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.
Quick answer
RPGMapEditor.com creates the PNG map image; Roll20 handles page setup, grid alignment, fog, dynamic lighting, tokens, and automation after upload.
Account policy: new accounts need an active Studio subscription ($3/month) to use the editor. Accounts created before Aug 21, 2026 keep their free plan. Details on the pricing page.
RPGMapEditor.com is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Roll20.
Create
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.
Included in the editor
- 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.
Try it on a real map
Open the editor, make one focused encounter-scale map, save it, then export once to see whether the workflow fits your table.
Workflow
How it works
The same six steps whether you are building a dungeon, a wilderness ambush, or a tavern brawl. The details change by map type; the workflow does not.
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.
Start your map now
Pick a map size, block out the terrain, and you will have a playable layout in minutes. Save or export it when the tactical read looks right.
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
RPGMapEditor.com is built for playable encounter maps. If the job below is not yours, a different tool will serve you better.
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.
Test one export before game night
Export a PNG, import it into your usual table or VTT setup, and check grid readability before a session depends on it.
Related pages
Keep planning your map
FAQ
Roll20 Grid Alignment Guide for Battle Maps FAQ
The questions DMs usually ask before starting a map like this.
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.
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.
Make the map
Open the editor, build the encounter you were planning, save it, and export a PNG when it is ready for your table.