I love maps.
I know I’ve mentioned that before, but I don’t think I’ve really gone into making maps. I’m also in a lot of groups for authors, and since I mostly write fantasy, I see a lot of people asking for recommendations for artists who can do maps. Sometimes, though, people want to do it themselves, and having access to tools is important.
So… I figured it was time for this: My map making tool roundup.
Some of these are software you can buy, some let you buy a license for just one map you make, and others are open source and completely free. Either way, here’s a list of resources I’ve found–and tried–for making maps…
Paid tools
Campaign Cartographer
A popular map making tool. Buy a license, get everything you need to draw your own maps.
Other World Mapper
Another piece of map software for purchase. In addition to world maps, it’s great for dungeon maps.
MapForge
This one’s mostly for battle maps, but it’s very pretty.
WonderDraft
A very popular tool in author circles, and pretty affordable, as far as tools go.
Inkarnate
Unique in that it’s browser- and subscription-based. You can get started for free, then subscribe for commercial licenses.
Worldspinner
In addition to maps, this has lots of tools to help build a fantasy world. Subscription-based.
Free tools
Roll for Fantasy
An unusual free map generator that can be used as a baseline for creating your own. It assembles preset tiles to create land masses.
Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator
Creates countries and political factions, too!
Watabou’s generators
A collection of map generators, including world, city, village, dungeon, and other map varieties. Excellent tool, highly recommended.
Red Blob Games generators
Another collection of generators that has a handful of map making options. I used some of these as a guide for creating the map I did for Spectrum Legacy.
These are all services I know are still currently running–over the years, a lot of map making software or sites have vanished.
Got other great map making tools? Drop them in the comments!