5 BEST Map-Making Software for Writers, GMs and Worldbuilders!

[@shin-ishikiri-no]

It's funny, because I found this video after spending hours making a world map from scratch in Photoshop... lol

[@GundamAngelicDevil]

I'm on Illustrator, but glad I came across this video before I was too deep into it.

[@sethseth9059]

Your better off doing that. Build your library of assets.

[@ericwilson2923]

same, bruh

[@santiagobrambati723]

Found this searching for a GIS lol

[@motherofnerdlings]

RIP 🙏 lol sorry for your pain

[@WyzrdCat]

Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator ftw. Full control, but keeps things real for you. Creates far more than just a map, including historical events, factions, all that (which you can also easily control). Absolutely incredible tool, and totally free.

[@WorldAnvil]

This is a great suggestion 💯 - and even better that it's totally free! - How do you use that map generator?

[@MedievalFantasyTV]

Full control? I have tried Azgaar's and it is anything but full control. It is randomly generated, and sure, you can change everything to your tastes and fine tune it, but, might as well make everything from scratch. I got really frustrated trying to generate a map with a balanced biome distribution. If I want a big desert, then I can't have many deciduous forests, and vice versa. Most maps have too much glaciers, and etc. It is great if you are ok with the software being in control of everything most of the time and you like randomness, though.

[@Jrookus]

⁠@@MedievalFantasyTVyou can literally just edit it to your preference. Like, you can make the desert a forest, it’s not hard. It’s good for making a rough idea of any map, it’s bad for highly detailed maps tho

[@WyzrdCat]

@@MedievalFantasyTV This is what full control is, lol, it sounds to me like you want the opposite, you want something that has far, far less control so it's easier to get a closer approximation to what you want. This software isn't that, it's TOTAL control. You can do literally anything. Also sounds like you never realized you could tweak all the biomes (and pretty much everything else) and then regenerate to get maps with different amounts of each biome.

[@kylewittmann1435]

@@MedievalFantasyTVYou can edit the height map if you do not like what’s generated and create biomes not offered.

[@elijahschade4044]

I'm seriously considering FlowScape to help increase the immersion and quality of a world that some co-writers and I are working on for World Anvil. This will really help others understand the campaign settings! Thank you for the video, it was very helpful to understanding how these software stack up against each other.

[@WorldAnvil]

That would be cool! And you're so welcome - always trying to make more helpful things!

[@motherofnerdlings]

Flowscape is gorgeous. But hard to learn to control 😅

[@ValosarX]

Deios looks amazing!

[@ClutchMonkey]

I know this video is 4 years old, but I just bought the campaign cartographer humble bundle and its exactly what I needed. It runs like a cad application, its also very easy to get into. I have had to rebuild my world map in it as well as destroy it (because big bad cause a cataclysm.) I love it

[@joecole6875]

It's quite concerning that Project Deios was taking preorders back in 2020 and is still not out yet, even with the pandemic. If I'm going to pay, I'd rather choose a tool that I can use right away, even if it's not as good. Good luck to Project Deios and World Anvil. The concept of World Anvil has me excited to write again!

[@shadowraiser47]

I agree with the sentiment here. I got excited and didn't even think to test it because of how old this video was and bought the year long premium subscription only to be disappointed in the capacity for what was shown here. On me for not vetting the service before paying of course but still very disappointed.

[@queensavcy]

That doesn't concern me so much. I think offering a copy of the software (ie preorders) is pretty standard when it comes to Kickstarter campaigns for digital products. What really concerns me is: 1) The first feature listed is "The application - all yours, forever" which.. obviously? If I pay $50-60 for an app, I would expect to keep it. I mean, sure.. some companies, like Adobe, only grant access to their product instead of ownership.. But that's *Photoshop*; an industry-standard tool that is used by nearly every creative professional on the planet. 2) The second feature is "One year of updates and support - Get all updates and improvements for the application for one year after the official release." Which sounds like, to me, there will be some sort of annual fee or subscription requirement just to have access to maintenance and continued functionality. And if that's true, that would be absolutely insane. and finally 3) As of this comment (11/2023) the preorder price for the standalone (non-subscription) application comes out to about $55. The program currently has 9 asset libraries available. And for $55 you get access to a single library: the Base Fantasy map. That's it. If you want any of the others before launch you can purchase the subscription for a one-time fee of about $90. Or $125 if you wait until after the launch. Soo.. yeah. Lookin a little questionable. Edit: typo

[@hadrian1267]

one year later: only available in alpha.

[@tgrmag]

Interesting review. I’d be interested in one for Tablets. I don’t have access to a computer, I only use my iPad for everything

[@WorldAnvil]

Cool idea! If there's interest in this I'd be happy to give it a go!

[@DeathDungeon]

@@WorldAnvil please do I too don't have access to a computer and I'd very much appreciate it

[@ROYBGP]

Uhh...you might be fucked boss.

[@krissythedragon]

I cannot wait to try Deios. I am so excited for it.

[@quentenwalker1385]

I use Campaign Cartographer. True, it has a steep learning curve, especially if not used to CAD. And you can make maps for commercial use, just not sell the symbols Unless they are your own) or catalogues as separate. But the maps produced are much more varied, the symbol catalogues far more varied, with thousands of symbols, along with hundreds of styles. It needs NO internet access. The other styles have far more restricted styles, fonts and maps. In addition CC3+ can do characters, dungeons, SciFi, cities, perspectives as well as buildings, regions and whole worlds. It even allows you to import ANY png and convert it to a symbol, or just use as a png; as well as create your own symbols. And it allows you to build your own symbol catalogues, and even your own styles. Finally, it allows for many 'effects' which change the look of styles and symbols and fills and text. It is probably the most versatile program available. And you don't have to get more than the basic set to do most everything, contrary to what Janet has said, nor does it have only 'retro' styles - I think Janet's review is very unfair, and chose a very poor example for her example. Check out its many creations on a free community Atlas on atlas.monsen.cc/ (you can also download the .fcw for free if you already have CC3+) And ALL the others have a few styles only, only a few artists making a limited set of symbols, most have a restricted ability to do everything. Janet has obviously not got past the old versions. I could not disagree with her more. Do NOT buy a program that limits you in choices, as most of the others do.

[@Talley_Darkstar]

I agree that there's a steep learning curve with Campaign Cartographer, I like it as it can make maps look like actual maps over maps that have a cartoon feel to them.

[@WorldAnvil]

Hey, thanks for your comment! As o said, this is a micro review - I wanted to present the options as I understood them. Just to clarify are the additional map types (sci-fi and cities) DLCs?

[@WorldAnvil]

Oh - I took the visual examples from the homepage of the software website, as I did for all the examples here :) I don’t think that was unfair - it’s how they sell their product! The only software I mentioned commercial rights for was Inkarnate (where you don’t have it with the freemium version). All the others I just kind of assumed people would get it, that they can use their maps for commercial use without issues. Sorry if that was unclear!

[@quentenwalker1385]

@@WorldAnvil What are DLC's

[@WorldAnvil]

Quenten Walker DLC stands for Downloadable Content - usually this applies to purchasable large additions to games (or software in this case!) which add considerable functionality and can change the nature of the product.

[@thatoneguy3415]

I want Deios!! I wrote a book and writing the second book. I want to be able to make a map, but I haven’t found one. So I can finally make my realm!

[@JaneXemylixa]

Good lordy lord, Flowscape is MINDBLOWING.

[@billharm6006]

First: Some nostalgia. I first ran into you (on the interweb) when you played a character in Secrets of Saltmarsh with the Great GM, Guy Schlanders. That is also where I first saw Caeora. Both of you were great fun (and so was Guy's red wig when your "mother" first showed up). You both continued to be fun when you went to hell. Your RPG credentials are firmly established. Consequently, I have retained an interest in the things that you do (like World Anvil). Enough mushy stuff. I am a long-time user of Pro Fantasy products. They are built on an early CAD engine (Fast CAD) and show it (I'm reminded of CADKey). They are very powerful, but with power comes complexity. They require more familiarity with the file system than most modern users seem comfortable with. I'm still constantly learning new things (and stumped by some things), even though I've had the core software since before it was downloadable from the interweb (bought it on disc in a local game store at the CC2 level; the core is now CC3+). There is a strong backdrop of support materials such as FAQ's. The Forum is generally good. There is a steady flow of new styles, etc. They have regular pubs and an annual. There are tons of examples. The staff is very responsive and pleasant to work with. Still, there is one heck of a learning curve (which I am still climbing). Campaign Cartographer 3+ is the core engine for all the add-on packages. That said, the packages are fully integrated. You can use features from the Dungeons module right alongside the outer space themes of Cosmographer if that is what your story calls for. You can generate a very complete world with Fractal Terrains and then import it, or a desired portion of it, into CC3+ for further detailing. The integration is superb. All that said... I'm sorry I missed the Kickstarter for Project Deios. I've seen some Caeora maps and watched him roll play. He is a very creative person. I will be acquiring that software (although I feel a bit treasonous for even thinking of a mapper other that my long-time standby, CC3+). I may even be tempted to try my hand at "detailing" with FlowScape (now I'm really being unfaithful). Thanks for a quick and informative video.

[@WorldAnvil]

I'm so glad you found us! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your interest and support 😊. These are all great recommendations. Thank you so much for detailing your experience, the pros and cons - this will be incredibly useful for the community to look back at this and get an experienced option! I'd love to hear back when you have tested and tried Deios when its completed to get your thoughts on it considering your review of both Pro Fantasy and CC3+. Please let us know how your creative journey goes - you can always post your maps on our Subreddit or tag us on Twitter - we love hearing from creatives of all walks and are always looking for more ways to lift each other up 😊!

[@vidalrios949]

I'm really loving all about world Anvil ty

[@ObeyWannTK6960]

What is the best map builder for a large interstellar book? I'm looking for one with multiple planet types, space phenomena, etc.? I don't need ship building as much as showing large-scale empires, trade routes, etc.

[@WorldAnvil]

Depending on the level of detail you needed - you could honestly use Inkarnate with some finagling or Dungeonfog. I would also recommend looking into Deios; this map software is in development currently, but something to keep a pulse on.

[@seyraaa]

This was a great video! Thank you so much! I'm going with İnkarnate :)

[@WorldAnvil]

That's an AWESOME choice! Feel free to link one of your maps here to let us know how it's treating you 😊

[@spritelady4669]

This isn’t a bad top five list? Is that what we can call this kinda video? If you ever plan to do a follow-up; I’d love a sequel with the best character creators. I can’t draw worth a darn ((much like yourself, ha ha)); so a video that points people who can only write in a direction to help make art for their ocs, player characters, etc would be a lifesaver. Bonus points if you bring a wide variety of ‘em with different art styles. Given that it would help establish different “feels” or “expectations” for campaigns or story settings for whatever folks come up with.

[@WorldAnvil]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'd need to do some research, as the only one I know right now is Portrait Workshop (and that's not out yet!) But if others want it, I can make it happen! :) ~Janet

[@kythara3196]

I was going to mention Portrait Workshop also 😏 Hero Forge also just finished their kickstarter for their new colored minis. One of the things that can be done with purchase is a license to just use the character modeling and make portraits out of them (this is what I got). You might want to check them out too.

[@TechNizzle88]

Campaign Cartographer as well as the city desinger and dungeon designer, as well as a BUNCH of other resources are available from humble bundle for £22.83. A pretty decent price tbh.

[@WorldAnvil]

Nice!

[@robchapin3317]

Three years later, Project Deios is still in Alpha. 😢 Is it still your #1?

[@WorldAnvil]

Hey there Rob - thank you for asking this question. DungeonFog is still working on Project Deios because their development cycles were hit by the pandemic, and while Deios isn't out yet - I still can't recommend DunegonFog enough. As people are so transparent with where they are in their development updates, their map software have art assets designed from the amazing Caeora, and they have VTT-like features (where the DM can share a map but controls all the tokens) that are a part of their map software. I hope this helps ❤

[@CrownedLime747]

Anyone know any good space map makers? I'm trying to find one for my sci-fi story, but can't find any good ones or can't find enough details on them.

[@garrick3727]

I have a copy of Campaign Cartographer that must be over 20 years old. It cost me over $100 because, back then, it was about the only option. It's a really good tool but given that it has been around so long you would have expected much more innovation and development; instead, the new versions do not look that much more advanced than the one I have. It is also relatively difficult to use, although to be fair, it has far more flexibility than all the other options presented. If I wanted an accurate map as a Dungeon Master in D&D, then Campaign Cartographer is really the only option here that would give me that level of detail. However, for overview maps and maps I would give to players, it is much easier to use the other tools. That said, it's worth noting that drawing a detailed map by hand (or in Photoshop/Gimp) is not that much slower than using Campaign Cartographer.

[@stevehoyle2802]

Photoshop and Illustrator are my current go to so it's nice to know it not much slower and I'm not getting rid of them anytime soon. But the Humble Bundle looks tempting

[@greyrifterrellik5837]

Personally, since I play GURPS a lot, I use a hexmap program called Worldographer. It can even autogenerate more detailed layers at user-specified ratios, supporting “World”, “Continent”, and “Kingdom” map levels, and supports custom assets (though I’m struggling to figure out how to import them). And, like most other things if this video is anything to go by, the folks behind it also offer a seperate program for city & dungeon level mapping. (Though if you’re creative, using custom assets, and have enough patience to manually transcribe a kingdom level map, you can sorta fudge it by just making a seperate map file for a Kingdom/City/Street map, as I refer to it; can’t rename the level labels though, to my knowledge.)

[@hopperwolf2]

What program was used to make the b/w one at the end? I'm an author, and b/w is really a must for paperbacks. Color is just not cost effective for a self publisher.

[@WorldAnvil]

I believe this was hand-drawn in photoshop, though some of the mountain assets also look like they were from Inkarnate! Speaking of, Inkarnate has a 25USD/year subscription model, and has options for black and white - I'd definitely recommend it! - Madeline

[@industrialscribe3247]

*Begins the DEIOS Dance*

[@GHShadowWell]

As good as flowscspe is I don't see how I can use it in my book also when I purchase wondercraft can I use the maps in my book

[@WorldAnvil]

I'm excited for the book you are writing! In the case of writing, Flowscape could be great to use if you wanted to visualize a part of your town and see how it interacted with the rest of the town you are in. As for your question about wonderdraft, it states in their FAQ that you can publish and sell your own original map creations. I hope this helps! What kind of book are you writing?

[@GHShadowWell]

@@WorldAnvil It's a fantasy novel

[@MauseDays]

for very basic maps i actualy use rpg maker you can save the image and throw it into roll20 or other vtts

[@asaffin1]

I'm here in 2023 looking for comparisons to Inkarnate. Looked up Project Deios on your recommendation... turns out I backed it or pre-ordered it 3 years ago and forgot entirely about it. It's still not out.

[@WorldAnvil]

That is correct - the mapmaking devs at DungeonFog experienced a hit during the pandemic, and have since given email and livestream updates to be transparent and let their community know where they are in development. If you are interested in learning more about them and their progress, I recommend checking out their DungeonFog channel!

[@garrick3727]

I cannot say I like the idea of putting some tool that does not exist and number 1. This video is really a not-too-thinly-veiled advert for Project Deios. I notice there is no mention of how much Deios costs, and a lot of mention of how expensive Campaign Cartographer is. Well, Deios is currently a lot more expensive than the other options. World Anvil is very popular, and it is clear that Deios is their attempt to capitalize on that popularity by pushing expensive software onto people that do not know any better. I would not be at all surprised to find that there are ways to integrate Deios into World Anvil that "for some reason" cannot be implemented for other map making software.

[@abellius66]

Unless I missed the obvious, I didn't see any sub prices for Project Deios on their website.

[@VoteJesusNow]

What is the best post apocalyptic sci fi and modern mappers?

[@WorldAnvil]

Wonderful question! I personally like DungeonFog for Sci-Fi and Modern. A lot of the mappers out there lean more toward fantasy - and they are fantastic at what they do.

[@VoteJesusNow]

@@WorldAnvil They do more than battle maps?

[@BunBun897]

Question, are there any cyberpunk/tech themed map makers?

[@WorldAnvil]

Dungeonfog has some futuristic tilesets and assets that might be what you are looking for!

[@o8livion]

is project deios a thing for cyberpunk/shadowrun?

[@WorldAnvil]

Hello Hugin! Project Deios has multiple asset packs, and has a cyberpunk asset which will be available to either as part of the premium content subscription or as a purchasable setting in the asset store. Deios is in development and well worth a look for what they are working on. Are you wanting to make maps for a shadowrun campaign?

[@o8livion]

thanks for the answer. well, i once had a shadowrun group were me and another one were gamemasters, and even tho using pen and paper was enough and fast, in the end i think it could have way better flair when we had used professional layouts. btw, it was a time before tablets. the group split and a little over a month ago i found some new interested players. so i started researching and found this video among other things. it seems we would only gather once a month, but most certainly not even that often, so, since i will have to bear the costs alone, i think i'll pass. but yes, i intended to make maps of germany, austria and switzerland (mostly hamburg, but the critters in the alps seem interesting too, so does carinthia since it's toxic and vienna has some fun stories too) and france (sox). since they are not already worked out in detail like seattle, those areas provide a lot of freedom for gamemasters.

[@JoeViavattine]

Great review Janet. Thanks!

[@And-c7n]

No monthly fee for campaign cartographer so it works out cheaper in the long run which is important as you don't make maps all day everyday. It's super powerful.

[@WorldAnvil]

True, although if you're on a "map run" you can use Inkarnate for a month and then lapse your subscription when you're not using it. As I said, it's all about what works for you! :)

[@And-c7n]

@@WorldAnvil True but many campaigns are organic and you don't know what you will.need in a few months. The Dungeon Designer and City Builders are so helpful and the most used bits

[@WorldAnvil]

Andrew C that’s awesome! I’m so glad You’re enjoying them and they’re working for you! 😊

[@And-c7n]

@@WorldAnvil I should share you this too (free) watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator and a must have. Also check this annual from CC because it it cool www.profantasy.com/annual/2020/2020-cartographers-annual.asp Happy mapping and gaming - so much choice out there - a good thing for everyone!

[@wolfrikx]

were i can downolad flowscape?

[@shawncomrie9617]

Please add in review of "Other World Mapper." I've been taking a look at it and for a beginner like me looks excellent. (& can also do quiet sophisticated stuff too)

[@WorldAnvil]

Thanks for the tip! Thank you for flagging this! We are in the process of updating some of our older videos, so please watch this space for updates!

[@Brian-fb3in]

I use ProFantasy but if I stop using it for a year I forget everything. Arg. Anyone know a good mapmaking solution that with the steam / railroad era?

[@timflatus]

I use Qgis. It's proper grown-up mapping software, so it produces schoolbook maps. It's open source so you can easily create your own assets and plug-ins, but yeah, there's a photoshop sized learning curve. I'm writing a steam-punkish military fantasy, so it works well for me and I've also used it to create assets for the related game I'm building in Godot. The other end of the spectrum really.

[@WorldAnvil]

Interesting, thanks for pitching that in!

[@GundamAngelicDevil]

Thank you for this video, I am enjoying my time with Wonderdraft and looking forward to Deios. Flowscape looks amazing as well, and probably is a good thumbnail or landscape image tool.

[@kammy6340]

Is there any update on Deios??

[@WorldAnvil]

The alpha is already out, and it already looks great! DungeonFog does regular updates on their discord and twitch channels, which is a great place to follow along?

[@81Earthangel]

Any of these is good to fast draw maps of Star systems / spiral galaxy maps?

[@WorldAnvil]

Hm I'm not sure about that - feel free to ask for more suggestions in our discord! www.worldanvil.com/discord

[@sylvainballerini239]

Thk for this video ! The exemples are very good for possibility of software :)

[@savagedirk9267]

Campaign Cartographer runs on Mac with Crossover btw

[@WorldAnvil]

Good to know.

[@tomroberts9132]

Still looking for a map making suite that will allow you to upload your own maps and at least assist in converting them to the best RPG format.

[@ReaverLordTonus]

I'm surprised Inkarnate ranked higher than Wonderdraft, you have fewer brush options and I have yet to find an Undo Button and have to keep starting the map over again when I make a mistake, especially if I accidentally activate a grid. WonderDraft IMO is far superior, though the object library is somewhat lacking when it comes to cities and other man-made structures.

[@WorldAnvil]

They're not ranked per say, and they definitely all have their strengths! I know a lot of people who love wonderdraft!

[@vpallasandersbooks4132]

Tried both... prefer Wonderdraft.

[@PadtheLad12]

Deios sounds interesting - have you ever tried basic photoshop? I know its not a "map-making" software per se, but if you've got time & patience, you can produce some exceptionally good map in literally any style you want. Downsides are that it's quite finicky and time-consuming, but I think that they produce both the best looking maps and give the options for the most variety.

[@gerb4634]

I've been using ms paint. doesn't look realistic at all, but it's a super useful way to convey information for myself to reference.

[@OMentertainment]

Campaign Cartographer looks like the map making program that came with AD&D Core 2.0

[@johndiffley6390]

That's because they made that software.

[@And-c7n]

CC has a huge amount of resources and you can get monthly different map layouts if you subscribe to the annuals check out their website www.profantasy.com and also their Facebook group site. Mike Schley who made all the early 5e maps before they went black and white (boo if you use a VTT) has map symbols for it CC3 SS4 and Cities of Schley so you can get very official looking maps.

[@sirfishslayer5100]

Janet, It would be awesome to add into this video the map companies of the maps you show. For instance at 16:25, which company's software made that map possible? Thanks for another great vid.

[@WorldAnvil]

Hey - the map at 16:25 is a map from the start Caeora, who is ALSO the artist behind Project Deios - so all the Deios maps will look like this too! All the maps during the microreview are from the software I'm discussing!

[@SonicNitro]

If I were to make a world map on either of these softwares, which one will most likely allow me to scale it down to fit inside a book?

[@gilmoresgloriouswood5255]

I am super excited for Deios. Is it complete yet? 🤤

[@DanWeeks]

Artist here. I like her comment about "if you're an artist, you don't need these..." Sure, I don't NEEED these, and I COOOUULLD make my own maps and assets by hand from scratch.... ...but why the hell would I? Time is a valuable resource. Why would I spend so much of it unnecessarily when these tools will do the job much faster, freeing up so many hours to make even more maps, assets, adventures, and campaigns! The Opportunity Cost savings alone would make them completely worth it! Thank you for showing these off.

[@WorldAnvil]

I'm glad you liked them and that you agree 😁❤! - Did you have a favorite of any of these?

[@Mark_Jonas]

I made my map by hand but need software for borders, also I’m not sure if I should make up a language or just use Latin

[@WorldAnvil]

Latin could be a good option, depending on the context of your world. But you could also make up a naming language! That's a set of simple rules you come up with to make creating words more easily! With a naming language, it's easier to create names that sound like they come from the same country than if you just put together random letters. And at the same time you're creating a fully fledged language, which takes a lot of time!

[@Mark_Jonas]

@@WorldAnvil i think I’ll go with Latin, but thanks!

[@richardlanglois172]

My campaign is heading to the Underdark. Can anyone recommend a 3D mapping software that will do caves...?

[@davethepak]

dungeon scrawl.

[@solemgameinsights]

This is a good comprehensive guide in many ways but one. The issue I have with these tools is that you buy them, and then discover you have to purchase A WHOLE BUNCH of DLC's with graphics. Most of the good looking maps are impossible to create unless you shell out hundreds of dollars more. So basically, I wish you would have added a more detailed category for the "economy" in your list.

[@heruca]

Have you tried MapForge? Not only can it be used for free, but there are 31 FREE content Add-Ons for it that provide around 5300 assets to get you started. If you decide to get a license to enable high-res output, it's just a one-time fee.

[@michaelr3583]

did project deus come out yet?

[@WorldAnvil]

Nope, not yet - But the founders of World Anvil is actually in contact with the lead developer of Project Deios. He has let us know that his team is still developing the software and is grateful for our patience due to delays from the pandemic.

[@martisendrell9305]

Are any of these good for sci-fi maps?

[@Kevlar-78]

How will DEIOS work with VTT? It's great that they are interactive and can be drilled down within WorldAnvil, but you still need the VTT component to actually manage the session and "play"? I imagine you use DEIOS to make the maps and then import them to the VTT. Would be great if it was all bundled into one platform ! Either way, DEIOS looks great so far.

[@WorldAnvil]

Kevin I’m sure that’s a question that’s still being answered by the team, but I suggest you ask over on the DungeonFog Discord, where they’ll be able to give you the latest news!

[@Animegypsy]

Do you think I could Deios to build a map of my garden?

[@sono_chi_no_sodium_chlorid7635]

You're asking like we're supposed to know what your garden is like. Try Wonderdraft - it does everything that Deios promises

[@DevinAdint]

Project Deios seems to be somewhat similar to Inkarnate just with a few more genres available such as SciFi and galaxy maps. Deios appears to have been birthed from Dungeon Fog and I do have to say that the art for flora, buildings, walls and objects seems to feel a bit cartoonish as well as inorganic and digital. While Inkarnate feels cartoonish the art for both maps and floor plans feel more organic and aesthetically pleasing. For a more realisitic feeling for floor and locale plans Map Forge offers flora, objects, walls, and buildings which are more realistic and organic. Wonderdraft used in concert with Map Forge can achieve similar results to Inkarnate while having floor and locale plans feel more realisitic.

[@spaRKLES88604]

These programs look great! But they appear to mostly be relevant to fantasy and DND settings. Im a dystopian writer and im looking for a program that lets me manipulate the earths surface to create vibrant maps of dystopian-sci fi nations. Any idea where I should start?

[@Cubannerd]

Uuhhj. This is an interesring challenge. I'm currently creating a map builder pack for photoshop but it's more fantasy style. I'm going to keep your wishes in mind for the future.

[@CAPNsaveya]

I’m searching for a free one that I can draw my maps is there any software or game like that?

[@WorldAnvil]

Check out Azgaar's fantasy map generator! It's not quite as advanced as those mentioned here, but it is free :)

[@CAPNsaveya]

@@WorldAnvil ok

[@BusinessWolf1]

Ignore everything she says. Gimp, Photoshop or Krita are the best map making softwares, and I do not mean for drawing everything from scratch. Their brush creation and editing settings are top tier and their blending options for layers are amazing. These photo editing/illustration tools are better world builders than any of those other tools.

[@WorldAnvil]

Using brushes for your illustration tools is great advice! Do you have any favorite brushes from artists that you'd like to plug? - If so, please feel free to compile resources for future comment readers 🥰😎😊

[@BusinessWolf1]

@@WorldAnvil Yes, but it's not just brushes, my real argument is making your own brushes and using those, plus blending options for layers that result in amazing terrain and water. For these you only need the default round brushes that any program has.

Question... can i use the creations commercially?

[@WorldAnvil]

You can absolutely monetize your own content on World Anvil! What you write/upload to World Anvil is still yours.

[@rigure]

No one's gonna reply to this, but miracles can happen 😅 I already have a rough outline of two continents and sort of need a mapmaker where I can like use my map as background to draw over it and delete it after..... I also kind of want to work from continent to continent, since I'm new to world making, and then I'd sort of hope to puzzle them together into the full world.... I don't think that's an option anywhere though. Any ideas? 😅

[@WorldAnvil]

I know that Inkarnate allows you to upload an image to its software, place it on the background as an asset and then draw over it! - Is that what you had in mind?

[@calenlass1112]

You can't rotate layers on Inkarnate, even with the paid version, so if you decide you'd prefer North to be Northeast, you either have to start over, or don't. Super annoying.

[@WorldAnvil]

A work around I have seen in the community is to export the map in the state you need it in, edit it as needed outside of inkarnate, and to reupload it as an asset, then to move that asset to the background, allowing users to further edit as needed. - I hope this helps!

[@haggard-n00b]

hey just a lurker here, you guys seem so sweet and humble and also total sellouts! I love your work guys I just got my first sub. (not just because of the discount wink wink) keep up the good work!

[@Reoh0z]

All my life I've been in search of unlimited Mapyness.

[@And-c7n]

Another cheap option is Dungeon Painter Studio on steam. It's good for certain types of maps and the community can make and add free stuff through steam workshop

[@WorldAnvil]

OOOoo - awesome, thank you! I'll check it out!

[@Cailen.B]

It's been over two years since this vid was made, wheres is my Project Deios.

[@WorldAnvil]

We've actually had some contact with the devs. Even though they were really affected by the pandemic, they are still hard at work ❤. If you subscribe to their newsletter, they send out emails of their their progress and updates. - Madeline

[@EngineerDJ_Julius]

I think that world map making will be the next big thing

[@WorldAnvil]

This is the best map pun I have seen in a while xD !

[@cesarvictoriano8072]

Project Deios: Exists Me in desperate need of a service like that: *You son of a bitch, I’m in!*

[@vukkulvar9769]

I love world building, but I hate how long it takes to make a complete map.

[@WorldAnvil]

I know the feeling! There are several ways to generate a map quickly, but then, it's usually on paper or looks incomplete digitally 🤔😟. The struggle is real 😅! Here's to getting better and faster at creating awesome maps ❤

[@vukkulvar9769]

@@WorldAnvil Yup, this video was exactly what I was looking for.

[@Crogon]

I still haven't figured out why you guys are making Deios. It basically has the same features as WonderDraft / DungeonDraft, doesn't it? I mean, I have no use in 'software as a service' in the first place, but why would you even TRY to build a software as a service that has a direct competitor people can just buy outright?? There has to be some sort of advantage.. right?

[@Crogon]

The fact that you have to rely on whichever bucket of assets Inkarnate has on hand is why it's a-no go for me. WAY WAY too little flexibility. Plus, as I said, I don't do SaaS. The majority of the world doesn't have 24x7 internet access, so SaaS is a horrific business model for most of the world, free or otherwise. Your main issue is that you can't work on maps made in WonderDraft wherever you are. ..I mean, first off, WHO travels without their laptop / tablet in tow?? Second off.. WHO doesn't have some sort of cloud something or other out there? After that last round of China hacking / rootkits, pretty much the entire known universe is backing up online anyway, so.. yeah. Second off, you can export maps directly in to MapTool / Foundry / whatever and use it that way.. OR just export a map image and edit it whereever the freak you want. PhotoShop, GIMP.. WorldAnvil. :P Also.. DungeonDraft supports exporting Physical Layers and Lighting Layers. Complete. Game. Changer. WonderDraft / DungeonDraft let you import your own assets. Let me rephrase that.. WonderDraft / DungeonDraft let you import your own assets. IF you want Sci-Fi assets, IMPORT them! -10 points for listing FlowScape as map making software. This is my first WorldAnvil video, and so far I'm not very pleased with the advice your dishing out, Campaign Cartographer will run in a Windows emulator on Mac or LInux. Not.. that I know anybody who still supports Mac and their child work factories. Plenty of Linux peeps still around though. WRONG. Dungeon Designer, City Designer and the rest all plug in to Campaign Cartographer. They actually use the exact same software interface, with buttons up top to switch out features. There are also free community ass-ons you can download. Also.. I'm sure you already know.. CC3+ is THE oldest mapping software still around. That's because it was the only one good enough to last 15+ years. That should tell you that you need it. Note that there is a Humble Bundle RIGHT NOW to get it that's ending in about 3 days. JUMP!! I was hoping to here about some of the online map building options that independent people are putting together. I'm sure that you know very well that there is other mapping software out there. The fact that you included crap like FlowScape and unpurchaseable options like Deios means that I won't give much credence to your opinions in the future. I strongly suggest you consider the integrity of the information that you're putting out there before you put it out there.

[@bigdaddycoatesy3079]

they're trying to monopolise, this is basically an ad for Deios

[@knarfster]

You don't even Mention how Fractal 3 integrates with CC

[@johnmack20]

so you gave first place to something "you should be able to do"? it's only in alpha and i heard it's super buggy.... I won't even consider sometime like that top 5, regardless of what it's "supposed" to do, until it can do it.... Next!

[@davethepak]

Yeah, all programs sound wonderful and amazing when in vapor ware mode. now, they did just reach .2 alpha - so, they are at least still kicking and working on it (even if the website is out of date). Still - subscription services are a con. No way, no how. They are a brilliant con (for the company) but nope. I will make my maps in my art program than pay a sub.

[@turnbased6055]

Maybe make a new video with this subject every 4-5 years?

[@compdulac]

I really think Arkenforge should have been in this list; especially with how handily it will probably end up working with Project DEIOS.

[@WorldAnvil]

compdulac Doesn’t Arkenforge only do battle maps? I wanted to stick with region mapping for this one, but if there’s demand for it I can do a separate video for battle map making software!

[@compdulac]

@@WorldAnvil yes and no. You can do region and world maps by importing any image into the software. So... More no than yes I suppose. So that makes sense why you didn't include it.

[@Mousonne]

Here’s something I found really funny about inkarnate’s subscription if you want to pay the subscription monthly it’s five dollars which means for a year it’s $60 but if you want to pay it yearly it’s $25 why is like that I mean I am not complaining

[@WorldAnvil]

Honestly, I hopped on the annual for that alone - its a STEAL 😎 - Maddie

[@harrybgoode]

If Campaign Cartographer is interesting for anyone, it's available right now and a few days on on humble bundle for a far less price: www.humblebundle.com/software/maps-extravaganza-software

[@sandstorm200]

flowscape has different price than $10 on steam, new price is $14.99

[@blackwings2885]

Finally...my world...my stories.

[@Wildhorn666]

The art style of Deois is amazing, but the price and the business-model is a big no. Wonderdraft is the best for what you get for the price.

[@garfieldwithissuez]

yeah, Deios looks like it's going to be really pretty and terrible to it's subscribers... I don't really want to have an online only mapmaking system and I want to be able to change the map assets and create my own.

[@prosebeforebros2579]

I have tried all of these except deios, their business practices seem shady. and campaign cartographer is definitely my favourite.

[@Lorkynn]

Hex Kit is another good one, though its use is for making Hex maps but it has a lot of flexibility and is fairly cheap.

[@owlangel7234]

"Software as a service" not Syste as a service. really useful Video though.

[@theMattman]

WHERE TF AM I?!?

[@jjw9641]

The (brilliant) game Civilization iv has a great worldbuilding tool! You can add features to cities and build a landscape. Cost is £6 on steam. A real bargain!

[@WorldAnvil]

Ooh sounds interesting! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@sono_chi_no_sodium_chlorid7635]

You are extremly biased towards software that isn't out yet and has barely any footage

[@TheKnoxvicious]

Wut…

[@rathemoor5712]

If Felicia Day and Julia Roberts, somehow, had a love child.

[@kasztanizmpospolityzwany5513]

Top 1... Paint

[@WorldAnvil]

Honestly, there is an EXTREMELY talented artist in our community who makes amazing art using Paint exclusively. - Can't beat free!

[@josh8945]

You look like the lady from LOTR that was in love with Aragorn lol

[@knarfster]

Software as a Service

[@UglytruthG]

Does someone know of good sci-fi world building software? I have to make campaign maos for 40k

[@gabe7120]

what a cutie patootie. very informative

[@Vris754]

hope you dont feel ofended but you are gorgeous..... really...

[@KhalilAbuthiyab]

while we are on the topic of using 3D modeling software, I'd suggest using blender. Andddddddddddddddd it is FREE.

[@AnnaF867]

Linux is pc. Sorry to be that guy.

[@WorldAnvil]

😅 Nah, you're good! Awesome catch 😊

[@vampiregoat69]

I HATE cartoonie looking maps I think it ruins the game I prefer more reaslistic

[@vincentmonet6172]

Thanks for the informative and quirky vid. 🫶

[@WorldAnvil]

Thank YOU for watching! 🥰