Flat image handoff
PNG export is the current practical output for Roll20, Foundry VTT, print, projection, and campaign notes.
PNG export
PNG Map Export for VTT
PNG export is the current RPGMapEditor.com handoff for virtual tabletops, print, projection, and campaign notes.
Use the PNG as Roll20 map-layer art or a Foundry VTT scene background, then configure platform-specific grid, walls, doors, lighting, fog, tokens, and automation inside the VTT.
Direct answer
What this page answers
RPGMapEditor.com currently uses PNG export as the practical VTT handoff for Roll20 map-layer art, Foundry scene backgrounds, print, projection, and notes.
Product output
What you can create
Use RPGMapEditor.com when the result needs to become an actual tabletop map: opened in the editor, edited around play, saved for later, exported as PNG, and reused when the campaign changes direction.
VTT-neutral background
A clean PNG can become Roll20 map-layer art or a Foundry scene background without claiming direct integration.
Grid-aware dimensions
Choose square count and pixels per square before export so the target VTT grid can align cleanly.
Save before export
Keep the editable source map so revisions do not require rebuilding the scene from a flattened image.
Feature facts
- Current VTT output: PNG image export.
- Roll20 workflow: upload the PNG as map-layer art and align Roll20's grid.
- Foundry workflow: use the PNG as a scene background and set grid size/origin.
- VTT automation: walls, doors, lighting, fog, tokens, and automation are configured in the VTT.
- Universal VTT status: planned or not shipped unless exposed in the editor.
Current limitations
- PNG export is current; structured VTT package export is not shipped.
- Roll20 use means manual PNG upload and grid alignment, not direct API upload.
- Foundry use means PNG scene background setup, not exported walls, doors, lighting, or tokens.
- Always verify grid alignment in the actual VTT before session day.
Build one map before comparing tools
Open the editor, make a focused encounter-scale map, save the source, then export once to see whether the workflow fits.
Workflow
How it works
This is the same practical sequence for core pages, comparison pages, VTT workflows, and template-style pages. The details change by map type, but the activation path stays measurable.
Choose map size
Pick columns, rows, and grid scale from the encounter footprint before decorating.
Paint terrain
Block walkable ground, walls, roads, rooms, water, caves, or outdoor edges first.
Add props and stamps
Place cover, furniture, trees, rocks, doors, hazards, and landmarks only where they help play.
Add grid and text
Keep movement readable and add labels only when they clarify the session.
Save map
Save the editable source map to return later. Free accounts can save up to 3 maps.
Export PNG
Export a PNG for Roll20, Foundry VTT, print, projection, or campaign notes.
Mid-page action
Move from research to a concrete map. A saved or exported map is the useful validation point.
Tradeoffs
Comparison and tradeoffs
Use this table to decide whether the current RPGMapEditor.com workflow matches the map job before investing more prep time.
| Factor | RPGMapEditor.com | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Map art | Creates visual map art and exports PNG | The VTT runs tokens, sheets, fog, lighting, walls, and automation |
| Grid setup | Helps plan square count and visual grid readability | Roll20 or Foundry handles final grid alignment after image upload |
| Advanced export | Universal VTT, walls, doors, and lighting are not shipped today | Some tools may offer richer packages; verify official support before switching |
Fit
Best for / Not best for
The goal is trust, not overclaiming. Use RPGMapEditor.com when the current browser and PNG workflow matches the job; choose another workflow when it does not.
Best for
- Game masters who need a clean PNG scene background for a virtual tabletop.
- Maps where grid math, square count, and import alignment matter more than automation.
- Teams comfortable configuring platform-specific tokens, walls, lights, and fog in the VTT.
Not best for
- One-click Roll20 upload or native Foundry scene JSON export.
- Dynamic lighting, walls, doors, tokens, or actor data generated by the map editor.
- Replacing the VTT itself; RPGMapEditor.com creates the map image.
Export
Export and use workflow
PNG export for VTT use Save the editable source map first, then export a flat PNG and test it in the real destination.
- Create and save the source map in RPGMapEditor.com before flattening it into a PNG.
- Export PNG with a known square count, pixels per square, and grid visibility choice.
- Use the PNG as Roll20 map-layer art, a Foundry scene background, print art, projector art, or campaign notes, then verify grid scale.
Export proof beats feature guessing
Export one PNG, import it into your actual table workflow, and check grid readability before a session depends on it.
Internal links
Keep building from related pages
Battle map maker
Use this next when it matches your map type, export platform, comparison question, or pricing decision.
VTT map maker
Use this next when it matches your map type, export platform, comparison question, or pricing decision.
PNG map export for VTT
Use this next when it matches your map type, export platform, comparison question, or pricing decision.
Roll20 grid alignment guide
Use this next when it matches your map type, export platform, comparison question, or pricing decision.
Foundry grid alignment guide
Use this next when it matches your map type, export platform, comparison question, or pricing decision.
Pricing
Use this next when it matches your map type, export platform, comparison question, or pricing decision.
Search follow-ups
Follow-up answers
These are the natural next questions a DM, VTT user, or comparison shopper usually needs answered before opening the editor.
What export does RPGMapEditor.com support today?
The current VTT handoff is PNG export. Use the exported image as Roll20 map-layer art or a Foundry VTT scene background.
Does RPGMapEditor.com upload directly to Roll20?
No. Export a PNG from RPGMapEditor.com, then upload and align the image inside Roll20.
Does RPGMapEditor.com export Foundry walls or doors?
No. Add walls, doors, lights, regions, tokens, and automation manually inside Foundry after PNG import.
Can I use the map as a Foundry scene background?
Yes. Export PNG, create a Foundry scene, set the image as the background, then configure grid size and origin.
Can I use the map in Roll20?
Yes. Upload the PNG to the map layer, set the Roll20 page dimensions, and align the Roll20 grid to the image.
What grid size should I use?
Choose square count first, then export at a consistent pixels-per-square value so the VTT grid can match the image.
Does Universal VTT export work today?
No. Treat Universal VTT, walls, doors, and lighting export as planned unless the shipped editor exposes those options.
Is PNG enough for VTT play?
PNG is enough for the visual map background. Tokens, fog, lighting, walls, and automation remain in the VTT.
Can I print the exported map?
Yes. Export PNG and print at the size your table needs after checking grid scale and image readability.
What should I test before a session?
Import one exported PNG into your actual VTT, check grid alignment at multiple corners, and verify text and props remain readable.
FAQ
PNG Map Export for VTT FAQ
Is PNG export enough for VTT play?
PNG is enough for the visual scene background. The VTT still handles tokens, fog, lighting, walls, doors, sheets, and automation.
Can I use a PNG map in Roll20?
Yes. Upload the PNG to Roll20 as map art and align the Roll20 grid to the exported dimensions.
Can I use a PNG map in Foundry VTT?
Yes. Use the PNG as a Foundry scene background, set grid size and origin, then add walls, doors, lighting, and tokens in Foundry.
Does RPGMapEditor.com export Universal VTT today?
No. Treat Universal VTT, walls, doors, and lighting export as planned or not shipped unless the editor exposes those options.
Final step: make the map
Turn this search into a measurable product action: open the editor, create the map, save it, export PNG, and return when the session changes.