Free Version of Hexographer

Please don't link directly to this page from message boards, emails, etc. Link to the main Hexographer page so others won't download and start the application until they are ready and they have had a chance to skim the overview and instructions.

(If you don't see controls to create a map immediately above this text, you may need to install or update your computer's java software. Go to: www.java.com/getjava/

Overview

Hexographer is a map-making software program that allows users to create hex-style maps. These maps are popular for role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons. However, they are useful for many other role-playing games, miniatures and wargames. it comes in Free and Pro versions.

The pro version (see the ordering details to the left) can be downloaded to your computer and run even if you can't connect to the internet. It does everything the free version does, plus:

• Change terrain/feature icons using the "Options/Hex Settings" menu. (Any png can be used as an icon.)
• Expand or contract the number of hexes on the map. That's useful if you've made an area map and want to expand it instead of starting a new map for the next region.
• Notes. There is an "Add Note" toggle button of the bottom of the map editing window. Once you're in "add note" mode, clicking a hex will open a pop-up menu where you can give a note title and description. This lets you describe that location/hex in more detail, if you want. A small yellow rectangle will appear in the corner of a hex with a note. Clicking on that will open it up for further editing or removal. Notes can be exported as very simple html using the "File" menu.

The free version (warning: long download for dialup users) is started within your web browser using Java technology. It will open a new frame when you create a new map. It has every feature the pro version does except those few items noted above. So you can still create maps of any size; make hexes large or smaller; trace over an image of another map; export/save maps as .png images; add hex numbers; customize the hex numbering scheme; customize the line colors/sizes of rivers, roads, etc.; customize the font names/colors/sizes/styles of text for politicial features, geographical features, etc.; and more!

Note: I have not signed the software with an official certificate because those cost money and this project is "in the red." Therefore, when you go to the free version's page the first time you will most likely see a prompt noting that "The software can't be trusted." You must click "OK" or "Trust" or whatever the affirmative button says to fully use the software. Otherwise, you will not be able to save or export your maps. (You will see an error regarding permissions if you try.)

The hex icons are based on the icons used for "The Known World" and "Mystara" and "Voyage of the Princess Ark" RPG products. They were previously revised as GIMP brushes by Inkwell Ideas and as Adobe Illustrator by Thorfinn.