Maps make a world, it’s that simple. A GM can describe a location and how it relates to surrounding cities and landmarks, but nothing beats a map. It is an instant visual reference that is easy to understand and gives scope to players. In this digital age where GMs are using tools like Roll 20 and Fantasy Grounds to host games, this has never been more important! This is where map-making software like Dungeon Scrawl comes in. No more hastily scribbling on paper to show your player's positions𝓡.
Dungeon Scrawl is what we𓃲 call a SAAS or Software As A Service. It is an application that is loaded on demand in your web browser and he🗹lps you create visually appealing maps for use in your games, digital or not.
Upon loading, the Patreon funded project starts with a blank canvas with a square grid overlay. There is a menu bar to the top that allows you to change the map view settings and includes an isometric view for 3D layered maps. The second menu bar on the left side of the screen vertically contains several drawing tools. These are fairly intuitive to use allows you to draw freehand passages and rooms quickly. You can also link rooms together with corridors and place doors and stairs to higher/lower levels. Drawing is handled ܫthrough the click and hold of the left mouse button. A line path or room outline is traced onto the canvas that is automatically converted to map elements when released. Styling is controlled through the selection of a preset style from the top menu with further configurable options in the right-hand panel.
Dungeon Scrawl runs surprisingly well for a drawing based web app but it is limited in what it can do. This tool is clearly aimed at building encounter maps rather than the luscious world and outdoor maps we often see. However, the styles i🉐ncluded do make great looking dungeon and caving maps, that are 𒀰clean and easy to interpret by GMs and players. Styles can be applied to give a neutral or classic look, as well as options for dungeon, cave, and spaceship aesthetics. Additional assets can be imported and used to add items and crates and can be applied to different layers above the core layout.
Unlike a lot of web-based apps where da﷽ta is stored in the cloud, users have to save their work to their computer. They can be loaded in later allowing future edits of their designs. You can also export your final map layouts as pixel-based PNG images or vector SVG files and there is an option for multi-page PDF. Finally, 3D maps can be exported to an STL file. If y༒ou are looking to use your maps in a Virtual Tabletop, you maximize compatibility by customizing the individual cell size.
Dungeon Scrawl is free to use and is available online at and you c☂an support this project on .
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