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Inkarnate

A free-form map editor for role-playing games, focusing on overland and continental maps.

Inkarnate

Inkarnate Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether Inkarnate is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • Inkarnate Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-12

Features & Specs

  1. User-Friendly Interface

    Inkarnate boasts a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those who are not experienced in graphic design.

  2. High-Quality Assets

    The platform provides access to a large library of high-quality graphical assets, such as terrain, structures, and icons.

  3. Community Support

    Inkarnate has a strong community of users who share maps, tips, and tutorials, fostering a supportive environment for learning and creativity.

  4. Versatility

    Suitable for a variety of map-making needs ranging from world maps and regional maps to battle maps and interior designs.

  5. Frequent Updates

    The developers frequently update the platform with new features, bug fixes, and additional assets, ensuring the tool stays current and versatile.

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Videos

Inkarnate Review (2020)

Wonderdraft - Inkarnate Killer? (map-making app review)

Inkarnate - Let's Make a Fantasy Map! (free version)

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about Inkarnate and what they use it for.
  • CC0-licensed fantasy map brushes based on historical cartography
    Adding to the other answers, there are also -besides Photoshop, Gimp, etc- specialized tools to draw fantasy maps. The site mentions Wonderdraft [0], but there are a bunch of others though not all of them support using external brushes. Some other tools in this space may be Watabou's tools [1], Azgaar's tools [2], Inkarnate [3], Mapforge [4], or quite a few more which you can find links to in this list [5]. Again:... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • [PF2E][FoundryVTT][Saturday][CST-12:30PM][PAID] -|- Experienced GM seeking both new and experienced players! Explore a personalized fantasy world that is slowly changing as the Planes Converge! -|- [3-week trial period at (5$) per session. After that it's just (10$)!][2/5 slots open]
    Two, it incentivizes me to be best I can be, as I can as well as enabling me to more easily afford things like Dungeondraft or Inkarnate to create custom maps or battles for you guys! Also I kinda need more food money lol. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Mapping Software
    Inkarnate for pretty, colourful maps. Has free and paid tiers. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Temperate rainforest
    Erm. What do you mean? Like a map maker kinda deal that lets you place all the plants + details? Inkarnate allows users to make detailed maps of that extent. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Blank Map/Grid Asset
    As a side note - I have been using https://inkarnate.com/ and it has a lot of cool features for making maps. The Portrait or Landscape options with a 10x13 or 13x10 grid is pretty similar to the hero kids grids and prints well on regular letter sized paper. There's also a huge gallery of maps created by others you can browse through for ideas. There's a pretty limited free version to play around with but if you're... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is anyone aware of an ai tool that can make fantasy maps based on sketches?
    Try inkarnate or any number of other online map makers. It takes exactly zero skill (even I've done it, zero skill) and could be as quick or as lengthy a process as you want it to be. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Day 301/365 Ruins
    All the textures are from inkarnate.com, nothing custom. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Gothic Horror Manor [60x45] [40x40]
    All the maps I make are made with Inkarnate. Depending on the style of map (battlemap/city/region) I'll use different art style presets. Beyond that, I just have a few years of practice due to running a campaign that seems to be never-ending. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • The darklake map
    1) Draw one by hand 2) Check out D&D map subreddits/patreon for one that fits or for map segments of the right style to stitch together 3) Make one on a site like https://inkarnate.com/ 4) Commission one. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • need help from someone to draw me a small map
    You might want to have a look at https://inkarnate.com/ It's super easy to get a rough map out of that. Source: about 2 years ago
  • The Torek Sea, a region on the northeastern coast of Eyræus
    Made on Inkarnate, it's very comprehensive once you get the hang of it! Best of luck! Source: about 2 years ago
  • Can a NEWER DND Player Be a DM?
    Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator for generating world maps, and Inkarnate for battlemaps (or if you'd prefer to draw your world map by hand). Another really popular bit of mapping software is DungeonDraft, though I'm not super familiar with it. Lastly, GIMP is a powerful open source image editor, though it has a bit of a learning curve. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Sunnydale 2023 (A Map for my next D&D campaign)
    Inkarnate.com It's some pretty amazing software if you get the knack for it. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Started playing Hero Kids with my kids - created some very basic printable forest path encounter maps. Included in color and black and white
    This is my first attempt at map making - I used inkarnate.com. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Otari's Isometric Map
    Looks great, did you make it with Inkarnate? If so, can you please share a version to edit, so I can use the german names? Source: about 2 years ago
  • What is the best map making tool?
    Could be regular MS Paint but a lot of people do use inkarnate.com ! The free stuff is very limited however, but overall its mostly a very good place to start building your own personal map! Source: about 2 years ago
  • Good map creation software?
    Https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/ works really well for generating worlds that you can work with for free and https://inkarnate.com is good for creating maps from scratch, although if you want access to everything, there is a small price to pay. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How do you visualize your worldbuilding ideas without being skilled as an artist?
    You and I have basically the same dilemma, but I do use some other resources which have already been listed for you. Flag Maker and Hero Forge are incredible tools, and I'll add that I use Wonderdraft for maps. There are some other online map-making resources that are free, and I've used them before, but wonderdraft is better in my humble opinion. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Were do you make your fantasy maps?
    I've used a handful and Inkarnate has been my go to for reference maps. For battle maps I use dungeon draft. Source: about 2 years ago
  • [PF2E][FoundryVTT][Wednesday][Saturday][CST-12:30PM][PAID] -|- Experienced GM seeking both new and experienced players! Forming two groups for personalized homebrew setting/campaigns! -|- [3-week trial period at (5$) per session. After that it's just (10$)!][3/10 slots open]
    Two, it incentivizes me to be best I can be, as I can as well as enabling me to more easily afford things like Dungeondraft or Inkarnate to create custom maps or battles for you guys! Also I kinda need more food money lol. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How to draw semi-realistic mountain ranges with GIMP (or Photoshop)
    I suggest you use Inkarnate instead. Other than that you can look up “bird’s eye view of mountains”. Source: about 2 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of Inkarnate

Inkarnate has emerged as a leading tool in the realm of digital map-making, particularly favored among enthusiasts and professionals in the tabletop gaming community and fantasy world-building. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to a wide array of mapping needs, from simple sketch-based designs to intricate battle maps and fantasy landscapes.

Affordability and Accessibility

One of the most frequently cited advantages of Inkarnate is its affordability. The platform provides a free version, which allows users to explore its basic features without any initial financial commitment. However, the paid version, priced at approximately $25 per year, is highly recommended by users for unlocking an extensive library of assets and advanced functionalities that significantly enhance the map creation process. This cost-effectiveness is highlighted as a major competitive edge over other similar mapping tools.

User Experience and Versatility

The ease-of-use associated with Inkarnate is another major selling point. Users from various skill levels, including those who claim to have "zero skill" in digital mapping, have reported finding the platform intuitive and straightforward. This accessibility makes Inkarnate particularly popular among beginners in the field of digital cartography.

Inkarnate’s versatility is further exemplified by its ability to support a diverse range of map types and styles. Users have successfully created regional maps, city layouts, and detailed battlefields, demonstrating the platform's flexibility. The customizable nature of Inkarnate allows users to adapt its features to specific thematic requirements, such as Gothic horror and fantasy realms, broadening its appeal across different genres and user preferences.

Competitive Position

In the competitive landscape of digital map-making, Inkarnate stands out alongside other notable platforms like Dungeon Scrawl, Donjon, Campaign Cartographer, and Dungeondraft. While each competitor has its unique strengths, Inkarnate's blend of cost, ease-of-use, and visual appeal continues to secure its position as a top choice among hobbyists and professionals alike.

Community Engagement

A significant aspect contributing to Inkarnate's popularity is its engaged and active user community. The platform's gallery allows users to browse a vast array of maps created by others, offering inspiration and insight into the creative potentials of the tool. This communal aspect not only fosters a sense of shared learning but also helps users refine their skills by exploring various styles and techniques used by others in the community.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its strengths, some users have pointed out the limitations of the free version, which may not be sufficient for extensive projects. Moreover, while Inkarnate supports the creation of detailed maps, it does not allow for the use of external brushes, potentially limiting customization for those seeking specialized features.

Conclusion

Overall, Inkarnate is highly regarded in the map-making community for its blend of accessibility, affordability, and functionality. It serves as an excellent starting point for beginners while also providing the depth and range necessary for more advanced users. Its ability to cater to a broad spectrum of mapping requirements, from simple layouts to complex fantasy maps, ensures that it remains an indispensable tool for anyone involved in digital cartography and tabletop gaming.

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