey all, So recently I got a group together to run Ghost of Saltmarsh, our first session is this weekend! But Saltmarsh is located in Greyhawk it seems(far to many hours of trying to figure wtf it was) But I moved it to The sword coast map, (didnt mean to make it a link oops either way i created a smallish island off to the upper left of the wizSwordCoast Map) As you can see I threw it off on its own to the left but the main point of this.
What Map making tools do you all use and find useful? Currently im just using photohshop and some brush sets. Ive done this before when I made a map of a LiF server that had alot of cool faction wars and such. But I dont know what tools for DnD for encounters or normal just maps the players can use to get around, would be decent to have and use.
Depends on what you're looking for in a map I guess...
There are a variety of world building tools out there, some free, some not, some web-based, some downloadable. All of these have advantages and disadvantages when it comes down to it.
For my part, I have worked with basic art software like paint or photoshop in the past, but more recently I've been working with more focused tools. I've tried Inkarnate and World Anvil, to greater or lesser extents and successes, but find I like the way WonderDraft works more than those. I'm sure other people will say diffferent, and/or name their own favorite tools too.
Some of the key things I like in WonderDraft are:
- Ease of use for regional to world scale map generation; including creating regional/sub-regional map segments within the larger map construct
- Wide variety of available image sets in different styles
- Ability to generate full color AND parchment style maps (as well as switch between without too much effort)
- Single purchase for maximum content (yes, you do have to pay for this, but it's comparatively cheap for the product content)
I cannot say how good it is for small area maps (cities/city segments), as I haven't worked on that style, nor can I say how good it is for dungeon/interior maps. There are likely other, or better, tools available for such efforts. But for what it does, I would argue it among the best.
I would recommend looking at WASD20 on YouTube. The channel has several videos covering map creation and different software to assist the process.
i just use gimp...lot of threads on this topic though.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks
there are a few options for map making.
if you are a photoshop shark you can get icon packs which includes mountains etc or you can make your own
inkarnate.com has a free options that serves your basic needs and has alot more to offer for a subscription, but the free version became too limiting for me and im not into sub
Wonderdraft is a buy once own forever and should serve you nicely and i feel like its a decent price