The explanation is quite technical and you do not have to read it to make maps.

For more information about resolution and understanding ppi/dpi click here.

If you are designing your map for print, then choose a resolution of 300 ppi.įor now, if you have downloaded Gimp then open a new document of 2,000 pixels wide by 2,000 pixels high which should give you plenty of room to manoevre. Too small a document size might result in 'jaggy' diagonal lines. If you are designing your map for the web, then you do not need more than a resolution of 96 ppi (pixels per inch) your document size is determined by the amount of detail you want your map to include. Making the right choice is important particularly when it comes to whether you want your map to appear on the web only, or whether you want your map to print at a reasonable size and resolution. Whether you are drawing a map of a continent or a dungeon, you will need to decide upon a suitable resolution and document size for your map. Decide on the document size and resolution of your map.

To obtain a list of the software used by the community click here.Ģ.

To find out more about the pros and cons of software used by the community click here.

For now, if you have no preference between any of these packages, download Gimp.

There is also other software, such as Fractal Terrains, also made by Profantasy which give a more realistic '3d look' similar to sattelite photographs. Gimp/PS are by far the most preferred mapping tools of the community although there is also a strong base of users who use Campaign Cartographer by Profantasy (CC3 for short). Another useful download is 'Inkscape' which is the free equivalent to Adobe Illustrator (AI for short). If you have no software at all, then we strongly suggest that you download 'Gimp' which is a free equivalent of Adobe photoshop (PS for short). If you are in a real rush to get started, then just read the entries in orange text. The thread is locked to maintain clarity, but if you have any comments or additions to suggest, please do so in the Quickstart Comments thread. It is meant to get you up and running so that you can draw passable fantasy maps in a short time without having to hunt through the many tutorials and tips on this site. This thread is intended for people who have little or no experience in using software to draw maps.

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