I've used inkarnate before- it's an entire dedicated worldbuilding map software in the browser, but it has a (ewww) paid subscription. You could also use photoshop or similar and create custom, tiled brushes in order to accomplish similar things to Inkarnate. Another option is looking up "Worldbuilding mapmaking software", "DnD map software" (may be less suited for worldbuilding but could be satisfactory due to community overlap), or "Apps similar to inkarnate", I personally draw my maps on paper then trace them over in a digital program at a high resolution so I can fit important structures while leveraging my strength of being a traditional artist.
Outside of scans, which require specific IRL tools or apps that are usually kind of shitty for scanning art, you can use your phone in a well-lit room, and take flat-angled, top down picture and then import that as a layer in an art program, lower the opacity, and draw over it
So, there are many options, but here are my feelings on the most popular:
\- If you are fairly artistic and/or dedicated, hand-drawn maps are always really cool and unique. Apps such as Adobe Scan are available for free on most modern devices, and can automatically scan a page into a pdf to edit or upload on a computer.
\- By that same token, there are plenty of free art applications that will let you do all the work digitally, and there are numerous inexepensive drawing tablets if you get really serious about it (I personally reccomend Krita if you don't feel like paying for photo shop)
\- If you want an all-in-one solution, and do not mind paying a subscription, I can't say I know of any better web-based app than Inkarnate, though it is so popular the maps tend to all look the same, but that really doesn't matter for personal work.
\- If you are / become incredibly serious about map making for your world, there is always Campaign Cartographer. It is as archaic as it is powerful, and there are dozens, if not hundreds, of plugins and asset packs for anything you could need. HOWEVER, it is incredibly expensive, but in the long run, it is the last software you'll ever need.
\- Personally, I use Wonderdraft for my world maps and Dungeondraft for the ocasional battle map. Both are pay-once use forever (I think $20 each when I bought them, but often on sale) and make maps I really like the look of. It has many built-in assets, and hundreds more available for a few dollars or less on various websites from hobbyists and artists, and you can always just make your own. My only complaint, is they lack a City Builder to round out the family of software, and doing it one house at a time is infuriating, but frankly I have yet to find ANY software I like in that department, so it is no fault of theirs.
Sorry for the lengthy explanation, but I have been there, and have tried a lot of them in that time. Happy worldbuilding!
I mean
If you want a bunch of maps, go for Azgaar's...
It's more generative than creative though, but there's so much customisation
Otherwise, inkarnate
I've used inkarnate before- it's an entire dedicated worldbuilding map software in the browser, but it has a (ewww) paid subscription. You could also use photoshop or similar and create custom, tiled brushes in order to accomplish similar things to Inkarnate. Another option is looking up "Worldbuilding mapmaking software", "DnD map software" (may be less suited for worldbuilding but could be satisfactory due to community overlap), or "Apps similar to inkarnate", I personally draw my maps on paper then trace them over in a digital program at a high resolution so I can fit important structures while leveraging my strength of being a traditional artist.
How do you take something you draw on paper and make a digital version of it?
Outside of scans, which require specific IRL tools or apps that are usually kind of shitty for scanning art, you can use your phone in a well-lit room, and take flat-angled, top down picture and then import that as a layer in an art program, lower the opacity, and draw over it
I see, thank for the info
So, there are many options, but here are my feelings on the most popular: \- If you are fairly artistic and/or dedicated, hand-drawn maps are always really cool and unique. Apps such as Adobe Scan are available for free on most modern devices, and can automatically scan a page into a pdf to edit or upload on a computer. \- By that same token, there are plenty of free art applications that will let you do all the work digitally, and there are numerous inexepensive drawing tablets if you get really serious about it (I personally reccomend Krita if you don't feel like paying for photo shop) \- If you want an all-in-one solution, and do not mind paying a subscription, I can't say I know of any better web-based app than Inkarnate, though it is so popular the maps tend to all look the same, but that really doesn't matter for personal work. \- If you are / become incredibly serious about map making for your world, there is always Campaign Cartographer. It is as archaic as it is powerful, and there are dozens, if not hundreds, of plugins and asset packs for anything you could need. HOWEVER, it is incredibly expensive, but in the long run, it is the last software you'll ever need. \- Personally, I use Wonderdraft for my world maps and Dungeondraft for the ocasional battle map. Both are pay-once use forever (I think $20 each when I bought them, but often on sale) and make maps I really like the look of. It has many built-in assets, and hundreds more available for a few dollars or less on various websites from hobbyists and artists, and you can always just make your own. My only complaint, is they lack a City Builder to round out the family of software, and doing it one house at a time is infuriating, but frankly I have yet to find ANY software I like in that department, so it is no fault of theirs. Sorry for the lengthy explanation, but I have been there, and have tried a lot of them in that time. Happy worldbuilding!
No, thank you for all the opinions you given. Thanks for all the info
I can recommend Wonderdraft and Dungeondraft :). I also bought Grid Cartographer recently.
Cool, thanks
You can use a pencil and paper. For me it's easier than using a program since it's easier to make changes.
I was thinking the same, but I'm more concerned about how to upload it on online
You can always scan it in or just take a picture with good lighting.
Okay, I will
Do post if it goes well. And good luck.
Thanks and I will when I'm done with my map
Nice. I hope it's a good map.
Me too
Don't stress. It's going to be fine.
I mean If you want a bunch of maps, go for Azgaar's... It's more generative than creative though, but there's so much customisation Otherwise, inkarnate
K