Page dimensions
Set the Roll20 page to the same number of squares as the exported map so resizing starts from a predictable frame.
Roll20 grid guide
Roll20 Grid Alignment Guide for Battle Maps
Align PNG battle maps in Roll20 by setting page dimensions, placing the image on the map layer, resizing without distortion, and checking the grid across the whole map.
RPGMapEditor.com exports the map image. Roll20 handles the final grid, fog, dynamic lighting, tokens, and game automation.
Direct answer
What this page answers
RPGMapEditor.com creates the PNG map image; Roll20 handles page setup, grid alignment, fog, dynamic lighting, tokens, and automation after upload.
RPGMapEditor.com is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Roll20.
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.
Corner checks
Check grid alignment near all four corners instead of trusting the center of the map only.
No direct upload
RPGMapEditor.com exports the PNG. Upload and grid setup happen manually in Roll20.
Readable art
Keep walls, cover, doors, paths, and hazards visually clear at normal Roll20 zoom levels.
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
Roll20 grid alignment workflow Export clean dimensions, set the Roll20 page to the same square count, and validate all map edges.
- Export the PNG with known square count and pixel dimensions.
- Set the Roll20 page dimensions to the map's columns and rows.
- Place the image on the map layer, resize without distorting aspect ratio, and check alignment at multiple corners.
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
Roll20 Grid Alignment Guide for Battle Maps FAQ
How do I align a PNG map in Roll20?
Set the Roll20 page to the map's square count, upload the PNG to the map layer, resize it to fill the page, and check alignment across the whole map.
Why does the Roll20 grid not line up?
The usual causes are wrong page dimensions, image resizing that breaks aspect ratio, or export dimensions that do not match the intended pixels per square.
Does RPGMapEditor.com export Roll20 dynamic lighting?
No. RPGMapEditor.com exports the visual PNG. Add dynamic lighting, fog, tokens, and automation inside Roll20.
What should I record before uploading?
Record the exported image dimensions, the square count, and intended pixels per square so Roll20 grid setup is repeatable.
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.