Whilst trying to find a way to draw the hex-gridded maps for my Belle Époque project, I have – at times – felt cursed ... which isn't that surprising when one considers the meaning of the word hex.
According to an online dictionary, the various meanings of the word hex are as follows:
- Noun: A hex refers to an evil spell or curse that brings bad luck and trouble.
- Verb: To hex someone or something means to put an evil spell on them to bring bad luck and trouble.
- Adjective: Hex can be short for hexagonal, which means having a shape with six straight sides.
- Jargon: In computing, hex is short for hexadecimal, which is a system of counting based on the number 16 rather than the number 10.
In the past, I have drawn my own hex grids and individual tiles using MS Paint ... but for a project this large, I wanted to find a terrain-drawing program that I could use. So far I have tried the following:
HexPad
HexAtlas
Hexer
Hextml
HexDraw
Hexographer
Having looked at each of the above, I concluded that HexDraw should be my first choice ... and then I discovered that it is currently unavailable as a new version is due to be launched sometime soon.
I therefore downloaded my second choice (Hexographer) and I began experimenting with it, but it has one major drawback as far as I am concerned ... the program is designed for use with a much larger screen tan the one on my laptop!
I am therefore left with three options:
- Carry on using Hexographer ... and working as lest I can with the screen size problem.
- Wait until HexDraw2 become available.
- Draw my own hex grids and individual tiles using MS Paint and accept the inevitable delay that this will cause.
I'm not sure which of these options I will choose ... but I must choose one if I want to use hex gridded maps for this project.
I will be interested to her how you get on, as I want to do something similar. Did the software indicate what size screen it was intended for?
ReplyDeleteIan Dury,
DeleteAs far as I could see, none of the software programs indicated the screen resolution it was optimised for.
All the best,
Bob
That was a lot of choices to work through. HexDraw maps look very professional. Your example reminds me of ASL boards
ReplyDeleteHexographer looks good for larger area maps.
I'm in the process of working on my own point to point maps, but do plan to create tactical maps of key points, so I really appreciate this overview.
WEK 3,
DeleteI must admit that I’m finding the Hexographer screen resolution too small for easy use and comfort. I am very tempted to wait for HexDraw 2 to become available as the end result seems to be just what I’m looking for.
All the best,
Bob
I've always liked Hexographer, though it does look a bit dated now. It will be interesting to see what the new Hexdraw is like
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteI must admit that unless I can find a bigger computer screen, I am likely to give up on using Hexographer as I’m finding the screen resolution is giving me eye strain. I may well have to wait for HexDraw 2 to become available.
All the best,
Bob
Bob -
ReplyDeleteI never really thought to try one of these methods, though a zillion years ago I did conduct some experiments. Must have another look!
Cheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteI’d be interested to know more about your experiments. I’m always willing to learn from other people’s experience.
All the best,
Bob
BOB,
ReplyDeleteDispence with the hexes- draw your maps by hand. Hexes can come into it when you set up your terrain for a game. Cheers.
Kevin Robertson (Kev),
DeleteI must admit that I had considered that option … but for the present, I’m going to try to find a working hex-based solution.
All the best,
Bob
An interesting bunch of of software, none of which I'd heard of before! I can't imagine the effort involved in trying to draw hexes in MS Paint though.
ReplyDeleteI use Mapping Board, which is long oop yet still continues to work. It has a very handy screen scaling function so you can zoom in and out while working on maps.
Martin Rapier,
DeleteMS Paint is my ‘go to’ program … but it is very cumbersome when one tries to use it to draw hex grids.
I’ve not come across Mapping Board … but I’ll take a look at if I can.
All the best,
Bob
Bob, there is also a Memoir 44 scenario map editor which might be of use?
ReplyDeleteMike C,
DeleteThanks for this ‘heads up’! I’d not thought of using something like that.
All the best,
Bob