Note: While we think you might find the following links useful, the fact that a product or site is listed here does not necessarily mean that we endorse them or their products.
ProFantasy
The makers of Campaign Cartographer 2, CC3, CC3+, and other mapping programs. Steep learning curves, but has its fans.
http://www.profantasy.com/
GM Friend
Free. Runs in browser.
http://rhysmakesthings.com/gm_friend
AutoREALM
http://sourceforge.net/projects/autorealm/
RPGMapMaker
Mac-only
http://fmteau.perso.neuf.fr/rpgmapmaker/rpgmapmaker.htm
zMapper
http://www.zuggsoft.com/zmapper/zmapperinfo.htm
StoneSword.com
Free mapping software that works right in your browser.
http://www.stonesword.com/
Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator
Free and runs in your browser. A downloadable version is also available.
https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/
Inkarnate
Browser-based mapping site. Subscription (monthly or yearly).
http://inkarnate.com/
Hexmapper
Registration to the Yahoo Group is required to download the program.
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Hexmapper_Haven/
HexDraw
http://www.hexdraw.com/
Hexographer
Free and commercial versions available.
http://www.hexographer.com/
Grumble Mapper
Donation-ware. Cross-platform (Adobe AIR).
https://code.google.com/archive/p/grumblemapper/
Text Mapper
Browser-based
https://campaignwiki.org/text-mapper/
Dungeonographer
From the developer of Hexographer.
Free and commercial versions available.
http://www.dungeonographer.com/
Wonderdraft
$29.99 (one-time fee) Windows, Mac, and Linux
https://www.wonderdraft.net/
Dungeondraft
$19.99 (one-time fee), Windows, Mac, and Linux
https://dungeondraft.net/
Other World Mapper
$32 or $55; Windows, Mac, and Linux
https://www.otherworldmapper.com/
Dungeon Painter
Free; runs in a browser.
http://pyromancers.com/dungeon-painter-online
Ortelius
Professional cartography/mapping software.
Mac OS X only.
http://www.mapdiva.com/ortelius/
MAPublisher
Professional cartography/mapping software.
Mac OS X and Windows. Pricy!
https://www.avenza.com/mapublisher/
Ye Olde Map Maker
http://yeoldemapmaker.com/
Explorations
http://www.explore-rpg.com/
Lior’s Map Creator
Free, Windows-only
http://liors.net/software/map_creator/help/index.html
Worldspinner
Subscription-based. Poor feedback in their Kickstarter Comments regarding the map-related portion of the app.
http://worldspinner.com/
Grid Mapper
Donation-ware. Windows-only.
http://www.superdan.net/gridmapper/
Gridmapper (not to be confused with the above entry)
Free, runs in browser
https://alexschroeder.ch/wiki/Gridmapper
Fantasy Map Builder
Currently in beta. Browser-based, with Fog of War feature.
http://www.fantasymapbuilder.com/
Dungeon Crafter 3
http://www.freenew.net/windows/dungeon-crafter-iii-silver-edition-3033/19872.htm
Dungeon Fog
Subscription-based (approx. $50-$100/year). Free demo available.
https://www.dungeonfog.com/
Dungeon Tile Mapper
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20061121t
Illwinter’s Floorplan Generator
Available on Steam for Windows, Mac and Linux
http://www.illwinter.com/floorplan/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/630900/Illwinters_Floorplan_Generator/
Map Maker
Free. Browser-based.
http://mapmaker.dwarvenforge.com/
Dungeon Builder
Isometric maps
https://hobbyte.net/
RPG Map Editor 2
Browser-based
https://deepnight.net/tools/rpg-map/
Dungeon Map Doodler
Browser-based, Free or Patreon-supported
https://www.dungeonmapdoodler.com/
Dungeon Painter Studio
Currently on Steam Greenlight.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=772020449
Roll for Fantasy
Free. Browser-based.
https://rollforfantasy.com/tools/dungeon-creator.php
https://rollforfantasy.com/tools/map-creator.php
https://rollforfantasy.com/tools/town-creator.php
Hex Kit
Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
https://coneofnegativeenergy.com/hex-kit/
Hexer
Runs in your browser. Free.
https://blogofholding.com/hex/
MapGen4
Free, browser-based
https://www.redblobgames.com/maps/mapgen4/
Shamat
Free, browser-based, hex maps (for The Fantasy Trip, GURPS, etc.)
https://shadekeep.com/shamat/shamat.html
Digital Dungeon Tiles
Windows-only
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1275970/Digital_Dungeon_Tiles/
Black Box RPG Map Maker
Windows, Mac, mobile devices, VR
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fantasticartstudios/black-box-rpg-map-maker/description
Dungeon Alchemist
Windows, Mac, and Linux
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1588530/Dungeon_Alchemist/
Chronos Builder
Windows and Mac
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chronos-builder/chronos-builder/description
Dragon Map Maker
Windows-only
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1840964423/dragon-map-maker-ttrpg-battle-maps-made-easy
Hex Map Maker
Browser-based
https://molotovcockatiel.com/hex-map-maker/
MapMatic
Browser-based
https://basicfantasy.org/mapmatic1.html
Arkenforge
A virtual tabletop app with a robust map-making toolset built in, for Windows and Mac.
https://arkenforge.com/
MapForge
That’s what the rest of this site is about. I’m just including my own software here to make the list complete. Commercial app for Windows and Mac that also offers free use level (limited to low-resolution output). Over fifty free content Add-Ons available to start you off (totaling ~7400 mapping assets!).
MapForge Software
Defunct Mapping Apps
The following links are presented for historical purposes, since the websites are long gone. You may be able to get some use out of them with the Wayback Machine.
Dundjinni
This software can no longer be purchased, due to the DJ Store and website being permanently offline. This app (and ironically, its death) inspired me to create MapForge. The DJ User Forums were a terrific source of free mapping art, which can even be used commercially, and the DJ user community was second to none.
http://www.dundjinni.com/
MapCrafter
http://www.empowergames.com/
DungeonForge
http://www.dungeonmapping.com/df/public_html/
Dungeon Demon
Previously commercial, free version now available. Windows-only.
http://www.rustyaxe.com/apps/dd/index.php
MapMaker
http://www.demonspawn.net/games/map/default.htm
BG MapEditor
Free; WIP
http://109.123.73.99/hosting/bgmapeditor/#avertissements
Benny’s Dungeon Map Maker
http://www.sev.org/members/bmazur/dndminis/dmm.html
This spreadsheet might come in handy for those wishing to compare mapping software and see what type of mapping each is good for.
Did I miss a mapping app? Let me know.
