Inkarnate is a popular online map-making software that helps gamers, storytellers, writers, game designers and others create stunningly beautiful digital maps for their worlds.
It features an intuitive user interface combined with powerful tools such as image importing and advanced editing capabilities like erosion heightmap manipulation.
With Inkarnate, users can generate and customize life-like maps with mountains, rivers and roads that span entire continents; or craft intricate dungeons complete with tunnels.
Current Status of Inkarnate in 2023.
Inkarnate has become one of the most popular map-making tools over the past decade for game industry professionals and hobbyists alike, who use it to create gorgeous fantasy worlds for their projects.
The software is undergoing a major update which is expected to be released in 2021.
This new version will feature a larger selection of map themes, brush and line styles, as well as improved imaging tools for greater floorplan control.
Best Alternatives to Inkarnate
There are many other best options available if you’re looking for something similar or an alternative to Inkarnate, so read on below to find out more.
Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator
Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator is a great Inkarnate alternative that offers an intuitive UI to quickly create custom fantasy maps.
It features over 1.5 million equipped items, 1000+ textures and 120+ colors for you to use as layers in your map design.
You can also easily select icons from the library and drag-and-drop them onto your canvas – perfect for creating dungeon crawls or fantastic cities brimming with life.
Wonderdraft
Wonderdraft is another popular solution for creating digital maps and assets. It allows you to quickly design stunning environments with its intuitive user interface, which features an easy-to-use brush system and a wide selection of symbols and textures.
Additionally, Wonderdraft also offers a helpful tutorial feature that allows users to learn the concepts faster.
MapTool
MapTool is yet another great alternative to Inkarnate, but with a strong focus on gaming.
The software provides some great features like auto-generating random maps, saving maps and sharing them as easy links to other players in the game.
Additionally, MapTool also supports website integration for public games or private encounters, making it ideal for people who need something collaborative.
Campaign Cartographer
Campaign Cartographer is an advanced Inkarnate alternative that provides detailed customizability options through vector drawing tools and hex grid-based mapping environments.
It's also great for customizing fantasy maps with its kitbasher feature, which gives you the ability to freely combine components from multiple pre-made kits.
Tiamat
Tiamat is a dynamic map editor that offers a library of online resources for creating high-quality 3D models and digital cities in minutes! Users can quickly mix terrain elements together and add real-life objects such as trees or other props using the automated stacking process.
Dungeon Painter Studio
Dungeon Painter Studio is a powerful Inkarnate alternative that provides an array of tools for creation and customizing of dungeon maps – both in 2D and 3D style.
It has some advanced features like auto-generating common obstacles you would find in your typical dungeon setting, such as walls and fountains etc.
Additionally, it offers various color coding options based on tile flooring types which makes it easier to customize your design.
Mipui
Mipui is a great Inkarnate alternative for people looking for something simpler and more user-friendly.
The software provides an intutive interface that allows users to quickly generate complex dungeons or landscapes with its help of drag-and-drop tools, as well as various pre-made shapes and dungeon furniture objects.
It also has some cool features like the ability to toggle on/ off tiles for better visibility, hide elements of your design and create a map legend.
Illwinter's Floorplan Generator
As the name suggests, Illwinter’s Floorplan Generator is great for users who need to quickly generate floor plans or create intricate dungeons with detailed control over every aspect.
It offers an array of pre-made shapes and symbols – perfect for making anything from caverns to detailed military facilities as well as several 3D object types for elevation designs.
Hexographer
Hexographer is a powerful Inkarnate alternative that offers a comprehensive hex-mapping system with customizable terrain and icons – perfect for creating detailed world maps.
It also provides an extensive set of tools to manipulate your design, such as adding/removing rivers and adjusting coastlines into any desired shape, as well as generating cities or nations with ease.
Inkwell Ideas
Inkwell Ideas is another great alternative to Inkarnate that provides powerful world-building tools. It features a large selection of map themes and styles, enabling you to create anything from dungeon crawls to adventurous overworlds in stunning high-res detail!
Dungeondraft
Dungeondraft is an excellent resource for creating dungeons with ease. It enables users to quickly generate incredible-looking maps using its intuitive drag-and-drop features as well as various brushes, symbols and textures.
Additionally, it also includes atmospheric sounds to make your gaming environment even more immersive!
Dungeon Scrawl
When you need something similar to Inkarnate but with a focus on dungeon mapping, then Dungeon Scrawl is the perfect go-to solution.
To help users get started faster, it provides several basic shapes, such as walls and doors, that can be assorted and edited according to preference.
As for colors and textures, you can easily import custom assets or use the auto-generated variations to customize your environment as much as you like.
DungeonFog
Dungeon Fog is among the top options if you are looking to create digital dungeons easily and quickly. It offers a set of handy templates that help users jump-start their creative process with ease. Additionally, it also provides library features such as common indoor shapes, props and textures that significantly enhance the user’s creative potential.
MapForge
For anyone who is looking for something similar to Inkarnate but has a heavier focus on fantasy map design, then Mapforge is your go-to option. It offers an extensive library of shapes and symbols along with powerful editing tools such as layering objects, managing props, and even adding lighting effects.
Not only are these features great for creating detailed creatures or cultures, but they are also incredibly useful for designing life-like fantasy worlds.
Worldographer
Another great Inkarnate alternative, Worldographer, enables anyone to quickly and easily create detailed area maps complete with cities and locations. It provides users with a range of options, such as customizing environments through the elevation tool or importing digital assets from your own library.
Additionally, it features several helpful tools like an auto-generate button for land textures, water forms and more!
RPG Map Editor
For game developers and hobbyists looking for something similar to Inkarnate, the RPG Map Editor should be a go-to option. It offers an easy-to-use user interface with intuitive map design tools such as layering shapes, fabrics and textures – perfect for creating dungeons or fantastic worlds with detailed maps.
Additionally, it also provides options like customizing assets through masking layers in order to create unique gaming characters or objects.
MapGenie
MapGenie is the perfect Inkarnate alternative for anyone who doesn’t have an existing library and needs to quickly generate area maps on-the-fly. It provides users with several helpful tools, such as a map generator tool and asset control panel, enabling you to customize your design however you like.
Additionally, it also offers several advanced features like importing custom assets or transforming any drawing into a tile map with ease.
Mapmaker
Mapmaker is yet another great Inkarnate alternative that offers a sprawling library of symbols, textures and colors to create beautiful maps. It also provides an array of helpful tools, such as brand fabric styles or climate layer controls, making it so much easier to quickly customize your landscape design however you like.
Additionally, Mapmaker allows users to easily import any custom asset they require with just a few clicks.
Mapbox Studio
As the name implies, Mapbox Studio is perfect for generating beautiful maps with stunning detail. It offers a wide selection of advanced styling options, such as rotating textures or adding custom labels and markers – enabling users to customize their map environment exactly how they like it.
Additionally, its intuitive interface makes it incredibly easy to quickly create detailed digital assets that are sure to impress any audience you present them in front of.
Inkarn ate FAQs
What is Inkarnate?
Inkarnate is an online map-making software designed for game industry professionals and hobbyists alike to help them create stunningly beautiful digital maps. It features an intuitive user interface combined with powerful tools such as image importing and advanced editing capabilities like erosion heightmap manipulation.
How much does Inkarnate cost?
There are several plans available, ranging from a free plan up to a premium subscription of $99 per year.
Does Inkarnate have a tutorial?
Inkarnate offers an extensive library of tutorials for users who need help in creating their maps or navigating the features. All the tutorials can be found on the Inkarnate homepage under “Learn & Support.”
Which platforms does Inkarnate support?
Inkarnate is currently available on web browsers and mobile devices.
Is Inkarnate easy to use?
Yes, Inkarnate has an intuitive user interface that allows users to quickly generate amazing-looking maps with ease. It provides various drag-and-drop tools as well as a vast library of shapes and textures, making it great for those who don’t have much experience in map design!
Conclusion
Inkarnate has risen as one of the top map-making tools for game industry professionals and hobbyists who need to craft great environments quickly.
If you’re looking for an alternative or something similar to Inkarnate, then check out this article! We provide a list of the 19 best alternatives that offer various features ranging from drag-and-drop elements all the way to importing custom assets – enabling anyone with basic skills to quickly create beautiful digital maps.
