Battlemaps/VTT basic knowledge?

[Wired]

I've started to work on some new maps, both small locations and buildings, including interiors, but I'm a total virgin with regards to VTT and battlemaps, so to speak. Are there any necessary conventions I need to pay heed to? I know the usual grid is 1 square Inch = 5x5 ft, but what's the DPI needed for digital battlemaps? What's the preferred file format? Are saturated colors prefered over desaturated ones (I know the reverse is true for most of the cartographers on this Forum with regards to larger scale maps)? Any tips you can give me, and advice or warnings?

Please, let me know!

[Wired]

No takers? I can't be the only one on this forum trying to do battle maps/encounters? Am I the only one ever to ask these questions?

[Gamerprinter]

It depends on the VTT app, they vary. Roll20 is a popular online VT that uses 72 ppi in scales up to 72 x 72 inches. MapTools is a free downloadable VTT that can handle 100 and 200 ppi depending on the needs of the individual game. Some programs use 50 or 60 ppi. Many programs limit you to a maximum of 2400 x 2400 ppi. So it really depends on your intended targeted application as to what the pixel resolution that is required. I create many VTT ready map files usually working at 100 ppi in 3600 to 7200 ppi depending on what the map is. Most VTT apps want JPG files, while most map objects (if you chose to create and sell/use those) are usually PNG transparency files (unless your object is square, then JPG). It's difficult to design one map usable in all VTT apps - they are all different (no standard).

[Wired]

It depends on the VTT app, they vary. Roll20 is a popular online VT that uses 72 ppi in scales up to 72 x 72 inches. MapTools is a free downloadable VTT that can handle 100 and 200 ppi depending on the needs of the individual game. Some programs use 50 or 60 ppi. Many programs limit you to a maximum of 2400 x 2400 ppi. So it really depends on your intended targeted application as to what the pixel resolution that is required. I create many VTT ready map files usually working at 100 ppi in 3600 to 7200 ppi depending on what the map is. Most VTT apps want JPG files, while most map objects (if you chose to create and sell/use those) are usually PNG transparency files (unless your object is square, then JPG). It's difficult to design one map usable in all VTT apps - they are all different (no standard).

My sincerest thanks! That gives me at least a general idea of what I've got to Keep in mind, Gamerprinter.

[jpstod]

Like gameprinter said...There is no absolute standard....
My computer system seems to handle saving at 72 DPI best....
I prefer to save as PNG files....
The more DPI you use, the better it looks enlarged...( I use Windows Picture Viewer to Show Maps, not an actual VTT Program) and the better it prints...
I design my maps on a 24x36 Layout and at 300 DPI...because it is a common size that can easily be printed out at places like Kinkos, FedEx, Walmart..

[Redrobes]

I dont think there is a standard. Just create them all at some higher res and scale them down to the particular VTT and then when you use a different one you have the high res originals to fall back on.

Just to add, mine didn't have a DPI. It was variable as in you could have different DPI images on the map at different scales at the same time. But it had a 2048 pixel square size limit to each token image.

[Bogie]

I tend to make most of my maps at 100 dpi, 1" = 5', most VTTs use that size or smaller. As mentioned by GP & Redrobes, most VTTs have a maximum size limit for maps, either physical size like 2400 x 2400 or a file size limit. So you want to keep that in mind when creating your map. I am playing a game on Roll20 right now and I had to split the map in half because it was to large a floor plan. Roll20 uses a 70 dpi standard, but I forget how large the max size is. The map I'm using is 102 inches tall ( 510 feet ) so that was to large even though the file size was under the 10 MB limit.