Mapping Dungeons Fast & Free - Guide to Dungeon Scrawl

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore Dungeon Scrawl, a free online tool designed to help you create dungeon maps for your Dungeons & Dragons games quickly and easily. Whether you're a seasoned Dungeon Master or new to homebrewing, this guide will walk you through the essential features of Dungeon Scrawl, enabling you to design engaging maps for your campaigns.

Step 1: Accessing Dungeon Scrawl

• Visit the Dungeon Scrawl website at dungeonscrawl.com.
• Click on "Start Drawing" to enter the mapping interface.

Step 2: Familiarizing with the Interface

• Take a moment to explore the various tools available on the left side of the screen, including:
  • Brush Tool: For drawing walls and floors.
  • Eraser Tool: To remove unwanted elements.
  • Shape Tool: For adding predefined shapes like rooms or corridors.
• Check the settings option to customize your grid size and other visual preferences.

Step 3: Creating Your First Map

• Start by using the Brush Tool:
  • Click and drag to draw the outline of your dungeon.
• Use the Shape Tool to create rooms:
  • Click on the desired shape and place it on the map.
• Connect rooms with corridors by drawing lines between them.

Step 4: Adding Details

• Enhance your map with additional features:
  • Doors: Use the Door Tool to place entrances between rooms.
  • Stairs: Add vertical movement options by placing stairs.
  • Furniture and Props: Use the assets library to include items like tables, chairs, and treasure chests.

Step 5: Customizing the Appearance

• Adjust the colors and textures of walls and floors:
  • Select the desired area and choose from the color palette.
• Experiment with different styles to match the theme of your campaign.

Step 6: Saving and Exporting Your Map

• Once satisfied with your design, save your map:
  • Click on the “Save” button to store your project.
• To share or print your map:
  • Use the “Export” option to download it as an image file (PNG or JPG).

Practical Tips

• Regularly save your work to avoid losing progress.
• Utilize the undo feature if you make a mistake while drawing.
• Explore community forums or Discord groups for additional tips and shared resources.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overcrowding your map with too many details can make it confusing.
• Forgetting to save your work can lead to lost progress.
• Not considering player navigation can create frustrating experiences.

Conclusion

Dungeon Scrawl is a powerful tool for creating engaging dungeon maps quickly and at no cost. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to designing unique and captivating environments for your D&D games. Now that you’re familiar with the basics, dive in and start crafting your next adventure!