|
I usually make battlemaps by enlarging the maps from the pdf of the scenario I'm running to 1''/Square size, printing them on A4 labels and glueing them to haevy cardboard. Sometimes, however, the maps are not suited for this, if the solution is too bad, the grid is 10', og other obstacles.
I need some cartography software that lets me easily and quickly make homemade versions of the maps in Paizo's scenarios for printing as battlemaps. I don't need a complex program that lets me do anything I can imagine, but rather something quick and simple but versatile. I also need to be able to do anything from boats to deserts to forests to dungeons.
What program should I get?
MapTool is free and fairly versatile. Highly suggest watching the tutorials first.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I'm about to publicly release the first in a series of guide books for creating RPG maps using any standard graphics software, like Photoshop, GIMP, Illustrator, Inkscape and Xara Photo & Graphic Designer (the last one being the software I use.)
It really depends on what kind of software you're use to using, and what is your preferred analog art style. Do you prefer to draw like with pen or pencil, paint with brushes, use drafting, or move premade objects around?
If you're like me, I prefer to draw, so using a vector drawing application like Inkscape, Illustrator, CorelDraw, Autorealm, and Xara which is perfect me.
If you prefer to paint, Photoshop, GIMP, Paintshop Pro fit that paradigm. Tools found in MapTools and Roll20 are essentially built-in paint programs with object placement capability.
If you prefer to use drafting, CAD is the closest thing, from AutoCAD to ProFantasy Campaign Cartographer.
Dundjinni which I don't think is still supported is mostly to move around existing objects which there are many.
There is no one best software, rather there are choices you need to make based on how you like to create.
Visit my G+ page which supports my 25 Quick & Dirty Map Tutorials Kickstarter project (long funded) where I'm about to release some products. There are what I call quick & dirty map tutorials in short 12 - 20 steps (though some steps including multiple actions, repeating previous steps). Any of the software described in both drawing and paint programs apply to these techniques. You'll have to go down page to see them all, but click on the Tutorials link at top of page to get to them.
I think the way I design and the kinds of programs I use make it quick and easy, even for a beginner. Again, I prefer to use Xara and think its one of the easiest and fastest to use.
I know this is an old thread, but on the off-chance that you're still looking, MapForge should interest you.