HexWorld Editor Tutorials: From Beginner to Advanced

How to Create Stunning Hex Maps with HexWorld Editor

Creating visually striking, functional hex maps in HexWorld Editor is straightforward when you follow a clear workflow: plan, set up the grid, design terrain and features, refine visual style, and export. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that produces a polished hex map suitable for tabletop RPGs, wargames, or digital strategy projects.

1. Plan your map (10–20 minutes)

• Purpose: Decide scale (each hex = 1 km, 10 km, etc.) and use (campaign world, battle map, resource map).
• Scope: Choose map size (number of hexes across/down) and major geographic features (continents, mountain chains, rivers, coastlines).
• Palette & style: Pick a color palette (vibrant, muted, parchment) and iconography style (realistic, minimalist).

2. Create a new project and configure the grid

• Open HexWorld Editor → New Map.
• Grid settings: Set hex size and orientation (pointy vs flat). Larger hexes allow more detail; pointy is common for land-based maps.
• Coordinate system: Enable hex coordinates if you need reference IDs for gameplay.
• Layers: Create basic layers: Terrain, Features (rivers, roads), Labels, Icons, and Decorations.

3. Block in major terrain shapes

• Use the Terrain brush with a large radius to paint primary biomes: ocean, plains, forest, desert, tundra.
• Work in broad strokes—don’t detail yet. Focus on natural transitions (coastlines meeting plains, mountains bordering highlands).
• Use the erosion/smoothing tool to make coastlines and biome borders look natural.

4. Add elevation and mountain ranges

• Switch to Elevation mode: stamp mountain ranges and highlands. Higher elevation should influence adjacent hex biomes (e.g., mountains create rain shadows).
• Add hill gradients rather than single hex peaks to suggest ranges.
• Use a noise or fractal brush for realistic elevation variation.

5. Draw rivers, lakes, and coastlines

• Start rivers at high-elevation hexes and route them downhill to lakes or the sea. Use the river tool to auto-route following elevation.
• Place lakes in basins and add marsh hexes where rivers slow.
• Smooth coastlines and add small islands or archipelagos for interest.

6. Populate with features: roads, cities, resources

• Add trade routes and roads linking population centers—use logical paths (river valleys, low passes).
• Place cities at resource junctions, river mouths, or strategic crossroads. Use size variations for capitals vs towns.
• Add resource icons (mines, farms, lumber) aligned with terrain and elevation.

7. Refine visuals: textures, borders, and tiles

• Apply textures or overlays to hexes for rock, grass, sand, or snow. Keep contrast moderate to avoid visual noise.
• Use subtle hex borders or none at all depending on style; thin, slightly darker borders help readability.
• Add transition tiles or gradient blends between biomes for smoother visuals.

8. Add labels and legends

• Use the Labels layer to name continents, regions, rivers, and major settlements.
• Choose readable fonts and size hierarchy: large for continents, medium for regions, small for cities.
• Create a legend showing symbols, scale bar, and north arrow. Place legend in a corner with a semi-transparent background.

9. Decorations and atmosphere

• Add decorative elements: compass rose, parchment paper texture, minor icons (boats, caravans), and border art.
• Apply lighting or vignette effects subtly to draw focus to central areas.
• Use atmospheric overlays (fog, clouds) sparingly to suggest mystery.

10. Test readability and gameplay utility

• Zoom out to check map readability at different scales—ensure icons and labels remain legible.
• If for gameplay, simulate typical actions: travel routes, resource gathering, line of sight. Adjust hex spacing or icon sizes if needed.
• Ask a friend or player to perform a sample move or campaign setup to validate clarity.

11. Export and share

• Export PNG or SVG for images; use high DPI (300) for print. Export JSON or the editor’s native format for later edits or sharing with other tools.
• Include a version with and without labels (label-free for player maps, labeled for GM maps).
• Compress files properly for web sharing while preserving quality.

Quick Tips

• Start broad, then detail. Always block in major features before adding small icons.
• Use consistent iconography. Keep a cohesive visual language for resources and settlements.
• Save versions often. Keep iterations so you can revert to earlier compositions.
• Leverage templates. Use HexWorld’s template maps to speed up common layouts.
• Balance art and function. A beautiful map must also be usable for gameplay.

By following these steps you’ll produce hex maps that are both attractive and functional. Repeat the process, refine your palette and icon set, and you’ll build a library of styles for different projects.