Map Making Software - summary

[Trenloe]

This thread is designed to hold details of map making software that can be used to make maps appropriate for use in Fantasy Grounds.

If you know of some software that can be used, please post in this thread with as much detail as you can provide - the details needed are shown in the following table.

NameWebsitePlatform/OSBase Cost (USD)Cost with recommended add onsDescriptionProsConsExamplesNotesCampaign Cartographer 3Website (https://www.profantasy.com)Windows$45$99+CAD type application designed specifically for mapping - includes layers, custom effects, symbols...Powerful, plenty of add ons, actively developed, designed specifically for mapping, no artistic talent needed, comes with lots of symbols (royalty free if used in maps), online & offline tutorialsLearning curve, cost, powerful PC needed if making large maps with effectsFloorplans (https://www.profantasy.com/rpgmaps/?p=3094) Cities & Overland (https://www.profantasy.com/rpgmaps/?p=3079)
GIMPGIMP (https://www.gimp.org/)Windows, Linux, OSXFree (GIMP)N/AFull blown graphics application.Ultimate flexibility, free, online tutorialsSteep learning curve, need to find/organise own mapping objects???
Dungeon Painter Online (Pyromancer)Website (https://pyromancers.com/dungeon-painter-online/)Anything that runs FlashFreeN/AWeb browser based quick-n-easy app for creating florrplans, includes WotC D&D like tile graphicsFree, easy to use, includes tiles, no software needed, can add own tilesBasic functionality, Internet connection needed, limited map size (although it is pretty big)Info & Examples (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?14877-Powerful-flash-based-map-tool)
TiledTiled (https://www.mapeditor.org)Windows, Mac OSX, LinuxFreeN/AJava based quick n easy app for creating 2D/isometric tiled maps. Includes a large collection of 8/16bit tiles as well as supporting custom tiles e.g. D&D Dungeon TilesFree, very easy to use and add custom tile sets.Basic functionality but respectable outputsGame Examples (https://github.com/bjorn/tiled/wiki/Games-made-with-Tiled)
Photoshop CS5.x/CCAdobe (https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/photoshop.html)Windows, Mac OSX$10/month$10/monthProfessional 2D/3D Raster Image software. Includes full suite of support tools, automation, effects and styles. Premium choice for professional artists.Professional quality output.Can be overwhelming at first but has the best performing pipeline. Considered by many to be the number one image raster tool and as such enjoys a plethora of support tools and add-ons. Need to find own library of textures/symbols.Zeus Examples (https://4emaps.blogspot.co.uk)
MapForgeMapforge (https://www.mapforge-software.com/)Windows 7 - Windows 10, Mac OS X (no native Linux support, but can be used with WINE or Virtualbox)$30Varies widely depending on genre and specific needs, but approx. $45-$100 (assets that allow for commercial use tend to command a higher price tag than those that are "Personal Use Only")Locally-installed application intended for creating great-looking maps quickly and easily, either from scratch, with the help of a random generator, and/or using professional content Add-Ons. 2D top-down raster image. Focuses primarily on tactical-scale battlemaps, but could also be used to create town/village maps and some area maps.Support for layers, textures, and bitmap filter effects (e.g. drop-shadows, glows, blur, color/contrast/brightness adjustments, and bevel effects); Ten free content Add-Ons provide a great “Starter Kit”, usable without a license (low-resolution output); huge selection of additional professional content Add-Ons for sale, some of which can be used for published or commercial map projects; supports print resolution as well as VTT resolutions; artistic talent and technical skills not required.May require as much as 4GBs of RAM for very large maps with many layers; not 64-bit, so must often be run in 32-bit compatibility mode; not intended for city maps or large-scale (e.g. continent) maps.Dungeon (https://battlegroundsgames.com/images/Wraithwind_Dungeon_Preview.jpg), Tropical Island (https://www.mapforge-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/MapForge-Interface-Mockup-v2-Menu.png)Users can import their own (or downloaded) artwork, such as assets downloaded from the Dundjinni user forums, rpgmapshare.com, DriveThruRPG, the Roll20 Marketplace, etc.

[Trenloe]

Other options (not included in the table above):

https://www.fantasymapbuilder.com/

[Mask_of_winter]

For modern stuff the google floorplanner is quite useful.
https://www.google.com/enterprise/marketplace/home/apps/viewListing?productListingId=3947+3057471331592156 968&category=&query=floor+plan
You can make 2d or 3d maps and then export in the format of your choice. There's a good selection of item to populate your maps with. It works a lot like Pyromancer but a tad more complex. It's free to use. As for the cons well, like I said, it works with modern stuff only and seems to be limited to room design, could work in some sci-fi too. But it's a good thing, not enough modern VTT maps out there!

[darrenan]

I finally broke down and purchased Campaign Cartographer/Dungeon Designer yesterday. The first map I was trying to make was a large outdoor tactical map where my PCs would be part of a larger army battle. I found that neither overland mode, nor dungeon mode did exactly what I wanted, but eventually settled on dungeon mode, scattered some boulders, bushes and trees around, put a creek running through the middle and called it good. It took me the better part of 5-6 hours to really get ramped up on the software (watching and reading tutorials, exploring all the options, etc.). Hopefully my next effort won't take quite so long, but I find my initial impression, especially considering the cost, to be overall 6/10. I'm sure my attitude will change with more experience, but I thought I'd post my experience so everyone has a data point in their decision.

I'm curious, does anyone know what the commercial guys (Paizo, WotC, etc.) use to create their maps?

Finally, is there a walkthrough somewhere of how to use Photoshop to create maps? Zeus's maps look pretty spectacular, and I'm wondering how much he did using native PS, how much was add-ins or external bitmaps, etc.?

[Trenloe]

It took me the better part of 5-6 hours to really get ramped up on the software (watching and reading tutorials, exploring all the options, etc.). Hopefully my next effort won't take quite so long, but I find my initial impression, especially considering the cost, to be overall 6/10. I'm sure my attitude will change with more experience, but I thought I'd post my experience so everyone has a data point in their decision.
Wanna share your map so people an see what you did? CC definitely takes some time to learn and the real power and tricks come in once you played around a bit - especially using sheets and effects.


I'm curious, does anyone know what the commercial guys (Paizo, WotC, etc.) use to create their maps?
Paizo use a lot of different cartographers (the majority freelance) and they all use different tools to make the maps.


Finally, is there a walkthrough somewhere of how to use Photoshop to create maps? Zeus's maps look pretty spectacular, and I'm wondering how much he did using native PS, how much was add-ins or external bitmaps, etc.?

Zeus imparts a lot of info in this thread: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?12408-Photoshop-H3-Pyramid-of-Shadows-Tactical-Maps Particularly post #12.

You may want to keep an eye on this for when the books start coming out later this year: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/615795674/25-quick-and-dirty-map-tutorials-guide-book

In the end, making great looking maps is not going to be a quick process until you've learned whichever tool/s you'll be using and get together a good library of tiles, bitmap objects, etc..

You've paid for Campaign Cartographer - stick with it, watch a few more videos, experiment and look at some of the examples, go through some of the step-by-step tutorials, and if you haven't done so already, pick up the Tome of Ultimate Mapping: https://secure.profantasy.com/products/tome.asp which is an awesome CC resource (600+ pages of tutorials) and comes with a lot fo good support files.

[darrenan]

This first map ended up being not very sophisticated. Not using sheets or effects at all. I really just needed to get it done so all I really did was:

1. Create a new dungeon, not from template. Set custom size and custom background.
2. Drop boulders from the Cave symbol set all over the map. Learned how to scale said boulders so that they weren't tiny (why is the default size so tiny?).
3. Ditto with bushes and trees from the Vegetation set.
4. Drew a stream down the middle using the water tool.

That's really it, nothing fancy at all. I'll take a look at those resources you linked, thanks a lot.

[Trenloe]

Learned how to scale said boulders so that they weren't tiny (why is the default size so tiny?).
When you first create your map the width x height dimensions you enter should be your measurement units on the map (e.g. feet or metres) not the end pixel size you want. The symbols are then scaled specifically to the map size based based off this "real world" scale.

The default dungeon map that is created with the wizard is 1000 x 800 feet (pretty large), hence the symbols come out as very small compared to the overall map. What size did you use for your map?

EDIT: The "DD3 Essentials.pdf" that is installed in your CC3 Documentation directory has a good outdoor areas quickstart guide starting on page 31.

[darrenan]

After a few tries, I settled on 300x400. Since this fight starts out on horseback, I wanted plenty of space for them to run, and I figured 80 five-foot squares vertically would be about right (horses have 50ft movement). Also, there are a lot of bad guys (around 20) so I wanted plenty of horizontal space for them to spread out. I think the end result was about right, we'll see how the encounter works in practice (probably still at least a month away at this point).

[Mellock]

A long time ago, I bought a startup little program called Dungeon Demon. It wasn't very spectaular, and didn't have much art, but it sorrta, quirkily funcioned. I just checked on it again, and they've scrapped it and made an online version of it that is now in Beta. Perhaps it's something someone would like to check out. You can find it at https://www.rustyaxe.com/

A program I actually use is ArtRage, from https://www.artrage.com/. It aims to provide "natural" tools for drawing, painting, inking,... I like its interface. I've attached a map I made with ArtRage to tets it out; it's a rendition of the D&D 4e world, but done in the DnD 3.5 style.

[Mellock]

I also know of Fractal Mapper, found at https://www.nbos.com/products/mapper/mapper.htm. I never played with it much, but I know a few people who seem to like it.

[Zeus]

A program I actually use is ArtRage, from https://www.artrage.com/. It aims to provide "natural" tools for drawing, painting, inking,... I like its interface. I've attached a map I made with ArtRage to tets it out; it's a rendition of the D&D 4e world, but done in the DnD 3.5 style.

Nice map. That looks like an interesting tool particularly if you don't want to shell out on PS or can't get to grips with the GiMP.

darrenan@: I posted up some short tutorials on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4FC9177C6302AB60) a while back which you might find useful. The styles and textures I used are available for download from my website (see sig.)

[damned]

A long time ago, I bought a startup little program called Dungeon Demon. It wasn't very spectaular, and didn't have much art, but it sorrta, quirkily funcioned. I just checked on it again, and they've scrapped it and made an online version of it that is now in Beta. Perhaps it's something someone would like to check out. You can find it at https://www.rustyaxe.com/

Funny - I just found that one over the weekend too...


A program I actually use is ArtRage, from https://www.artrage.com/. It aims to provide "natural" tools for drawing, painting, inking,... I like its interface. I've attached a map I made with ArtRage to tets it out; it's a rendition of the D&D 4e world, but done in the DnD 3.5 style.

I will need to check out that one too.

[Nylanfs]

Rite Publishing (rpg.drivethrustuff.com/browse.php?cPath=5238&affiliate_id=200170) has some pretty nice map packs that I tend to use.

[Magnatude]

I also know of Fractal Mapper, found at https://www.nbos.com/products/mapper/mapper.htm. I never played with it much, but I know a few people who seem to like it.

I use it quite a bit. Its fairly easy to use, actually easier than CC3, but like everything has a bit of a learning curve.
Personally I use both FM and CC3 (with almost all the CC addons)
I like them both.
I do put everything through Photoshop 7 to gussy them up with blood/grime... that sort of thing.

[grimm182]

I think i have mentioned this one before, but for those that own Neverwinter Nights 1 or 2... you can make a seriously detailed battlemap in less than 5 mins by taking a top down screenshot! Not as great for dungeons due to the 3-D walls...but if you broke the dungeon map out into rooms then you will have super impressive maps indeed!

[Magnatude]

This one, I created using Fractal Mapper for the basics, adding a few CC3 Debris/Fount Items, and adding my own Fractal Mapper Doors/Portcullis (easy to make your own symbols in FM).

Then importing into Photoshop, Selecting the Black/walls copy/paste onto a new layer over top and adding a bevel effect to make the walls "pop". Then add a rendered 2-color cloud layer (use Multiply or Darken or other layer effects) to make it dirty looking.
6572

I can use this one as my players have already gone through this part.

This one was done using CC3 and adding the cloud layer in Photoshop to make it more dirty:
6573

Always put in a 5'x5' reference square in you maps to make them easier to line up a Map Grid in Fantasy Grounds.

This map was created in Fractal Mapper... I made the Mountain and Hill symbols myself within Fractal Mapper. Stamped them on where I needed.
6574

Finally one made entirely in Photoshop:
6575

And this one I used Manga Studio 4EX:
6576
Just a partial of a vast City...

You can use anything that works for drawing, there are tons of software out there. I also have Artrage, Open Canvas, Dogwaffle, Zbrush (going to use it more soon),.... even stuff I cant remember.

NWN is GREAT to use as well, good mention! NWN2 is really awesome if you want to make Cities, Villages and Towns.

[JohnD]

NWN's graphics engine shows it's age from about 15-ish years ago, but it is still pretty serviceable. Here's one map I made a while ago - yes the barn is on fire.

6577

[grimm182]

Now that just makes me want to post a NWN2 battlemap! :) Related...i also made token in NWN2. Create you pc, equip them, color them ect.
Plop them down on the ground and give the ground a black texture. Pan the camera so you can capture the top down angle you want then Screenshot...take you saved screenshot and plop into tokentool.

[Magnatude]

Yeah NWN1 was handy, the NWN2 set of castle pieces and buildings can be rotated any way possible... an you know you can buy it for like $10 (platinum) Not a bad price at all for a 3D map maker if you ask me.


Also Skyrim (if you mod it) can make unlimited Faces for Tokens.

[Irondrake]

I'm not sure if this is helpful for anyone, but here's a couple of examples that I have created with Campaign Cartographer (my personal mapping software of choice). I also use Photoshop and GIMP if I need to make touchups or just want to do something the "hard way" ;)

The first one here is clip from my own campaign world.
6584

This next one is a map remake I did to create a battlemap for Scourge of the Sword Coast (D&D Next game). The resolution is fairly low and the pixel size is fairly large, but you'll see that there is still some fair detail to it. Sorry about how dark it is, I was playing with Lighting.

6585

[dr_venture]

I would like to also recommend that you include Fractal Mapper in this thread. I would describe it as a very light version of Campaign Cartographer, with reduced feature depth... but along with that, greatly reduced price and complexity. It's a decent mapping program at a reasonable price point, and as Magnatude showed above, does a lot more than a tiling or web-based freebie program. A good mid-priced option.

[Mortar]

Toyed around with both FM and CC, but nothing beyond demos. I couldn't produce anything close to being half as good as what has been thrown up in this thread...really nice stuff.

[Irondrake]

It takes a little time to get used to the software, but its really about letting the software do what its best at. CC is CAD based mapping, there's a steep learning curve to it...just like with Photoshop and GIMP, but once you get past that, you can produce some pretty amazing results quickly. That dungeon map wasn't "quick" but I've produced some in an hour or two. the campaign map...well, its still not finished. I have lots of open areas in it but that's my fault ;)

[Mortar]

When I GM'd tabletop it was mostly in Kalamar or the Forgotten Realms so didn't need much in the way of maps that I couldn't do by hand. Then in the lull in my playing there was no reason for me to make maps. So it was more from not needing to make maps, then lack of a desire, that I didn't spend a lot of time trying to learn any kind of mapping software.

Though I did pick up Campaign Cartographer (with both Dungeon and City Designer) today so I will force myself to learn.

[Magnatude]

Toyed around with both FM and CC, but nothing beyond demos. I couldn't produce anything close to being half as good as what has been thrown up in this thread...really nice stuff.


Just keep in mind tho...
You have to get used to the tools. FM doesn't have much tutorials out there, I'm one of the few mappers that use it and actually makes his own vector symbols within it. I've used CC3 for years as well, and there is a lot more learning with that as well.
I'm also using one of those fancy WACOM Cintiq's, (a pen/tablet or tablet PC or your touch-phone with an app will work great as well)

The Vector mapping tools (FM and CC3) are excellent for zoom in/out and keeping the shapes nice.
Using bitmap (even in the Vector based mappers) distorts the pixels when you zoom in.

Story is key tho... yeah nice maps are cool, but I also play in games where the GM makes due with simple drawings or "borrowing" images... and I like their storytelling skills, which keep me coming back. I know, yeah, some people just like hacknslash over a nice backdrop of mesmerizing color...

If you can draw... scan it! Take a photo of it... try different things, sometimes even "Paint" works in a pinch.

Remember the old Middle Earth map? .. so simple yet brought so much imagination.
6596


Oh yes... sometimes I just find a picture of the inside of a Tavern, not a map, just a picture, there are quite a few online using Google Images. AND I also have photos I bring in, of swamps and stuff...
6598

GM: You're going to ride the horse and cart through the swamp?
Player: Yeah, swamps are no big deal... I'll make a Riding/Animal Handling skill check, be through there in no time...
GM:
6597

Player: Oh... I guess not.

[TalonKaine]

Anyone know what happened to https://quickanddirtymaptutorials.com/ ?

I've been following that site waiting for the book to be released in August, and as of a few days ago the web site no longer works. It just redirects to some other weird site. It was a kickstarter that made WAY more than the goal.

[Trenloe]

Anyone know what happened to https://quickanddirtymaptutorials.com/ ?

I've been following that site waiting for the book to be released in August, and as of a few days ago the web site no longer works. It just redirects to some other weird site. It was a kickstarter that made WAY more than the goal.
Follow Michael Turney (the author) on his Google+ page: https://plus.google.com/114973083292759962208/posts?cfem=1

He posts lots of maps he is working on. I download them all and add them to my map library! :)

[Magnatude]

He is still an active member of Library of Gaming Maps Google+ (https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/101813627127281811598)

He makes a lot of creative maps :)

[TalonKaine]

Cool.. I'll follow him there. Is he still planning on releasing the books?

[Trenloe]

Cool.. I'll follow him there. Is he still planning on releasing the books?
I haven't heard anything to the contrary. He's been a bit quiet on the subject after posting that the first book might have been out early. The original schedule was for August 2014...

[Mellock]

I came across "Other World Mapper" just now. Their kickstarter campaign ended successfully a month or so ago. They hope to have the product finished before end 2015, with an alpha before May 2015. You could get the basic package for $25 from kickstarter, or $35 for the one with more art. They want to make it DRM- and royalty-free. They seem to take a middle-ground between the ease of some programs, and the functionality of Campaign Cartographer (While also trying to avoid the latter one's learning curve).

Too bad I missed out on their kickstarter. I'm gonna keep an eye on this one, it looks like a good addition to have for running FG games.

Kickstarter campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2138108959/other-world-mapper-map-design-software/description) (ended)
Their website: otherworldmapper.com (https://www.otherworldmapper.com/)
You can find them on facebook, google+, and they have forums, all accessible from their website's "community" menu.

[bnickelsen]

Any opinions on Dundjinni?

[Mellock]

Years ago, it had some features/bugs that irritated me, but I've mellowed out considerably. I guess it's ok in my book. There's plenty of artwork to be found for it on their forums. I haven't used it in a while, but it also didn't see updates for it come out since then either. The owner of the company has sort of "disappeared" for quite a while (a few years now, I think), but I think you can still get the software. But ask on their forums first, to be sure. I remember you had to email a user called Kepli on the forums with your license key, and then he's set you up with a download to get it. Not sure if this is still going on.

[bnickelsen]

Any know of a place to get texture for use in GIMP?

[Griogre]

You may use these for free for commercial or non-commercial use. For commercial use you need to give them credit and a link: https://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/index.htm

These are mostly tileable.

[Zeus]

I like https://www.cgtextures.com and use the resources there quite often for base quick to use natural world textures. As for tileable I often just make my own; grab yourself a decent high MP digital camera, go out into the real world and snap away. In GiMP/Photoshop user High Pass and Offset filters to make the textures tilable. Simples!

If your into making your own textures you might find these tools interesting:

https://www.texturemaker.com
https://neotextureedit.sourceforge.net

I use Neo Texture Edit quite a lot to create my own custom textures.

[Mask_of_winter]

Any know of a place to get texture for use in GIMP?
DeviantArt has a good selection of textures as well.

[BearSpiritGuide]

Any opinions on Dundjinni?

I have had a lot of success with Dindjini. I still use it today. The folks in the forums are very helpful and supportive. But, unfortunately, the development has not kept up with the times and it is getting outdated.

-BearSpiritGuide

[dmkevin]

I have autodesk sketchbook which can be great for touching up (or blending away parts not wanted from maps you are working on) - especially if you can drop a hexagonal layer on top. Rivers and mountains can be made more realistic etc. You can generally pull the images into other programs afterwards if you wish.

[Trenloe]

The Vintyri project (open RPG symbols and fill styles) has updated it's cartographic collection with Campaign Cartographer 3 and 3+ installations: https://www.vintyri.org/vintyri/vccindex_cc.htm

[criamon]

I just found this https://inkarnate.com/
after about ten minutes with no information or tutorial, this is what came out :14673
I like it for overland maps. only gripe is no documentation.

[damned]

Nice - I need to check that out!

[DMZeff]

I think one thing that would benefit the community a lot would be some photoshop template files. I have one that I use for dungeons where I have it set to snap to grid and you basically slice out from the mask layer to get an image like this https://imgur.com/rYHzSGD but I'm not an expert and I think that putting together a few templates for different environments would be extremely easy to do for someone well versed in PS and allow even the most braindead novice (like me) to make decent looking maps.

I'd be willing to pay for said templates of high quality or exchange my services in the form of adventures or what have you.

[LordEntrails]

I think one thing that would benefit the community a lot would be some photoshop template files. I have one that I use for dungeons where I have it set to snap to grid and you basically slice out from the mask layer to get an image like this https://imgur.com/rYHzSGD but I'm not an expert and I think that putting together a few templates for different environments would be extremely easy to do for someone well versed in PS and allow even the most braindead novice (like me) to make decent looking maps.

I'd be willing to pay for said templates of high quality or exchange my services in the form of adventures or what have you.

Have you checked out the Cartographer's Guild (https://www.cartographersguild.com)? I don't know if there are any templates there or not. But I suspect that would be the community best suited for such.

[DMZeff]

Have you checked out the Cartographer's Guild (https://www.cartographersguild.com)? I don't know if there are any templates there or not. But I suspect that would be the community best suited for such.

I tried a couple years ago, I'll give it another shot though.

[johntjamesonjr]

well trying to figure out how to make maps from some of the printed adventures. using CC3 but im not sure.. no manual/documentation. n its frustrating lol.

[LordEntrails]

Are you saying you can not find documentation or a manual for CC3?

There is one on their website. There is one included in your installation. Their are tutorials and other sources available on their forums. If you are having trouble finding them, let us know, myself or one of the others here can point you to them.

[seycyrus]

CC3 (and CC3+) is one of, if not THE most documented pieces of map making software out there.

[johntjamesonjr]

ok i have the program from a friend since i cant afford the bundle pack as of yet n trying to figure this all out lol

[seycyrus]

Go to the profantasy website. There are links to video tutorials there.

[Zacchaeus]

Also if you click on 'Help' in the top bar there are links there to the manual and to online resources.

[HoratioDrank]

When you install CC3 and CC3+, in the installation directory there is a subdirectory called Documentation. It should contain documentation for any of the ProFantasy software you've installed. It also will contain some PDFs of tutorials, depending on which products you have installed. The tutorials are excellent.

On YouTube, a user named Joe Sweeney (joesweeney88) has put together some really excellent video tutorials to run you through the basics and even some advanced topics for CC3.

Lastly, the ProFantasy forum community is equally as good as this most excellent forum community. People there are helpful, patient, and informed.

Good luck. CC3 and CC3+ have a learning curve to be sure, but there are many solid, excellent resources out there to help you.

[Zacchaeus]

Just be aware that the Joe Sweeney videos are more than 7 years old now and an awful lot has changed since then.

[dudeslife]

If I get Campaign Cartographer 3+ and the Dungeons of Schley add-on, is that all I need to create dungeon maps? Does Dungeons of Schley have corridor, cave walls, and floors that I need? or is that Dungeon Design add-on needed? Thanks for any help.

[dberkompas]

If it's in your budget, get the Dungeon Designer add-on.


Boomer

[dudeslife]

If it's in your budget, get the Dungeon Designer add-on.


Boomer

thanks for the response. what does it do that I cannot with Dungeons of Schley? Or is it just "more stuff"? What Im asking is can I start with CC3+ and Dungeons of Schley? Thanks.

[Zacchaeus]

Dungeons of Schley is essentially a themed package which includes various symbols and textures in a certain style. It won't allow you to draw dungeons as such. Dungeon Designer is an add on which contains tools and other things which allows you to draw dungeons. CC3+ on it's own will allow you to draw dungeons too but it is really geared to overland maps. It doesn't contain many symbols for dungeons; it's mainly geographical features. To be able to draw decent dungeons you want CC3+ with DD3+. The optional symbols sets 3 and 4 (4 being dungeons of Schley) adds more stuff to enhance dungeon design. Symbol sets 1 and 2 are more geared towards overland and city maps.

[Trenloe]

You can use SS4 with just CC3. You won't get the dungeon drawing tools (and lots of additional symbols) that come with DD3. See here for a bit more info: https://secure.profantasy.com/products/ss4_features.asp

You can buy just those two first and then add on DD3, SS3, etc. if you want more dungeon map specific drawing features and symbols.

[dudeslife]

Uh oh. CC3+ installed beautifully under wine.. DD3 is a problem. It appears to install but CC3+ doesn't see it. Anyone else successfully installed DD3 with Wine/Winery ? Thanks for any help.

[Trenloe]

Uh oh. CC3+ installed beautifully under wine.. DD3 is a problem. It appears to install but CC3+ doesn't see it. Anyone else successfully installed DD3 with Wine/Winery ? Thanks for any help.
Did you download the DD3 or DD3+ install? There are different installation files.

[dudeslife]

Did you download the DD3 or DD3+ install? There are different installation files.

there is a DD3 for CC3 and one for CC3+. I downloaded the one for CC3+. I am guessing that DD3 needs to be installed into the same wineskin as CC3+ so it CC3+ can see it? I am just not sure how to do that. I was hoping someone here has done it as I am lost.

[Trenloe]

there is a DD3 for CC3 and one for CC3+. I downloaded the one for CC3+. I am guessing that DD3 needs to be installed into the same wineskin as CC3+ so it CC3+ can see it? I am just not sure how to do that. I was hoping someone here has done it as I am lost.
I'd recommend asking these specific questions on the Profantasy forums - there are more people there with experience of installing CC3 and the add ons. Or search the forums there, as there are a few posts mentioning installing with wineskin.

I'm not saying don't post these questions here, but I think you'll get a much faster/more experienced response on the forums specifically related to CC3.

[dudeslife]

I'd recommend asking these specific questions on the Profantasy forums - there are more people there with experience of installing CC3 and the add ons. Or search the forums there, as there are a few posts mentioning installing with wineskin.

I'm not saying don't post these questions here, but I think you'll get a much faster/more experienced response on the forums specifically related to CC3.

I have asked there also. I thought maybe someone here had done it.

[Trenloe]

I have asked there also. I thought maybe someone here had done it.
Have you searched the forums there?

I see a thread called "Running CC3 on Mac using Wine via Wineskin Winery" which seems to pretty much match your installation based off your post: "I installed CC3+ on a Mac using Wineskin Winery..." Post #2 of that thread explains how to install add ons.

[dudeslife]

Have you searched the forums there?

I see a thread called "Running CC3 on Mac using Wine via Wineskin Winery" which seems to pretty much match your installation based off your post: "I installed CC3+ on a Mac using Wineskin Winery..." Post #2 of that thread explains how to install add ons.

Yes I used that post to install.. I totally missed the add-on part of the post (I was looking for headers or topics), thanks for helping me out. I didn't realize we could install multiple things within one wineskin..

[dberkompas]

And you're also adding complexity by trying to use wine, which in most cases, creates it's own wrapper for each application, unlike if you were using a virtual machine.

I got tired of using Wine on my Macbook Pro, so I installe dthe free Virtualbox, and the free Windows 10 preview.

Runs CC3+ just dandy. (and quicker I might add than on my 2yr old Windows laptop.

[dudeslife]

And you're also adding complexity by trying to use wine, which in most cases, creates it's own wrapper for each application, unlike if you were using a virtual machine.

I got tired of using Wine on my Macbook Pro, so I installe dthe free Virtualbox, and the free Windows 10 preview.

Runs CC3+ just dandy. (and quicker I might add than on my 2yr old Windows laptop.

Once I saw that I could peel open the wrapper and install DD3, it worked beautifully. I run FG in wine so for the sake of consistency I wanted to do CC3+ in wine also. I have Parallels 11 w/win10 but my Macbook Pro is 6 years old so Parallels and Wine keep my fan running 100% of the time.

[Ferrin]

Reading through the last couple posts, at how complicated it seems to get uncomplicated maps, I am glad I just learned how to do all that stuff in GIMP. Not to say those programs aren't great, it just seems like an awful lot. Having used CC2 in the past, how much easier does CC3 and all the addons really make it?

[Trenloe]

Basically use the app you're familiar and comfortable with. I use GIMP a lot for general image manipulation and know a lot of image features, but would have to spend quite some time learning how to use it to make maps.

Like you took the time to learn how to do maps in GIMP, I've taken the time to learn how to do maps in CC3. The fact that CC3 is specifically made for maps, and has a lot of add ons designed to make specific map styles makes it well worth my time to learn (for me). Just a simple example - when building settlement maps, the random street tool in City Designer is a godsend. Not to mention the power of sheet effects... and there are lots and lots more tools and styles available.

[dudeslife]

Reading through the last couple posts, at how complicated it seems to get uncomplicated maps, I am glad I just learned how to do all that stuff in GIMP. Not to say those programs aren't great, it just seems like an awful lot. Having used CC2 in the past, how much easier does CC3 and all the addons really make it?

I tried using Pixelmator (like photoshop & gimp) at first. I cut up a lot of dungeons and assembled my dungeons by pasting the pieces together. I made corridors and rooms and pools and pits, but it takes a long long time that way.

[dberkompas]

@dudeslife,

If you want to go that route, then you definitely need to check out Fat Dragon Games or World Works Games.

They have dungeon pieces you can cut out and piece together. Fat Dragon Games has even taken it a step further, and they have plans that you can plug into your 3D printer and print terrain similar to Dwarven Forge and Hirst Arts.


Boomer

[dudeslife]

@dudeslife,

If you want to go that route, then you definitely need to check out Fat Dragon Games or World Works Games.

They have dungeon pieces you can cut out and piece together. Fat Dragon Games has even taken it a step further, and they have plans that you can plug into your 3D printer and print terrain similar to Dwarven Forge and Hirst Arts.


Boomer

I decided to get the CC3+, DD3, and Dungeons of Schley. Im working thru the Sweeny tutorials now, but they are really outdated. Some of the things he teaches are done automatically now.

[Varsuuk]

Year, I noticed that from day one with my 2012 MBP. I bought it fully loaded CPU/gpu/memory and found that outside of mac is, the fan and heat is too much so I dropped buying parallels while back. Running FG is horribly hot too - wondering if this is the case due to constantly having discrete gpu "on" for it? Gonna find out eventually because waiting on next set of macbooks this fall to buy a really light one. I mainly code on it so I got the 15" and found I never play games so maybe NOT getting the discrete gpu will help on heat. But mainly I just want a lighter one. I can leave the original for home use and connected in my desktop "docking station"

I bought my wife an air at the start of summer, its only 13" but I may be happy with that size for commuting use unless an uber light 15" comes out.


Once I saw that I could peel open the wrapper and install DD3, it worked beautifully. I run FG in wine so for the sake of consistency I wanted to do CC3+ in wine also. I have Parallels 11 w/win10 but my Macbook Pro is 6 years old so Parallels and Wine keep my fan running 100% of the time.

[Trenloe]

Some of the things he teaches are done automatically now.
That's interesting, I wasn't aware these were out of date. That's cool if there's new stuff being done. What's done automatically now?

[dudeslife]

That's interesting, I wasn't aware these were out of date. That's cool if there's new stuff being done. What's done automatically now?

the whole outer island outlining, land to beach to water gradient look was done as soon as I drew the island. This is like his first two videos.

[dudeslife]

Year, I noticed that from day one with my 2012 MBP. I bought it fully loaded CPU/gpu/memory and found that outside of mac is, the fan and heat is too much so I dropped buying parallels while back. Running FG is horribly hot too - wondering if this is the case due to constantly having discrete gpu "on" for it? Gonna find out eventually because waiting on next set of macbooks this fall to buy a really light one. I mainly code on it so I got the 15" and found I never play games so maybe NOT getting the discrete gpu will help on heat. But mainly I just want a lighter one. I can leave the original for home use and connected in my desktop "docking station"

I bought my wife an air at the start of summer, its only 13" but I may be happy with that size for commuting use unless an uber light 15" comes out.

The problem with the macbook pros is there hasn't been any "significant" power upgrade since mid 2010. I have been waiting for a power jump that justifies upgrading and it never comes. Even now, the chip in the mpbs is 3 year old technology. They are so late with skylake now, that if they put them in the new mbps, they will be once again be behind when Kabylake comes out at the end of the year. They need to keep the teapot designer away from the computers and get serious..

[Trenloe]

the whole outer island outlining, land to beach to water gradient look was done as soon as I drew the island. This is like his first two videos.
That's cool. Please let us know if there are any other new features as you work through the videos.

[dudeslife]

and just in case anyone is on the fence about Campaign Cartographer 3+ (I was for a long time), I watched all of the videos, read the manual, and churned this out in a few mins (nothing spectacular I know, but just to give you an idea of how it looks).

https://rpgcave.com/pics/mysample.jpg

[Trenloe]

I watched all of the videos, read the manual, and churned this out in a few mins (nothing spectacular I know, but just to give you an idea of how it looks).
Time well spent by the looks of it. Nice one! :)

[damned]

Year, I noticed that from day one with my 2012 MBP. I bought it fully loaded CPU/gpu/memory and found that outside of mac is, the fan and heat is too much so I dropped buying parallels while back. Running FG is horribly hot too - wondering if this is the case due to constantly having discrete gpu "on" for it? Gonna find out eventually because waiting on next set of macbooks this fall to buy a really light one. I mainly code on it so I got the 15" and found I never play games so maybe NOT getting the discrete gpu will help on heat. But mainly I just want a lighter one. I can leave the original for home use and connected in my desktop "docking station"

I bought my wife an air at the start of summer, its only 13" but I may be happy with that size for commuting use unless an uber light 15" comes out.

Try turning off cross platform support in FG. This does a lot more screen redraws (I believe) and on some linux/mac computers it is not required.

[Zacchaeus]

That's interesting, I wasn't aware these were out of date. That's cool if there's new stuff being done. What's done automatically now?

Hugely out of date. I spoke to the chap at the ProFantasy booth at GenCon and told him to extract the digit and get better tutorials out. He agreed but whether we ever see them or not is a different story.

I can't remember all of the stuff but they have added a lot of tools (especially in CC3+) that does things in a more streamlined way.

[kalnaren]

and just in case anyone is on the fence about Campaign Cartographer 3+ (I was for a long time), I watched all of the videos, read the manual, and churned this out in a few mins (nothing spectacular I know, but just to give you an idea of how it looks).

https://rpgcave.com/pics/mysample.jpg

Agreed, I love CC3 now that I'm actually learning to use it well. I can knock out a decent map in a few hours.

All the maps I've done in this thread (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?26352-Rise-of-the-Runelords-Maps) were done in CC3.

Only gripe I have with CC3+ right now is it doesn't support the Cartographer's Annuals, which sucks since my favorite mapping style is Jon Robert's one (and it's free at that!) from CA54. So for now I'm still working in CC3.

Two quick suggestions if I might :P

Put the lava pool and the loot piles on the "SYMBOLS FLAT" sheet to get rid of the drop shadow (or, if you still want a slight shadow, I think Mike Schley's style has a "SYMBOLS LOW" sheet as well). Second, try not to start and stop walls on corners. You get that strange chunk where they meet on the corner, especially after turning on sheet effects. I still forget this one and kick myself when I draw a complex "single" wall :/.

[dudeslife]

Agreed, I love CC3 now that I'm actually learning to use it well. I can knock out a decent map in a few hours.

All the maps I've done in this thread (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?26352-Rise-of-the-Runelords-Maps) were done in CC3.

Only gripe I have with CC3+ right now is it doesn't support the Cartographer's Annuals, which sucks since my favorite mapping style is Jon Robert's one (and it's free at that!) from CA54. So for now I'm still working in CC3.

Two quick suggestions if I might :P

Put the lava pool and the loot piles on the "SYMBOLS FLAT" sheet to get rid of the drop shadow (or, if you still want a slight shadow, I think Mike Schley's style has a "SYMBOLS LOW" sheet as well). Second, try not to start and stop walls on corners. You get that strange chunk where they meet on the corner, especially after turning on sheet effects. I still forget this one and kick myself when I draw a complex "single" wall :/.

yeah, that was drawn the day I got the program so I haven't even begun to learn the finer points yet. :)

[kalnaren]

yeah, that was drawn the day I got the program so I haven't even begun to learn the finer points yet. :)

That's awesome. It took me nearly a year of owning the software and tinkering with it before it finally "clicked" with me.

[dudeslife]

That's awesome. It took me nearly a year of owning the software and tinkering with it before it finally "clicked" with me.

yeah I don't get stressed with the sheets if I forget. I just go back and edit the properties of the object and put it on the correct sheet. I just can't believe there aren't more current videos. I guess the people who mastered it are too busy making maps to share the info in video tutorials. :) I pledge to make videos when I master it if someone doesn't beat me too it.

[rob2e]

yeah I don't get stressed with the sheets if I forget. I just go back and edit the properties of the object and put it on the correct sheet. I just can't believe there aren't more current videos. I guess the people who mastered it are too busy making maps to share the info in video tutorials. :) I pledge to make videos when I master it if someone doesn't beat me too it.

I pledge to WATCH said tutorials immediately. I find CC3+ a bit frustrating, and the tutorials done by the CC3 people aren't the greatest.

[dberkompas]

How about each one of us find one part we're each very good at, and make a video of just that part.

I'll make a video of watching other people's videos, as I've become adept at that aspect of map-making.


Dave

[Trenloe]

...and the tutorials done by the CC3 people aren't the greatest.
I find Joe Sweeney's tutorials incredibly useful and I wouldn't be doing much in CC3 without having spent time going through them: https://www.youtube.com/user/joesweeney88

[rob2e]

Sweeny's are ok, but I need more (perspective).

[Trenloe]

Sweeny's are ok, but I need more (perspective).
The videos will give you most of the ground work and some of the advanced options. All other functionality can be got from the user guides that come with the relevant product/add-on and from guidelines in the Profantasy forums. Yeah, it would be great if there were 1000 videos out there showing you how to do every little thing, but there aren't and there won't be - Profantasy or the community won't make videos for every single thing. Don't let the fact that there isn't a video showing you everything stop you from using (and learning) the product.

Follow the videos - don't just watch them, follow along in CC3, pausing as you go and try the processes. If you don't want to specifically produce the map that they're doing in the tutorial, do it anyway - you'll learn the processes and more besides. Just watching the video doesn't do this anywhere near that degree.

Then do the same with the user guides - they are designed to take you step-by-step through the functionality while actually drawing a map.

It's a complex beast CC3, no doubt. You have to spend the time to get to know it. I find the videos were excellent for me and gave me all of the base knowledge and some advanced that allowed me to fly through the user guides. Of course, we all learn differently, but I'd recommend revisiting the videos - with time set aside to go through them properly. If you're expecting to fly through videos and be drawing a fantastic map in 15 minutes then CC3 isn't for you.

[rob2e]

Yeah, currently going through City Designer tutorial by Gandwarf.

[Trenloe]

Yeah, currently going through City Designer tutorial by Gandwarf.
Cool. :)

[jshauber]

For those that might want an alternative to CC3 (which I also own) have a look at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkwellideas/worldographer-hexographer-2-easy-map-world-creator.

I have backed this and spent some time at GenCon talking to Joe (the programmer) about it. I have also used hexographer and find it much easier to use than a CAD based program. The new stuff should be even more refined and easier to use. I love the child feature which will allow you to drill down thru 4 levels of the map with just a click so that you can create the world, the continent, kingdom and province to really add detail to it.

I asked about the Dungeonographer software and he said they do have plans to also update that next year with much of what they learn from the new Worldographer.

[damned]

For those that might want an alternative to CC3 (which I also own) have a look at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkwellideas/worldographer-hexographer-2-easy-map-world-creator.

I like their classic style maps better than I like the new ones :) Old school - huzzah!

[kalnaren]

This tutorial was the one that finally made CC3 make sense to me. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-X6TQ_71VI)

I went through it and made the map with the video. Don't know what it was, but that did it. Everything else I've learned about the program has just been experimenting.


For those that might want an alternative to CC3 (which I also own) have a look at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkwellideas/worldographer-hexographer-2-easy-map-world-creator.

I have backed this and spent some time at GenCon talking to Joe (the programmer) about it. I have also used hexographer and find it much easier to use than a CAD based program. The new stuff should be even more refined and easier to use. I love the child feature which will allow you to drill down thru 4 levels of the map with just a click so that you can create the world, the continent, kingdom and province to really add detail to it.

I asked about the Dungeonographer software and he said they do have plans to also update that next year with much of what they learn from the new Worldographer.

I've messed around a bit with Cityographer. Haven't decided if I like it better than CD3 for doing quick city maps. CD3 is certainly more powerful put it takes a really long time to do even a decent town map in it.

[Trenloe]

This tutorial was the one that finally made CC3 make sense to me. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-X6TQ_71VI)

I went through it and made the map with the video. Don't know what it was, but that did it. Everything else I've learned about the program has just been experimenting.
A very cool video by our very own Xorn. :)

[Trenloe]

Only gripe I have with CC3+ right now is it doesn't support the Cartographer's Annuals, which sucks since my favorite mapping style is Jon Robert's one (and it's free at that!) from CA54. So for now I'm still working in CC3.
I've just installed it and it works.

Download the ZIP file from here: https://www.profantasy.com/annual/2011/files/CA54_JonRobertsDungeon.zip
Extract the ZIP file to your CC3+ data directory, usually C:\ProgramData\Profantasy\CC3Plus
Run the regadd.bat file.

Then off you go. :)

[Iceman]

I had this same problem. For me it was that CC3, DD3 and others required different versions of something, I think it was Visual Studio.net. At any rate just email support. They are great at getting back to you promptly with step by step instructions.

[Trenloe]

I had this same problem. For me it was that CC3, DD3 and others required different versions of something, I think it was Visual Studio.net. At any rate just email support. They are great at getting back to you promptly with step by step instructions.
Not sure which problem you're referring to. Could you clarify please?

[dudeslife]

If you are referring to the Visual c++ 12 error, this is from their forums.

(a) Start Wineskin from inside of the newly created Wine wrapper
(b) Go to Tools, choose Winetricks
(c) Press the Update Winetricks button
(d) At the top type xml in the search, expand the dll group and put a check in msxml3, then click Run to install MS XML Core Services 3.0
(e) At the top type vcrun in the search, expand the dll group and put a check in vcrun2013, then click Run to install Visual C++ 2013 libraries
(f) Now install CC3+ using the guide posted at the top of the thread

[Nylanfs]

There's also this to help too. (https://secure.profantasy.com/products/tome.asp)

[dudeslife]

There's also this to help too. (https://secure.profantasy.com/products/tome.asp)

I saw that but they don't say when it was updated last. It doesn't mention CC3+ in the description.

[Trenloe]

I saw that but they don't say when it was updated last. It doesn't mention CC3+ in the description.
It's for CC3, but 99% of the contents is completely relevant to CC3+. Well worth the purchase (IMHO).

[LordEntrails]

I have never heard a bad word about the Tome of Mapping. It's #2 on my list of PF products to buy (after DD).

[dberkompas]

It won't install unless it finds CC3, but it's just a .pdf, and I think that's included as part of the downloads. You just won't get any of the example files.

[kalnaren]

Other things not listed in there is the stuff from Inkwell Ideas (https://inkwellideas.com/). I actually really like Cityographer. It's not as powerful as CD3, but you can create a passable city or town significantly faster. It also populates everything with NPCs, shows with inventory, and the like.

I did this one pretty quick (https://i.imgur.com/pJyhJ6E.jpg), about 90% of it was "automatic" and I spent maybe 10 minutes customizing it (Imgur link because it's big).

[Trenloe]

This tutorial was the one that finally made CC3 make sense to me. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-X6TQ_71VI)
It's a great video by Xorn - it took him 23 minutes to create the map. I've just followed it in CC3+ with the free Jon Robert's Annual (#54) style (https://www.profantasy.com/annual/2011/june11.html)(as per the video). Attached is my result (Post processed in GIMP! JPG at 50% quality).

15009

[Trenloe]

And here's the same map quickly put together using the Naomi VanDoren style from this year's May annual: https://www.profantasy.com/annual/2016/may16.html

15010

[kylania]

Here's yet another version. :)

https://i.imgur.com/M3OoomJ.jpg

What are the effects settings on your walls? They look so much better than the default.

[Trenloe]

Here's yet another version. :)

Courtesy of Mr Schley - very nice. :)


What are the effects settings on your walls? They look so much better than the default.
For which map? Jon Roberts or Naomi VanDoren style?

[Nylanfs]

It's for CC3, but 99% of the contents is completely relevant to CC3+. Well worth the purchase (IMHO).

I have a hardback copy some where around here

[NotRussellCrowe]

My wife has told me that I can no longer read this thread. Every time someone posts a map they made in or talks about how awesome CC3 is it makes me eye up the software just a little bit more. :D

[damned]

My wife has told me that I can no longer read this thread. Every time someone posts a map they made in or talks about how awesome CC3 is it makes me eye up the software just a little bit more. :D

Your wife is a smart woman NtoRussellCrowe and as long as she keeps gaming with you do whatever she tells you.

[rob2e]

NotRussleCrowe you really should buy the software. FOR YOUR WIFE!

[Nylanfs]

"Happy Anniversary Honey!"

[rob2e]

"Happy Anniversary Honey!"

Hilarious!

[Mortar]

Mine was nice to get me CC3 and some add ons sometime ago....she just didn't know she did ��

[kalnaren]

Different map, but for Mike Schley's style i dropped he bevel on the walls significantly:

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8710/28266192551_784819d760_h.jpg

[Trenloe]

Different map, but for Mike Schley's style i dropped he bevel on the walls significantly:
Very nice, thanks for sharing. I like the outhouse - I was just thinking the one in Xorn's tutorial video didn't have one. :o

[Nylanfs]

That outhouse is too permanent. The reason that outhouses were so flimsy was to make them light enough to move (or rebuild in case of methane explosion). They just dug a deep hole and put it over it and when it got within a couple of feet of being full would cover it and move to a new location. Hence the portability.

[kalnaren]

That outhouse is too permanent. The reason that outhouses were so flimsy was to make them light enough to move (or rebuild in case of methane explosion). They just dug a deep hole and put it over it and when it got within a couple of feet of being full would cover it and move to a new location. Hence the portability.

Blame WotC. It's a redraw of one of their maps.

[Trenloe]

Blame WotC. It's a redraw of one of their maps.
Maybe it empties into an underground river. Or there's a magical [you know what] eating creature down there. Or the owner hates dwarves and there's a shaft that connect through to the top of a big cavern where some of them live. Or.... :)

[kalnaren]

Maybe it empties into an underground river. Or there's a magical [you know what] eating creature down there. Or the owner hates dwarves and there's a shaft that connect through to the top of a big cavern where some of them live. Or.... :)

It empties into the cave room with the ladder :/

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8631/28241033662_704c332e97_k.jpg

[NotRussellCrowe]

Awesome map! That's the kind of stuff I want to create (not so much a sewer for the outhouse but the style of the map is awesome)!

[Trenloe]

Awesome map! That's the kind of stuff I want to create (not so much a sewer for the outhouse but the style of the map is awesome)!
It is a very nice map. No offence to kalnaren, but once you've spent the time to get to know CC3, these maps can be created quite quickly...

[NotRussellCrowe]

It is a very nice map. No offence to kalnaren, but once you've spent the time to get to know CC3, these maps can be created quite quickly...

I don't even have any maps I want to create, I just want to play around with the software, it looks/sounds so fun. Maybe I can hire myself out, I'll create maps in exchange for Tim Horton's double-doubles!

[kalnaren]

It is a very nice map. No offence to kalnaren, but once you've spent the time to get to know CC3, these maps can be created quite quickly...

No offence taken, because you're 100% correct :)

Most of my time on maps now is spent messing with the sheet effects to get it exactly the way i want.

I haven't figured out lighting in CC3 yet. That's next on the list.

[kalnaren]

Awesome map! That's the kind of stuff I want to create (not so much a sewer for the outhouse but the style of the map is awesome)!

Same map done again with a different style:

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8853/28310895986_28354a171a_k.jpg

You can see my other maps here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?26352-Rise-of-the-Runelords-Maps

I actually really enjoy re-making maps from Dragon magazine adventures and the like. I've got a couple of larger ones in the works too. I should probably get back to actually doing the ones I NEED lol.

But TLDR; CC3 is an awesome tool. Nice way to relax on a Sunday afternoon drinking scotch and drawing maps.

[NotRussellCrowe]

Same map done again with a different style:


You can see my other maps here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?26352-Rise-of-the-Runelords-Maps

I actually really enjoy re-making maps from Dragon magazine adventures and the like. I've got a couple of larger ones in the works too. I should probably get back to actually doing the ones I NEED lol.

But TLDR; CC3 is an awesome tool. Nice way to relax on a Sunday afternoon drinking scotch and drawing maps.

I actually like the previous one just for the lighter background. I usually do like the black backgrounds but I guess I just like your texture you used for the non-mapped areas.

[kalnaren]

Mike Schley's style is pretty cool. Glad I picked it up.

I find Roberts blends better with stock DD3 symbols though.

I don't have any of the other annuals though. Should pick some up.

[NotRussellCrowe]

Are these maps that you're posting Schley's style? I liked his maps in LMoP and HotDQ books. I don't know who Roberts is (no offence if you are reading this good person!).

[kalnaren]

The lighter ones are Schley's style. The black background one is Jon Roberts (he does the maps for A Song of Ice and Fire).

https://www.fantasticmaps.com

[Trenloe]

I don't even have any maps I want to create, I just want to play around with the software, it looks/sounds so fun.
Yeah, that can be an issue - playing around without an end goal doesn't really make you learn how to fully use the app.

To play around pick a map from a scenario and re-create it in Campaign Cartographer. You'll learn a lot doing this, and get a great map at the end! :)

A good tip if recreating another map (if you have the original in digital form) is to import it and then set it on a sheet that has some transparency. This then gives you a see through image of the original map you can use to trace around. Some info in this thread: https://forum.profantasy.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=2321 In the 4th post I mention about making the map transparent.

For example, here's me using the Moathouse Dungeon map from T1-4 to aid me in quickly recreating the same map in CC3+:

15045

[EugenicCleansing]

What are the effects settings on your walls? They look so much better than the default.

Each annual has a different graphics pack designed by an artist. Looks like he is just using that artist's set and basic layer effects. You can buy each annual separate depending on which styles of maps and icons you prefer.

[JohnD]

I don't even have any maps I want to create, I just want to play around with the software, it looks/sounds so fun. Maybe I can hire myself out, I'll create maps in exchange for Tim Horton's double-doubles!

I don't know if that would help - you'd still have to wait ages in their standard line-up. A long line at Tim Hortons should be put on the $50 bill.

[Trenloe]

It won't install unless it finds CC3, but it's just a .pdf, and I think that's included as part of the downloads. You just won't get any of the example files.
Regarding the Tome of Ultimate Mapping - the example files are now available in a CC3+ installation package. Get them from your "Downloads and Updates" page (login on the profantasy.com website and go to Service -> Login and Register).

[Varsuuk]

Yessir! I saw that when getting pdf on iPad. Looking forward to checking it out after prelim cods/reading is done.

Wish could toss it easily on my MacBook for lesson taking outside of den
Prefer to do serious stuff in den cos 27" vs mbp15. But only thing I got in Mac for wijecwas steam installed fg client. I only recently yanked my bootcwmp (was only for visual studio) for extra drive space or id put it there temp while learning.

[Varsuuk]

You may want to keep an eye on this for when the books start coming out later this year: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/615795674/25-quick-and-dirty-map-tutorials-guide-book


Ran across this from a Zacc link. By now it has come out I am guessing. Did you get? What do you think about it? if it's not too much, may get for ideas in future with Gimp maybe if good for that.

[Zacchaeus]

I think you mean a Trenloe link? He doesn't like it when people confuse us on account of my skirt wearing propensities :)

And to answer your question I wasn't aware of this and don't have it - but might invest in it now :)

[Varsuuk]

No sir ;) I ran across the Trenloe link because last night I read a post by you helping someone by saying smethonk like "try this link" and in that link was among many replies, T's link.

But then I am rarely accused of a surplus of intelligibility in my posts ;)

[Mortar]

No that guide jasn't heen released to my knowledge at least not according to some of the stuff I am seeing on G+

[Zacchaeus]

It's available on DriveThru RPG (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/138553/25-Quick--Dirty-Map-Tutorials-Guide-Book--GPS2001)

[Varsuuk]

It's available on DriveThru RPG (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/138553/25-Quick--Dirty-Map-Tutorials-Guide-Book--GPS2001)

Anyone who read it have any feedback? It's $20 so slightly above my "what the hell it's only $10" type of thing ;)

[seycyrus]

Well to be honest, I still have a sour taste in my mouth from supporting this KS. And from what I last saw, there were still some typos in the one offered for sale.

[damned]

I have it but havent read it at all... the KS process was rather disappointing for this which may or may not have influenced my lack of motivation to test it out....

[Varsuuk]

Yeah, after the last two responses I dropped it from the wishlist on the site (I use that to track for sales when not in hurry)

So, may the vendor or others take heed how easy it is to earn a bad rep due to how a KS is handled.

[Trenloe]

Yeah, the KS follow up has been really poorly handled. Ignoring requests for updates, while posting all the cool maps the guy is working on.

The book itself - it could do with an editor reviewing as there are some basic typos. But, the content is good if you want to use a graphics app (GIMP, PSP, etc.) to create maps - it introduces some good concepts and then goes on to show how to use them.

If you've invested in Campaign Cartographer then this isn't worth $20. If you want to make your maps from scratch in a graphics app then it has some value...

[Jcmcgough]

Ha! Trenloe, I was looking around here for infor on map creating software because I want to start making vtt maps for t1-4, starting with the moathouse!

[Trenloe]

Ha! Trenloe, I was looking around here for infor on map creating software because I want to start making vtt maps for t1-4, starting with the moathouse!
My recommendation would be Campaign Cartographer - yes it has a steep learning curve (just like Fantasy Grounds), but spending the time to get to know it is well worth it. And, to be honest, it is just a matter of a few hours spent with the tutorials and having fun putting some maps together. I think most people's complaints about it are because they expect to churn out an amazing map within 30 minutes of opening it for the first time - there's no "make amazing map" button! ;)

If you're doing T1-4 I'd recommend CC3+, Dungeon Designer and perhaps Symbol Set 2 and 4 - #4 if you like Mike Schley's style (but this might be too crisp and bright for T1-4, maybe). You can always get additional symbols later.

You can also get a lot of free symbols from the Vintyri Cartographic Collection, CSUAC 2.0 and Bogie's Mapping Objects - details of how to get and setup are on the CC3 forums here: https://forum.profantasy.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=1230&page=1#Item_0 Some of these are great, but you'll just have to be aware of size and any pre-existing shadows/effects, and put them on a relevant "sheet" in your CC3 map (sheets add on effects, so you wouldn't want to add a shadow effect to a symbol that already has a shadow).

I love making maps, and CC3 has enabled me (with little artistic talent) to make some very nice maps (even if I say so myself). Some examples here: https://www.cartographersguild.com/album.php?u=23781 I did these quite a while ago and have learnt a few things since that would make these look even better (like wall effects on caverns).

[Full Bleed]

Ha! Trenloe, I was looking around here for infor on map creating software because I want to start making vtt maps for t1-4, starting with the moathouse!
Not to discourage your from doing it... but some people have done some really nice ToEE maps that are around if you look for them...

For example, here is the moathouse and dungeon :

https://educatedgamer.net/art/maps/toee_moathouse/MOATHOUSE-FINAL.jpg
https://educatedgamer.net/art/maps/toee_moathouse/Moathouse-Dungeons-FINAL.jpg

[heruca]

This thread is designed to hold details of map making software that can be used to make maps appropriate for use in Fantasy Grounds.

If you know of some software that can be used, please post in this thread with as much detail as you can provide - the details needed are shown in the following table.


Trenloe, thanks for putting together that excellent chart of map-making software.

Would it be possible to add my MapForge application to the list? It’s not an already-shipping product, but it’s been successfully funded since day 1 of the Kickstarter campaign, so it’s definitely coming to market, probably near the end of July 2017.

Here’s the info for the chart entry, in case the answer is yes.

Name: MapForge

Website: https://www.mapforge-software.com/

Platform/OS: Windows 7 - Windows 10, Mac OS X (no native Linux support, but should be usable with WINE or Virtualbox)

Base Cost (USD): $30 ($25-$27 during the current Kickstarter campaign)

Cost with recommended Add-Ons: Varies widely depending on genre and specific needs, but approx.$50-$90

Description: Locally-installed application intended for creating great-looking maps quickly and easily, either from scratch, with the help of a random generator, and/or using professional content Add-Ons. 2D top-down raster image. Focuses primarily on tactical-scale battlemaps, but could also be used to create town/village maps and some area maps.

Pros: Support for layers, textures, and bitmap filter effects (e.g. drop-shadows, glows, blur, color/contrast/brightness adjustments, and bevel effects); Nine free content Add-Ons provide a great “Starter Kit”, usable without a license; huge selection of additional professional content Add-Ons for sale, some of which can be used for published or commercial map projects; supports print resolution as well as VTT resolution; artistic talent and technical skills not required.

Cons: May require as much as 4GBs of RAM for very large maps with many layers; not 64-bit; not intended for city maps or large-scale (e.g. continent) maps.

Examples: Dungeon (https://battlegroundsgames.com/images/Wraithwind_Dungeon_Preview.jpg), Tropical Island (https://www.mapforge-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/MapForge-Interface-Mockup-v2-Menu.png), more coming soon

Notes: <Not sure what information you would want in this column, but feel free to move content here if the other columns have too much text.>

[heruca]

Also, if you scroll down a little bit on my website's Links page (https://battlegroundsgames.com/links/), there is a decent list of other map-making software that you might wish to add to your chart.

[swest]

I have seen that there is map content in the Fantasy Grounds store that is represented as being, essentially, DLC for FG. When you make a purchase, it shows up as an Update the next time you launch FG. Then, within FG, it is available as a Module loaded with tile images.

Is there a facility within Fantasy Grounds for assembling those tiles into usable maps? If not, then why is that content available, within FG, as a module?

Just curious.

Thanks.

- s.west

[Moon Wizard]

The maps that are sold as DLC within the FG store are complete maps, not tile sets to build maps.

Regards,
JPG

[swest]

Well, for instance, I just purchased AAW Games, Sewer Map Pack (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store/product.xcp?id=AAWFGANYSMP).

It consists of 49 tiles, and a full-size map assembled, ostensibly, from those tiles. It also has an image that provides convenient links (in the form of push-pins) to each of the 49 individual tiles...

It just appears like it is set up to allow for the easy assembly of a map from those tiles.

- s.west

[Andraax]

It's an overview map with links to the detailed maps.

[ddavison]

It's an overview map with links to the detailed maps.

Fantasy Grounds does not support tiles. AAW Games presented these products to us and we explained that to them. They believed that there was value in the large scale maps and the individual tiles were useful for smaller combat maps. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with a purchase for any reason. These packs might have more interest to you once we release FGU, but you can always refund and then re-evaluate at a later date.

[Ken L]

Dungeon Fog's Alpha should be open this Monday for those who're in that alpha. Should be an interesting disruptor in the map maker space.

[Andraax]

Can't wait to see how well their sound effects matched to the map work.

[swest]

Fantasy Grounds does not support tiles. AAW Games presented these products to us and we explained that to them. They believed that there was value in the large scale maps and the individual tiles were useful for smaller combat maps. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with a purchase for any reason. These packs might have more interest to you once we release FGU, but you can always refund and then re-evaluate at a later date.

Well, actually, I suppose I could still use the individual tiles to construct (with gimp or paint.net) a larger map, but I don't know how to get the images out of Fantasy Grounds... AAWFGANYSMP.dat is a zip archive, but it's passworded, and I don't have the password (as far as I know). So, at present, even though the 'collage' map, that is part of the collection, would be usable, the rest of the tiles would not be...

I suppose I could display them, individually, from within FG, and use the 'snip' program to capture them to another file, but that's more work than I want to go through (for 49 separate files)...

So, anyway, I guess unless someone has some better ideas I'll get a refund... ??

Thanks,

- s.west

[ddavison]

Well, actually, I suppose I could still use the individual tiles to construct (with gimp or paint.net) a larger map, but I don't know how to get the images out of Fantasy Grounds... AAWFGANYSMP.dat is a zip archive, but it's passworded, and I don't have the password (as far as I know). So, at present, even though the 'collage' map, that is part of the collection, would be usable, the rest of the tiles would not be...

I suppose I could display them, individually, from within FG, and use the 'snip' program to capture them to another file, but that's more work than I want to go through (for 49 separate files)...

So, anyway, I guess unless someone has some better ideas I'll get a refund... ??

Thanks,

- s.west

Hello swest,

I'll be away at Gen Con later this week but I can get you a refund before then if you shoot me an email with the order id # you want refunded. As I mentioned in the support email, the value of this particular product will grow quite a bit in FGU but won't be able to take advantage of any tiling capabilities at all in the current format. If you are happy using the individual tiles as separate combat maps and the big compilation as a single map, then this would work for that. If not, then I would recommend getting a refund for now.

[Mirloc]

I came across something new-ish. Dungeon Painter Studio, which appears to be a decent in-between software for those who are used to stamping software (like Tiled) but has a heck of an impressive set of tools for making maps.

It's available on Steam for $14.99, and seems to be a good amount of software for the money. I was going to give a detailed review, but Taking20 did a hell of a review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU2gS7HpMLw

[seycyrus]

I came across something new-ish. Dungeon Painter Studio, ...

This has sorta been covered in this thread. Dungeon Painter Online is the precursor to this product.

[daplunk]

For any Campaign Cartographer 3+ users who also use Facebook we have an ever growing community of users that is proving to be a valuable resource for new and experienced users. Feel free to join us.

Campaign Cartographer 3+ Facebook User Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1830466227284189/)

[Bidmaron]

Hey, daplunk, nice to see you over here.

[daplunk]

Hey, daplunk, nice to see you over here.

:) I pop in every now and then. Fantasy Grounds is on my 'highly interested' list. I've just never been able to justify the cost given how little of the functionality I need given the way I play. Maybe one day I'll get it just so I can make some tutorial videos.

[ColinBuckler]

I came across something new-ish. Dungeon Painter Studio, which appears to be a decent in-between software for those who are used to stamping software (like Tiled) but has a heck of an impressive set of tools for making maps.

It's available on Steam for $14.99, and seems to be a good amount of software for the money. I was going to give a detailed review, but Taking20 did a hell of a review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU2gS7HpMLw

Dungeon Painter Studio (DPS for short) has been around for just over year now and is available on steam at https://store.steampowered.com/app/592260/Dungeon_Painter_Studio/ for £10.99

I use this product to make all of my custom battlemaps and can generate a bare room dungeon with walls (and shadow effects) of several rooms easily in less the 5 minutes. Placing the objects and other tokens will take a bit longer....

What makes this product reall good is the availability of art packs that have been generated by the community. These can be added via the workshop pages within steam and then automatically downloaded by the client.

I have created several videos on the steam website as well as hosting them on youtube (see https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxXh3nf4UYOKZ3wiqQugjtQ ) and should give you a good overview of the product.

Sample art work that has been creates can be seen at https://steamcommunity.com/app/592260/images/

Some of the maps that I have created are: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197960281158/images/?appid=592260

If there is sufficient interest I would be happy to perform some demonstration sessions via Twitch.

If you have any questions please ask....

[TriOpticon]

ColinBuckler, how easy is it to add your own art pack? Just stick it in a folder?

Thanks.

[ColinBuckler]

ColinBuckler, how easy is it to add your own art pack? Just stick it in a folder?

Thanks.

Pretty ..... but .....

The folder has to be in the correct location (i.e. under the Steam App folder for the program).

There is a structure to the folder contents that you have to use.

Also works best with a 200px per 5ft (objects)

Though most of the items are there already if you download from the workshop.

[TriOpticon]

Thanks, ColinBuckler. I have a lot of items I have bought from WargameVault, DriveThruRPG, etc and wanted to be able to use them.

[ColinBuckler]

Hi,

I have purchased some heroic map items which scale out as 10x10 squares. I have scaled these to 200px per 5ft and packaged them into a module as objects. All I do then is to place 4 separate time to create a 20 x 20 battle grid in a wilderness or in a town/city. Export as png/jpeg as required and load in to FG.

Works a dream !!!

[TriOpticon]

I do have money sitting in my steam wallet so I'll more than likely purchase it today. Then they'll probably put it on sale... :)

[Kanbie]

I do have money sitting in my steam wallet so I'll more than likely purchase it today. Then they'll probably put it on sale... :)

Last I checked it was just pyromancer doing development he has only added loyalty free assets as well. Don't feel bad if you don't get it on a sale.

[ColinBuckler]

Last I checked it was just pyromancer doing development he has only added loyalty free assets as well. Don't feel bad if you don't get it on a sale.

It is only Pyromancer doing the development, but he does answer questions on the Steam site.

Not sure on the exact userbase size, but there are 12,471 subscribers to the highest subscribed workshop download.....

Its been released for over a year but I have never seen it discounted. Its always been £10.99 - though at that price its less than most stuff on FG store.

[Dark_Soul]

Hello everyone. New user here, still learning the ropes of FG but planning on moving my campaign over from Roll20 in the next few months.

I saw that the discussion has shifted to Dungeon Painter Studio and decided to throw in my two cents: For making battle maps it's absolutely worth the money, especially if you have additional assets from the workshop or elsewhere. The base program comes with ~200 MB of assets to work with, and I've converted some 7.5 GB of additional ones from the Roll20 Marketplace; enough that I wrote a guide for doing so on Steam. It has its limitations, mostly in the effects where I'd like to be able to create deeper, longer shadows than the program currently supports, but it has still increased my map creation speed a lot. It easily (literally three clicks) exports to png and jpg files, and has a preset resolution for FG maps (100 px /square).

[Gwydion]

Hi,

I have purchased some heroic map items which scale out as 10x10 squares. I have scaled these to 200px per 5ft and packaged them into a module as objects. All I do then is to place 4 separate time to create a 20 x 20 battle grid in a wilderness or in a town/city. Export as png/jpeg as required and load in to FG.

Works a dream !!!

Yeah... I love the Heroic Maps. I've purchased several of their maps and have been a patreon now for several months. Really great stuff. I ended up reducing them in GIMP to make sure they were in FG, but that is easy.

[LordEntrails]

A new article from the Cartographer's Guild on the subject. A bit more from the 'professional' perspective, but still valuable info; https://www.cartographersguild.com/content.php?r=364-To-Draw-and-Paint-Maps-Revisited-2018

[spoonhead]

Has anyone had experience or used maps from Game Tile Warehouse? https://gametilewarehouse.wixsite.com/rpgtilesupply/shop-2

Look impressive but not sure. Prices range from $1 to $850! https://gametilewarehouse.wixsite.com/rpgtilesupply/product-page/gtw-super-bundle-9-in-1-code-pack

[Trenloe]

Has anyone had experience or used maps from Game Tile Warehouse? https://gametilewarehouse.wixsite.com/rpgtilesupply/shop-2
Yep, I've backed a lot of Kris's Kickstarters and use his maps regularly. They're very good quality and great for random encounters or small planned encounters.

Kris is also getting very much into Fantasy Grounds recently, and producing FG modules of his maps. If you're looking to use the maps purely in FG, you might want to look at those products.

[spoonhead]

Yep, I've backed a lot of Kris's Kickstarters and use his maps regularly. They're very good quality and great for random encounters or small planned encounters.

Kris is also getting very much into Fantasy Grounds recently, and producing FG modules of his maps. If you're looking to use the maps purely in FG, you might want to look at those products.

Thanks. Will certainly take a look.

[bakerjw]

Poking around and looking for a mapping program, I picked up the dungeon painter studio on steam. The web version looked decent enough but had some "issues" with Adobe Air.

[Valyar]

This is still in Early access in Steam... I wonder what is good no on...

[ColinBuckler]

I use Dungeon Painter Studio (DPS) for all of my maps and find its very easy to use - you can knock up a quick dungeon in minutes, though detailed takes longer.

I have also created some you tube videos to help others : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxXh3nf4UYOKZ3wiqQugjtQ

If you have any questions, by all means ask. If there is a demand I can take you through a demo of the software via twitch.

[TrentLane]

I make most of my maps with Illwinter Floorplan Generator (https://store.steampowered.com/app/630900/Illwinters_Floorplan_Generator/) I think it's quite easy and fast to use (some example maps (https://imgur.com/a/2KG3JL9)) not as powerful as DungeonPainter but the results are good enough imo

[Targas]

I make most of my maps with Illwinter Floorplan Generator (https://store.steampowered.com/app/630900/Illwinters_Floorplan_Generator/) I think it's quite easy and fast to use (some example maps (https://imgur.com/a/2KG3JL9)) not as powerful as DungeonPainter but the results are good enough imo
Honestly, with FG‘s poor graphic capabilities, I wonder why SmiteWorks is not integrating this 5$ functionality directly into Fantasy Grounds...

[Trenloe]

Honestly, with FG‘s poor graphic capabilities, I wonder why SmiteWorks is not integrating this 5$ functionality directly into Fantasy Grounds...
Maybe because they have other plans:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FjwaYqdAbM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJBXbxfTwB4

[DarkNight]

Hello All, I am reletively new to using fantasy grounds but wanted to let you know there is a program on steam called Dungeon Painter Studios, it has an export option designed for Fantasy Grounds and is a cheaper option to most of the other paid ones listed. Hope this helps!

[heruca]

Bumping this for Trenloe, but with updated data.


Trenloe, thanks for putting together that excellent chart of map-making software.

Would it be possible to add my MapForge application to the list? It’s been shipping since March 2018.

Here’s the info for the chart entry.

Name: MapForge

Website: https://www.mapforge-software.com/

Platform/OS: Windows 7 - Windows 10, Mac OS X (no native Linux support, but can be used with WINE or Virtualbox)

Base Cost (USD): $30

Cost with recommended Add-Ons: Varies widely depending on genre and specific needs, but approx. $45-$100 (assets that allow for commercial use tend to command a higher price tag than those that are "Personal Use Only")

Description: Locally-installed application intended for creating great-looking maps quickly and easily, either from scratch, with the help of a random generator, and/or using professional content Add-Ons. 2D top-down raster image. Focuses primarily on tactical-scale battlemaps, but could also be used to create town/village maps and some area maps.

Pros: Support for layers, textures, and bitmap filter effects (e.g. drop-shadows, glows, blur, color/contrast/brightness adjustments, and bevel effects); Ten free content Add-Ons provide a great “Starter Kit”, usable without a license (low-resolution output); huge selection of additional professional content Add-Ons for sale, some of which can be used for published or commercial map projects; supports print resolution as well as VTT resolutions; artistic talent and technical skills not required.

Cons: May require as much as 4GBs of RAM for very large maps with many layers; not 64-bit, so must often be run in 32-bit compatibility mode; not intended for city maps or large-scale (e.g. continent) maps.

Examples: Dungeon (https://battlegroundsgames.com/images/Wraithwind_Dungeon_Preview.jpg), Tropical Island (https://www.mapforge-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/MapForge-Interface-Mockup-v2-Menu.png), more coming soon

Notes: Users can import their own (or downloaded) artwork, such as assets downloaded from the Dundjinni user forums, rpgmapshare.com, DriveThruRPG, the Roll20 Marketplace, etc.

[gtw2017]

*deleted*

[Trenloe]

Bumping this for Trenloe, but with updated data.
Sorry, I'm not really maintaining this thread much now. Thanks for the reminder.


Here’s the info for the chart entry.
Thanks for the info.

[Trenloe]

I don't see those as cons - Map Forge uses wonderful art from a wide variety of talented mapping artists in a wonderful way - the 4g is not relevant as users of FG make maps outside of the FG program - and must then then resize and import them accordingly (less than 2600x2600px) to meet the restrictions imposed by the program.
The 4GB limit is a relevant con - it's not directly to do with the 4GB Fantasy Grounds memory issue, but it is related. It's to do with any 32-bit application having memory limits (2GB or close to 4GB depending if the executable is made large address aware). If a 32-bit application loads a lot of stuff into memory it can start having issues in the 3GB+ memory use zone - @gtw2017 remember some issues you've have when working on very large maps in 32-bit GIMP?

[gtw2017]

The 4GB limit is a relevant con - it's not directly to do with the 4GB Fantasy Grounds memory issue, but it is related. It's to do with any 32-bit application having memory limits (2GB or close to 4GB depending if the executable is made large address aware). If a 32-bit application loads a lot of stuff into memory it can start having issues in the 3GB+ memory use zone - @gtw2017 remember some issues you've have when working on very large maps in 32-bit GIMP?

I see - I stand corrected then.

[heruca]

MapForge now support variable-size map canvasses, so if you use the smaller canvas sizes you won't be getting near the upper limit of allocated RAM, even when using multiple layers.

In any case, I suspect the vast majority of FG users will be using MapForge unlicensed (there's little need for high-res output if you're just going to be reducing a map to 50 dpi for use in FG), so they'll never even use 2 GB of RAM.

[WESeib]

Although it isn't exactly mapping it is more of a world creation / building tool, you can make some absolutely incredible things with this, relatively easily. It's called Flowscape and can be found here: https://pixelforest.itch.io/flowscape

You can create maps with it and I did not see it listed here, which is why I mention it.

[alfarobl]

I like Illwinter's Floorplan Generator: https://www.illwinter.com/floorplan/

[rob2e]

Although it isn't exactly mapping it is more of a world creation / building tool, you can make some absolutely incredible things with this, relatively easily. It's called Flowscape and can be found here: https://pixelforest.itch.io/flowscape

You can create maps with it and I did not see it listed here, which is why I mention it.

So wait this CAN be used for top-down 2D maps?

[WESeib]

Yes, as of 3 months ago, the developer added an orthographic gridded export feature.
Sorry for the delay, it took me a minute to find the exact procedure:

From the developer:
"Since there were so many requests for an orthographic map maker with grids ive updated it to 1.01

Simply go to the menu, choose Map, click orthographic, set your preferred grid or hex and the tiling, then hit F8 and after a second or 2 an image will be saved at 7680x4320."

[rob2e]

Yes, as of 3 months ago, the developer added an orthographic gridded export feature.
Sorry for the delay, it took me a minute to find the exact procedure:

From the developer:
"Since there were so many requests for an orthographic map maker with grids ive updated it to 1.01

Simply go to the menu, choose Map, click orthographic, set your preferred grid or hex and the tiling, then hit F8 and after a second or 2 an image will be saved at 7680x4320."

Cool, well for $10 how could you not?

[Morquendel]

Found this during the last Steamsale:
https://store.steampowered.com/search/?term=Illwinter%27s%20Floorplan%20Generator
easy to use and a lot of free icons in the Steamworkshop


Name
Website
Platform/OS
Base Cost (USD)
Cost with recommended add ons
Description
Pros
Cons
Examples
Notes





Illwinter's Floorplan Generator (https://store.steampowered.com/app/630900/?snr=1_5_9__205)
Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/630900/Illwinters_Floorplan_Generator/)

win 7 or later
,
Mac 10.12 or later
Linux
any 32- or 64-bit distro that can run Steam




5,69€

Free on Steamworkshop
Locally-installed application intended for creating great-looking maps quickly and easily, either from scratch, with the help of a random generator, and using content from Steamworkshop Add-Ons. 2D top-down raster image. Focuses primarily on tactical-scale battlemaps, but could also be used to create town/village maps and some area maps.



Dungeon (https://battlegroundsgames.com/images/Wraithwind_Dungeon_Preview.jpg), Wilderness,
Cities
NOT für Region maps more Combatmapstyle

[k410]

Just spent a pleasant hour or so reviewing this thread and checking out some cool new things.

I bought Other World Mapper (https://www.otherworldmapper.com) a while ago because of this thread, and I just saw that the Vintyri Project has packaged their object sets for use with OWM: https://www.vintyri.org/vintyri/owm_addons.htm .

Edit:

If anyone uses Clip Studio Paint, there are some free mapmaking brushes for CSP from Forgotten Adventures: https://www.forgotten-adventures.net

I discovered those while comparing the Steam Workshop addons for Dungeon Painter Studio and Illwinter's Floorplan Generator. DSP is the clear winner when it comes to the workshop addons.

It was also cool to learn that one can generate a dungeon at donjon.bin.sh , export it in TSV format, then import that into Dungeon Painter Studio.

I have a license for Filter Forge 8 and realized I could use that to apply a parchment texture and maybe other effects to any maps I make.

[Halfront]

Another thing you can do with DPS is import a map (non donjon) and modify it for your encounter. I needed a swamp encounter with a road so found a swamp map and justed added the road and some fallen trees. Players loved it.

[ColinBuckler]

I am a big fan of Dungeon Painter Studio having used it since its release to create battlemaps. It has a huge source of workshop modules that you can add for free to grant additional textures and objects.

An example of battlemaps that can be created:
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?46338-Battlemap-Ship

If anyone has questions about the product or wants a demo I am happy to provide help via my Unofficial Dungeon Painter Studio discord channel:
https://discord.gg/nVtPk3f

Additionally I have a few videos on You Tube that you may find useful:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxXh3nf4UYOKZ3wiqQugjtQ

Hope this helps...

[Halfront]

@ColinBuckler It's funny that you posted your ship pics when just last night I watched Rob2e's video on "Portals" mod.

[Dr0W]

I really enjoy Wonderdraft (https://www.wonderdraft.net/)

It's one time purchase, and you're able to add lots of community content for free. It feels like Inkarnate, except it's MUCH better.

[Valdemar]

I really enjoy Wonderdraft (https://www.wonderdraft.net/)

It's one time purchase, and you're able to add lots of community content for free. It feels like Inkarnate, except it's MUCH better.

Dr0W - Could you elaborate on where to find and how to load the community content? I am just getting started with wonderdraft.

[TheMookNet]

Wonderdraft is good stuff, and I believe they're working on a sister program called Dungeon Draft (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFwp-SBhXzc) I'm looking forward to.

[mattekure]

Dungeon Draft (https://dungeondraft.net/) appears to have released into early access. You can pay for it at the bottom of the page.

[Gwydion]

Interesting. Man, there are so many map programs as tempted as I am I just can't pull the trigger. I've been using Arkenforge lately for my maps but its awesome there is another option available!

[Halfront]

Dungeon Draft (https://dungeondraft.net/) appears to have released into early access. You can pay for it at the bottom of the page.

BAM! Just bought it :) Thanks for the notice Mattekure. Love Megasploot's work.

[k410]

Dr0W - Could you elaborate on where to find and how to load the community content? I am just getting started with wonderdraft.

This is one site that has community assets for Wonderdraft:
www.cartographyassets.com

That site also has an asset manager called Mythkeeper that helps put assets in the right folder for Wonderdraft (on Windows only at the moment).

A search for "Wonderdraft community assets" might turn up other sources, but Cartography Assets seems to be the main one from my own brief searching.

[mattekure]

A lot of these look very interesting, including the new Dungeon Draft. I havent bought them yet as I invested so much in CC3+. I'd hate to have to learn a new app now.

[OGvarus]

I've been trying to compare a few mapping tools that seem to fit the bill for my needs. I've narrowed down to arkenforge and dungeon fog. Would be interested to hear people's thoughts on these two programs. I think CC3 is too much for my needs.

Has anyone used these two programs? Any thoughts on them or pros/cons from their experience? Any other recommendations for something similar?

[mattekure]

I've been trying to compare a few mapping tools that seem to fit the bill for my needs. I've narrowed down to arkenforge and dungeon fog. Would be interested to hear people's thoughts on these two programs. I think CC3 is too much for my needs.

Has anyone used these two programs? Any thoughts on them or pros/cons from their experience? Any other recommendations for something similar?

I've heard good things about both. I've played with Arkenforge and it looks slick and is relatively easy to get up to speed on.

[mattekure]

Oh, one more point for Arkenforge, apparently they recently added the ability to export for FGU including the line of sight. https://arkenforge.com/fantasy-grounds-unity/

[OGvarus]

Yes I saw that ability to export to FGU. Seems very slick if it works. Actually I think dungeon fog beinng subscription based is a point against it for me personally.

Through some more digging I also found another program, dungeondraft. Anyone have experience with it? Looks pretty nice as well

[Nylanfs]

CC3+ just went half off.

[krush11]

Through some more digging I also found another program, dungeondraft. Anyone have experience with it? Looks pretty nice as well

Yeah, I've been using it for about 3 weeks now. It's pretty sweet and easy to use. They've added the ability to import and use your own assets, tiles, textures, etc. now. The developer is continually adding more, but I've pretty much switched to Dungeondraft as my main dungeon and battle map making program now that I can use any assets I need to make a dungeon. It's not quite as powerful as CC3+, it doesn't have layering (yet), and there is a definite 'style' to it, but using the imported assets from CC3+, I've been able to closely recreate some of my campaign cartographer maps in Dungeondraft.

One note on the importing process: I would not say it's a simple process to do (not like a simple drag and drop thing). There is a YouTube video that explains how to import and 'make' the asset packs, but if I can figure it out, pretty much anyone should be able to. :) There are many y/t videos of it in action, so I'd take a look at those (but note that most are older and were made when the import ability was not available.)


Lastly, just throwing this out there, the same developer makes a great world mapping/overland mapper called Wonderdraft. Again, very easy to use and more mature (as it's been around for a few years now).

[Nylanfs]

CC3+ Humble Bundle for quite a bit off.

https://www.humblebundle.com/software/maps-extravaganza-software

[Varsuuk]

Anyone who gets this please post whether you get one 3 or 4 bundle keys or one key per item?

I have little use for the offer only because I already bought all but the stuff in $1 level and the perspective 3 (gotta find out if any value to me) and the stuff with source (castles/temples) in top layer and from the product page those look pretty low quality compared to modern products by them (prob based on older CC)

But if get separate keys, maybe will pay $30 to get Persp and gift the stuff above $1 level except that to my friend


EDIT: I bought the $1 level since was sure would get that and can upgrade if necessary.
Got 2 keys for the 3 items. Tokens was one key and Battlemaps and Floorplans was a 2 for 1 key.

So, still not sure if all get a separate key or not yet.

[RLacey]

Anyone who gets this please post whether you get one 3 or 4 bundle keys or one key per item?

I have little use for the offer only because I already bought all but the stuff in $1 level and the perspective 3 (gotta find out if any value to me) and the stuff with source (castles/temples) in top layer and from the product page those look pretty low quality compared to modern products by them (prob based on older CC)

But if get separate keys, maybe will pay $30 to get Persp and gift the stuff above $1 level except that to my friend


EDIT: I bought the $1 level since was sure would get that and can upgrade if necessary.
Got 2 keys for the 3 items. Tokens was one key and Battlemaps and Floorplans was a 2 for 1 key.

So, still not sure if all get a separate key or not yet.

Battlemaps and Floorplans share a key, but all the other products get their own separate keys.
You only get one key for CC3+ itself (either a 1 year or lifetime one depending on the level you select).

[Varsuuk]

Great, then it amounts to whether I want to buy Profile3 thing or not, if I was interested in it, I could pay the 30 and gift my friend the rest.

[bmos]

Through some more digging I also found another program, dungeondraft. Anyone have experience with it? Looks pretty nice as wellDungeondraft is really good, although it's still pretty young and can be a bit half baked sometimes. I hear it will eventually auto-generate LOS definitions for FG Unity.
https://www.reddit.com/r/dungeondraft/

[Thunderhead]

https://dungeonscrawl.com/

Love this!

I believe that he would consider adding FGU support if the behind-the-curtain-specifics could be found somewhere... Anyone know where to find that so it could be provided to the author?

[LordEntrails]

https://dungeonscrawl.com/

Love this!

I believe that he would consider adding FGU support if the behind-the-curtain-specifics could be found somewhere... Anyone know where to find that so it could be provided to the author?
Huh? What specifics? How to make jpg or png files? Common resolutions or compression? How LOS segments are defined in FGU?

[Thunderhead]

Huh? What specifics? How to make jpg or png files? Common resolutions or compression? How LOS segments are defined in FGU?

Yes, all of this other than how to make the files. I skimmed the manual to see if there was a write-up on the XML file but didn’t find it.

[RCathcart]

Specific question about map notes export to FG. Which of these map creators allows for the export of their own map notes to FG as markers on maps?

As I am making a map, I frequently put little map notes before the map is even finished. Yes, I could re-create them in FG, but it would be really great if they imported as pins into FG.

[krush11]

Has anyone seen the new Dungeon Alchemist software that is being developed? Looks awesome, and they say their maps will be compatible with Fantasy Grounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYDJ1Qy_nfg

[swest]

Yes... way cool. I only hope that when you create a room, it 'blooms' into existence in the way they illustrate.

- s.west

[LordEntrails]

Has anyone seen the new Dungeon Alchemist software that is being developed? Looks awesome, and they say their maps will be compatible with Fantasy Grounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYDJ1Qy_nfg
There is a long discussion on it here; https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?65904-Dungeon-Alchemist-Mapping-(with-FG-export)

[Tycreus]

Other options (not included in the table above):

https://www.fantasymapbuilder.com/


Don't forget Arkenforge

[ZelieDad]

I've been using Inkarnate (https://www.inkarnate.com) for a while now. I think it's really good.