Direct answer

What this page answers

RPGMapEditor.com is a virtual tabletop map maker for creating PNG battle maps that can be uploaded to Roll20 or used as Foundry VTT scene backgrounds.

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.

Foundry scene background

Export a PNG battle map and use it as the scene background in Foundry VTT.

Grid size and origin

Match the exported pixels-per-square value in Foundry, then adjust grid origin until corners stay aligned.

Manual walls and doors today

Add walls, doors, lights, tokens, and regions inside Foundry after import; they are not exported from the map editor today.

Universal VTT is not shipped

Treat Universal VTT or richer scene metadata as planned work unless it appears in the shipped editor and docs.

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

VTT PNG workflow Use RPGMapEditor.com for scene art and the VTT for live play features.

  1. Save the editable source map before exporting so you can revise rooms, props, and terrain later.
  2. Export PNG as the current VTT, print, and sharing handoff.
  3. Upload the PNG to Roll20 or Foundry, or use it as a print/projection reference, then verify grid scale before play.

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

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Browser battle map maker

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Free D&D map maker

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Dungeondraft alternative

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Dungeon Scrawl alternative

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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

Virtual Tabletop Map Maker FAQ

Can I use these maps in a virtual tabletop?

Yes. Export the map as an image, upload it to your VTT, and align that VTT’s grid to the exported artwork.

What export formats are supported?

The live workflow focuses on image and project exports. PNG is the primary VTT-ready handoff; JSON-style project data is used for editable map state.

Is this useful for online RPG sessions?

Yes. It is designed for fast browser prep, saved maps, tactical grids, and export files you can bring into online play tools.

Does RPG Map Editor configure walls and lighting for me?

No. Export the base map, then configure walls, fog, dynamic lighting, and token settings inside your VTT.

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.