RP Maps Forge

[Finarvyn]

Anyone know anything about RP Maps Forge? The commercials make it seem like neat mapping software. You can click on a type of background (mountains, woods, etc.) and as you wave your mouse it seems to fill in the terrain. Or point-and-click to add cities or towers.

rpgmapsforge.com/?tw_source=fb&tw_adid=120213467859480565&utm_medium=paid&utm_id=120213466522540565&utm_content=120213467859480565&utm_term=120213466522590565&utm_campaign=120213466522540565&fbclid=IwY2xjawGRmRJleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqxWDMluPxQEdzcr1aMhvnZXzG88pKdTPEDm0DIOmxIVmNF43VEufGgJaCNJMvvOJwoZb_aem_XPuIaB_h8bkASwGFgbl01Q&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id=120213466522540565&ad_id=120213467859480565

[Finarvyn]

I will admit that having read the comments on the group's Facebook page, I'm even more confused. I assumed that this was a complete software package, where I could just download and start making maps, but the comments seem to indicate that I could take their stuff and use Gimp or other software with their stuff. I don't have, or know anything about, this other software.

I was hoping for a download-and-play thing. Not sure.

[Starbeard]

Looking at the website, it is pretty intentionally vague. It isn't software, it's a set of plug-ins and tools to use in whatever image or illustration software you currently use. Packages of fonts, preset brushes and textures, that sort of thing.

Probably pretty fun to tinker around with if you're already working with GIMP or Adobe, but kinda pointless if the whole appeal of mapping software for you is to bypass having to work in a real art program.

[Finarvyn]

Yeah, I don't have GIMP and the only Adobe I have is "reader" so looks like I don't have the tools (or the knowledge) in order to make use of their stuff. Thank you for your analysis.

[bat]

I have Inkarnate which is cheap and really good when exported as a jpg or png.

inkarnate.com/

[Finarvyn]

Nov 1, 2024 22:07:04 GMT -6 bat said:

I have Inkarnate which is cheap and really good when exported as a jpg or png.

inkarnate.com/

Free version, or pro? Tell me more about this software. Easy to use?

[DungeonDevil]

GIMP is a good alternative to Photoshop. It has a pretty steep learning-curve, but, if you like bells-n-whistles, GIMP is fine.

When it comes to recreational cartography, I prefer pen and ink and paper.

[tdenmark]

Krita is a free open source alternative to Photoshop it has robust functionality, and unlike GIMP is much easier to learn. GIMP is made by engineers for engineers.

krita.org/en/

[bat]

Nov 2, 2024 4:53:11 GMT -6 Finarvyn said:

Nov 1, 2024 22:07:04 GMT -6 bat said:

I have Inkarnate which is cheap and really good when exported as a jpg or png.

inkarnate.com/

Free version, or pro? Tell me more about this software. Easy to use?

I went for Pro, like $35/year. It is web based, which is like PhotoPea I guess would be a comparison. I am not the best cartographer and I churned out a few nifty maps after a while. I also have Canvas of Kings which is good for rough/spot maps, this program is standalone and in black and white.