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

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

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.

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.

Thanks for the informative and quirky vid. 🫶

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

Linux is pc. Sorry to be that guy.

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.

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

did project deus come out yet?

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.

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

Watching in 2022, and Deios is still in alpha....

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.

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

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)

is project deios a thing for cyberpunk/shadowrun?

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

Very helpful for a show I am making currently.

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

I don't want to watch you explain the programs, I want to see the programs displayed as you explain them. Horrible video.

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

Software as a Service

Great review Janet. Thanks!

what a cutie patootie. very informative

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

I will have Inkarnate but in Download and ofline version?

I love map Editors in game. Like Arma3. call of war Flowscape ore in Unreal engine 4

Hmmm and this but in Downloaded softwear?

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

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

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

Question... can i use the creations commercially?

Is there any update on Deios??

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?

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

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

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

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?

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.