# Tools

We list both modern and ancient level design tools:

* [**Modern 3D game engines**](#modern-3d-game-engines)**:** recommended tools for common all-purpose engines today
* [**Moddable games (recommended)**](#moddable-games-recommended)**:** short list of moddable games for "serious" level design
* [**Moddable games (all)**](#moddable-games-all)**:** full list of known games with mod tools
* also: [2D level editors](#2d-level-editors), [3D art tools](#3d-art-tools), [2D art tools](#2d-art-tools), and [planning tools](#planning-tools) common in the game industry

## Modern 3D game engines

Today's game engines rarely include level design tools by default, so expect to get **custom plugins,** or an **external tool** like [TrenchBroom](https://book.leveldesignbook.com/appendix/tools/trenchbroom). Many devs also use [3D art tools](#id-3d-art-tools) to make [modular kits](https://book.leveldesignbook.com/process/blockout/metrics/modular).

For more info on 3D construction techniques and trade-offs, see [Blockout](https://book.leveldesignbook.com/process/blockout).

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="95.41620626151013">Engine </th><th width="280.2608695652174">3D construction tools / plugins</th><th width="202">Scripting</th><th>Community</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://godotengine.org/"><strong>Godot</strong></a></td><td><a href="https://github.com/func-godot/func_godot_plugin">Func_Godot</a>, <a href="https://github.com/blackears/cyclopsLevelBuilder">Cyclops</a>, <a href="https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/3d/csg_tools.html">CSG</a></td><td><a href="https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/scripting/gdscript/gdscript_basics.html">GDScript</a>, <a href="https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/scripting/c_sharp/index.html">C#</a></td><td><a href="https://godotengine.org/community">Godot Community</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.unrealengine.com/"><strong>Unreal</strong></a></td><td><a href="https://scytheeditor.com/"><strong>Scythe</strong></a>, <a href="https://docs.unrealengine.com/5.3/en-US/cubegrid-tool-in-unreal-engine/">CubeGrid</a>, <a href="https://docs.unrealengine.com/5.0/en-US/modeling-mode/">Modeling Mode</a></td><td><a href="https://docs.unrealengine.com/en-US/Engine/Blueprints/index.html">Blueprint</a></td><td><a href="https://unrealslackers.org/">Unreal Slackers Discord</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://unity.com/"><strong>Unity</strong></a></td><td><a href="https://docs.unity3d.com/Packages/com.unity.probuilder@6.0/manual/index.html"><strong>ProBuilder</strong></a>, <a href="https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/tools/level-design/tremble-map-importer-277805">Tremble</a>, <a href="https://github.com/LogicalError/realtime-CSG-for-unity">RealtimeCSG</a></td><td>C#, <a href="https://docs.unity3d.com/Packages/com.unity.visualscripting@1.9/manual/index.html">Visual</a>, <a href="https://hutonggames.com/">Playmaker</a></td><td><a href="https://discord.com/invite/unity">Official Unity Discord</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

![screenshot of Godot v3.0, rapidly emerging as a popular free and open source community alternative to Unity and Unreal](https://1666186240-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LtVT8pJjInrrHVCovzy%2Fuploads%2FjQXCH2St7Gp7TWveAvwu%2FLDB_Godot_Landscape.jpg?alt=media\&token=0c976c36-da75-4062-b28f-c7ff34242e5d)

## Moddable games (recommended)

When you mod a game, you get to re-use graphics, sounds, code, and most importantly, core game design and tuning. **We strongly recommend learning level design by modding.**

**We generally recommend Quake and Doom** since these games have large active communities, free stable multiplatform tools, and proven design.

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="120">Game</th><th width="234">Editor</th><th width="117">Combat</th><th width="152">Scripting</th><th>Community</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Quake 1</strong></td><td><a href="https://kristianduske.com/trenchbroom/">TrenchBroom</a> (<a href="https://andrewyoderdesign.blog/2019/06/08/so-you-want-to-learn-3d-level-design/">guide</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gONePWocbqA&#x26;list=PLgDKRPte5Y0AZ_K_PZbWbgBAEt5xf74aE">video</a>); <strong>see</strong> <a href="resources/quake"><strong>Quake resources</strong></a></td><td>static, dynamic (Horde)</td><td>visual (<a href="https://quakewiki.org/wiki/Entity_guide">entities</a>) + code (<a href="https://quakewiki.org/wiki/QuakeC_tutorials">QC</a>)</td><td><a href="https://discord.gg/58XqmZM">QM Discord</a>, <br><a href="https://www.slipseer.com/index.php">Slipseer</a>, <a href="https://www.quaddicted.com">Quaddicted</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Doom</strong></td><td><a href="http://devbuilds.drdteam.org/doombuilder2-gzdb/">GZDoomBuilder</a>, <a href="http://slade.mancubus.net/">SLADE3</a> (<a href="https://eev.ee/blog/2015/12/19/you-should-make-a-doom-level-part-1/">guide</a>)</td><td>static</td><td>code (<a href="https://zdoom.org/wiki/ACS">ACS</a>)</td><td><a href="https://www.doomworld.com/">Doomworld</a></td></tr><tr><td>Half-Life 2</td><td><a href="https://ficool2.github.io/HammerPlusPlus-Website/">Hammer++</a> (<a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Source_SDK_2013">SDK 2013 SP</a> or <a href="https://github.com/mapbase-source/source-sdk-2013/wiki">Mapbase</a>)</td><td>static / <a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Standoffs">scripted</a></td><td>visual (<a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Inputs_and_Outputs">I/O</a>)</td><td><a href="https://www.runthinkshootlive.com/">RTSL</a>,  <a href="https://discord.gg/p2c6Mfa">MapLabs</a>, <a href="https://twhl.info/">TWHL</a></td></tr><tr><td>Counter-Strike 2</td><td>Hammer 2 (<a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Counter-Strike_2_Workshop_Tools">wiki</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZxsTvPeD1M">video</a>)</td><td>multiplayer</td><td>code (VScript2?),  visual (Pulse?)</td><td><a href="https://www.mapcore.org/">Mapcore</a>, <a href="https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=730">Steam</a></td></tr><tr><td>Portal 2</td><td><a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Portal_2_Puzzle_Maker">Puzzle Maker</a> (in-game)</td><td>--</td><td>visual</td><td><a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/620/workshop">Steam</a></td></tr><tr><td>Team Fortress 2</td><td><a href="https://ficool2.github.io/HammerPlusPlus-Website/">Hammer++ </a>(<a href="https://tf2maps.net/posts/299571/">guide</a>)</td><td>multiplayer</td><td>visual (<a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Inputs_and_Outputs">I/O</a>)</td><td><a href="https://tf2maps.net/">tf2maps</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
[Combat](https://book.leveldesignbook.com/process/combat) setup

* **Static:** pre-placed enemies, arcade style, "fire and forget"
* **Scripted**: pre-placed enemies with some control over AI behavior
* **Dynamic**: high level "director" manages enemies automatically
* **Multiplayer**: combat centers around other players
  {% endhint %}

![screenshot of TrenchBroom, a standalone brush-based 3D level editor for Quake-based game engines](https://1666186240-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LtVT8pJjInrrHVCovzy%2Fuploads%2FSoKAujeEc91kASKvTaXc%2FLDB_TrenchBroom.jpg?alt=media\&token=893aa7b1-506f-40c1-9d89-9fdfe4487a5d)

## Moddable games (all)

These moddable games are NOT part of our recommended list, for one or more reasons:

* player or modder community has died off
* OR too old, unsupported, broken, or painful
* OR seen as "illegitimate" by the industry (even if the industry is wrong)

But your enthusiasm matters most. **The best tool is whatever you will actually use to finish projects.**

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="159">Game</th><th width="182">Editor</th><th width="123">Combat</th><th width="127">Scripting</th><th>Community</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2007)</td><td>CoD Radiant</td><td>static</td><td>visual</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td>Call of Duty: Black Ops 3</td><td><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/CODZombies/comments/58nbvq/black_ops_3_mod_tools_super_guide/">Radiant (BO3 Mod Tools</a>)</td><td>dynamic (zombies)</td><td>code (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/CODZombies/comments/58nbvq/black_ops_3_mod_tools_super_guide/">GSC</a>)</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td>Crysis 2</td><td>Sandbox 2 <a href="https://download.cnet.com/Crysis-2-Mod-SDK-v1-0/3000-7441_4-75452927.html">Mod SDK v1.0</a></td><td>static</td><td>???</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.thedarkmod.com/">The Dark Mod</a></td><td><a href="https://www.darkradiant.net/">DarkRadiant</a> (<a href="http://wiki.thedarkmod.com/">wiki</a>)</td><td>static (stealth)</td><td>code (<a href="https://wiki.thedarkmod.com/index.php?title=Scripting_basics">DoomScript</a>)</td><td><a href="https://forums.thedarkmod.com/index.php?/forum/54-tdm-editors-guild/">TDM Forums</a></td></tr><tr><td>Divinity: Original Sin 2</td><td>Divinity Engine 2 (<a href="https://docs.larian.game/Larian_guides">guides</a>)</td><td>scripted (RPG)</td><td>code (<a href="https://docs.larian.game/Scripting">Osiris</a>, <a href="https://docs.larian.game/Osiris_Overview">guide</a>)</td><td><a href="https://forums.larian.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&#x26;Board=73&#x26;page=1">Larian Forums</a></td></tr><tr><td>Doom 3</td><td><a href="https://www.darkradiant.net/">DarkRadiant</a> (<a href="http://wiki.thedarkmod.com/">wiki</a>)</td><td>static</td><td>code (<a href="https://wiki.thedarkmod.com/index.php?title=Scripting_basics">DoomScript</a>)</td><td><a href="https://discord.gg/d52AHfFH">idtech4 Discord</a></td></tr><tr><td>DOOM (2016)</td><td><a href="https://snapwiki.doom.com/">SnapMap</a></td><td>static / dynamic <a href="https://snapwiki.doom.com/index.php?title=AI_Conductors">(Conductor)</a></td><td>visual (<a href="https://snapwiki.doom.com/index.php?title=Logic">Logic</a> entities)</td><td>in-game (<a href="https://snapwiki.doom.com/index.php?title=SnapHub">SnapHub</a>)</td></tr><tr><td>DOOM Eternal</td><td><a href="https://idstudio.idsoftware.com/">idStudio</a> (<a href="https://idstudio.idsoftware.com/category/getting-started">guide</a>)</td><td>static / dynamic (<a href="https://idstudio.idsoftware.com/gameplay/gameplay-framework/encounter-manager/create-an-encounter">Encounter Manager</a>)</td><td>visual (<a href="https://idstudio.idsoftware.com/gameplay/gameplay-framework/logic-designer/index">Logic Designer</a>)</td><td><a href="https://discord.gg/DOOM">official Discord</a></td></tr><tr><td>Fallout 4</td><td><a href="https://www.creationkit.com/">Creation Kit</a></td><td>static</td><td>code (Papyrus)</td><td><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/">NexusMods</a></td></tr><tr><td>Far Cry 5</td><td>in-game</td><td>static</td><td>visual</td><td>in-game</td></tr><tr><td>F.E.A.R</td><td>WorldEdit (<a href="https://gamebanana.com/tools/397">FEAR SDK 1.08</a>) (<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170520123009/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1284271#post15155531">guide</a>)</td><td>scripted</td><td>???</td><td><a href="https://discord.gg/9xYZyu4">Discord</a></td></tr><tr><td>Fortnite</td><td><a href="https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/creative">Creative Mode</a></td><td>multiplayer</td><td>visual (<a href="https://fortnite.gamepedia.com/Devices">Devices</a>)</td><td>in-game, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/FortniteCreative/">Reddit</a></td></tr><tr><td>Gears of War</td><td>UnrealEd 3</td><td>scripted</td><td>visual</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td>Half-Life 1</td><td><a href="https://twhl.info/wiki/page/Tools_and_Resources">Valve Hammer Editor</a> (<a href="https://twhl.info/wiki/page/Tutorial%3A_In_the_Beginning_Part_1">guide</a>)</td><td>static</td><td>visual (<a href="https://twhl.info/wiki/page/category%3AEntity_Guides%2BHalf-Life_Entity_Guide">entities</a>)</td><td><a href="https://twhl.info">TWHL</a></td></tr><tr><td>Halo Infinite</td><td>in-game "Forge" (<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-forge-fundamentals#scripting">guide</a>)</td><td>multiplayer</td><td>visual (nodes)</td><td>in-game</td></tr><tr><td>Left 4 Dead 2</td><td>Hammer <a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Authoring_Tools/SDK_(Left_4_Dead_2)">(L4D2 Tools)</a></td><td><a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/L4D2_Director_Scripts">dynamic</a> / multiplayer</td><td>visual (<a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Inputs_and_Outputs">I/O</a>) + code (<a href="https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/L4D2_Vscripts">VScript</a>)</td><td><a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/550/workshop/">Steam</a></td></tr><tr><td>Metro Exodus</td><td><a href="https://exodus-sdk.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ESDK/overview">Exodus SDK</a></td><td><a href="https://exodus-sdk.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ESDK/pages/1714597651/NPC+Combat">static</a></td><td>visual (<a href="https://exodus-sdk.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ESDK/pages/1714591047/VS+Editor">VS</a>)</td><td><a href="https://mod.io/g/exodussdk">mod.io</a></td></tr><tr><td>Minecraft</td><td>Creative Mode (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/qmndk/the_gigantic_guide_for_building/">guide</a>) / <a href="https://mcforge.readthedocs.io/en/1.15.x/gettingstarted/">Forge</a></td><td>static / dynamic</td><td>code (Java  Eclipse+Forge)</td><td><a href="https://www.planetminecraft.com/">Planet Minecraft</a>, <a href="https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/worlds">CurseForge</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.prodeusgame.com/">Prodeus</a></td><td>in-game (<a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/964800/discussions/0/2846795319618738927/">guide</a>)</td><td>static</td><td>???</td><td><a href="https://discord.gg/GY3gCQU">official Discord</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://blendogames.com/qc/">Quadrilateral Cowboy</a></td><td>DarkRadiant (<a href="https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=701335671">guide</a>)</td><td>none</td><td>code (DoomScript)</td><td><a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/240440/discussions/1">Steam forum</a></td></tr><tr><td>Quake 2</td><td><a href="https://kristianduske.com/trenchbroom/">TrenchBroom</a> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2bFcL32lUE">video</a>)</td><td>static</td><td>visual (entities)</td><td><a href="https://discord.gg/BhmHT2kyp2">Map-Center</a></td></tr><tr><td>Quake 3 Arena</td><td><a href="https://github.com/Garux/netradiant-custom">NetRadiant-c</a>, <a href="https://icculus.org/gtkradiant/">GtkRadiant</a></td><td>multiplayer</td><td>visual (entities)</td><td><a href="https://lvlworld.com/">LvL World</a></td></tr><tr><td>Quake 4</td><td><a href="https://www.iddevnet.com/quake4/LevelEditor.html">Q4Radiant</a></td><td>static</td><td>code (<a href="https://www.iddevnet.com/quake4/ScriptFile.html">.script</a>)</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td>Roblox</td><td><a href="https://www.roblox.com/create">Studio</a> (<a href="https://developer.roblox.com/en-us/learn-roblox/studio-basics">guide</a>)</td><td>all</td><td>code (Lua)</td><td><a href="http://discord.gg/roblox">official Discord</a>, <a href="https://scriptinghelpers.org/">RobloxHelpers</a></td></tr><tr><td>Shadowrun</td><td>Shadowrun Editor (<a href="https://shadowrun-series.fandom.com/wiki/Getting_Started">guide</a>)</td><td>scripted (RPG)</td><td>code (<a href="https://shadowrun-series.fandom.com/wiki/Gumbo_Script_101">Gumbo</a>)</td><td><a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/346940/workshop/">Steam</a></td></tr><tr><td>Skyrim</td><td><a href="https://www.creationkit.com/">Creation Kit</a></td><td>static</td><td>code (Papyrus)</td><td><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim">NexusMods</a></td></tr><tr><td>Stalker: Call of Pripyat</td><td>X-Ray Engine SDK</td><td>dynamic</td><td>???</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td>Thief 1 / Thief Gold / Thief 2</td><td><a href="https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141708">DromEd</a> (<a href="https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131800">guides</a>, <a href="https://dromed.whoopdedo.org/">wiki</a>)</td><td>static (stealth)</td><td>visual (<a href="https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131800#stimulus">Stim</a>) + code (<a href="https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131800#scripts">OSM</a>)</td><td><a href="https://www.ttlg.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=85">TTLG</a></td></tr><tr><td>Thief 3</td><td><a href="https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94005">T3ed</a> (<a href="http://www.shadowdarkkeep.com/files/komagtutt3.htm">guide</a>)</td><td>static (stealth)</td><td>visual (Actors,  Triggerscript)</td><td><a href="https://www.ttlg.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=138">TTLG</a></td></tr><tr><td>Unreal Tournament (1999) ("UT99")</td><td>UnrealED 2.1 / <a href="https://www.oldunreal.com/oldunrealpatches.html">227h</a> (<a href="https://www.oldunreal.com/wiki/index.php?title=Tutorials">guide</a>)</td><td>multiplayer</td><td>visual (Actors) + code (<a href="https://www.oldunreal.com/wiki/index.php?title=Chimeric">UScript</a>)</td><td><a href="https://www.oldunreal.com/">Oldunreal</a>, <a href="https://ut99.org">ut99.org</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.epicgames.com/unrealtournament/">Unreal Tournament 4</a> (dead)</td><td>Unreal Engine 4 (<a href="https://www.epicgames.com/unrealtournament/tutorials">guide</a>)</td><td>multiplayer</td><td>visual (<a href="https://docs.unrealengine.com/en-US/Engine/Blueprints/">Blueprint</a>)</td><td><a href="http://discord.gg/unrealtournament">Discord</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## 2D level editors

If your engine already has a built-in 2D level editor, probably use that. But if you're using a homemade engine or web-based framework, you'll need a standalone 2D level editor - probably **Tiled** or **LDtk**.

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="161.71575615126437">2D level editor</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em>built-in Godot</em></td><td><a href="https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/2d/using_tilemaps.html">TileMaps</a>; supports autotiles</td></tr><tr><td><em>built-in Unity</em></td><td><a href="https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/class-SpriteShapeRenderer.html">Sprite Shapes</a>, <a href="https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/class-Tilemap.html">Tilemaps</a>, <a href="https://docs.unity3d.com/Packages/com.unity.2d.tilemap.extras@latest/">Tilemap Extras</a></td></tr><tr><td><em>built-in Unreal</em></td><td><a href="https://docs.unrealengine.com/4.27/en-US/AnimatingObjects/Paper2D/TileMaps/">Paper2D tilemaps</a>? honestly, most wouldn't use Unreal for 2D</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://ldtk.io/"><strong>LDtk</strong></a></td><td>more modern standalone editor, streamlined, lots of features with growing engine compatibility</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.mapeditor.org/"><strong>Tiled</strong></a></td><td>oldest standalone editor, common with lots of features, but probably has less momentum these days</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://ogmo-editor-3.github.io/">Ogmo</a></td><td>not actively developed, but still simple and solid</td></tr></tbody></table>

![screenshot of Tiled, a free open source standalone 2D tile-based level editor](https://1666186240-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LtVT8pJjInrrHVCovzy%2Fuploads%2FHXtputBmBAyZyqfnMHJd%2FLDB_Tiled.png?alt=media\&token=614d0e29-835f-4fad-a6c0-fd1d7b891a1d)

## 3D art tools

**We don't recommend using 3D modeling tools to build levels.** But a lot of people do it anyway.&#x20;

We generally recommend **Blender,** free open source software that rivals commercial tools. Older devs often prefer Maya or Max because they already know it. But Blender is basically the future.

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="165.57142857142856">Tool</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.blender.org/"><strong>Blender</strong></a></td><td>free, open source, and popular; if in doubt, just use this! also try: <a href="https://github.com/EvilReFlex/ERF_LevelBuddyBlender">LevelBuddy</a>, <a href="https://github.com/leukbaars/DreamUV">DreamUV</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview">Maya</a></td><td>common in games and film, expensive but <a href="https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured">free for students</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/overview">3DS Max</a></td><td>common in games and architecture, expensive but <a href="https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured">free for students</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.maxon.net/">Cinema 4D</a></td><td>not often used in games but perfectly usable, <a href="https://www.maxon.net/en-us/training/educational-solutions/educational-solutions/students/">free for students</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.sketchup.com/">SketchUp</a></td><td>used by architects but no <a href="http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Topology">topo</a> / <a href="http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Texture_Coordinates">UV</a> tools, not recommended to use this beyond <a href="../process/blockout">blockout</a> phase</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 2D art tools

Good 2D art tools are vital for drawing level layouts and diagrams, and essential for making your own graphics and textures. Some of these tools even run online in your browser for free.

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="165.57142857142856">Tool</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop"><strong>Photoshop</strong></a></td><td>expensive photo-editor / painter</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator"><strong>Illustrator</strong></a></td><td>expensive, good for vector maps</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://substance3d.com"><strong>Substance</strong></a></td><td>expensive, popular powerful texture generator tool</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/"><strong>Affinity</strong></a></td><td>free Photoshop / Illustrator alternative</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.photopea.com">Photopea</a></td><td>free ad-supported Photoshop clone, in-browser (!)</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://krita.org/">Krita</a></td><td>free open source Photoshop alternative</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.getpaint.net/">Paint.NET</a></td><td>free open source Photoshop alternative</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.gimp.org/">GIMP</a></td><td>free old school Photoshop alt with bad name</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.aseprite.org/">Aesprite</a></td><td>cheap popular pixel art painting tool</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://inkscape.org/">Inkscape</a></td><td>free open source Illustrator alternative</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://boxy-svg.com/">Boxy SVG</a></td><td>free online Illustrator alternative, runs in browser</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.pureref.com/"><strong>PureRef</strong></a></td><td>free (PWYW) moodboard tool / reference image manager</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://allusion-app.github.io/"><strong>Allusion</strong></a></td><td>free open source moodboard manager with PureRef-like drag and drop</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Planning tools

Good note-taking and writing tools can help you write design documentation, plan a project, track work tasks, and collaborate with others.

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="180.57142857142856">Tool</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>a notebook</strong> (real-life, paper)</em></td><td><em>many designers keep personal notebooks; think of it as a portable always-on browser tab</em></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://miro.com/"><strong>Miro</strong></a></td><td>popular freemium service for collaborative whiteboarding / "mindmap" / planning </td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.notion.so/"><strong>Notion</strong></a></td><td>popular freemium service for notes, lists, wikis, documentation</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://trello.com/"><strong>Trello</strong></a></td><td>popular freemium service for "kanban" style project planning in games</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview">Scrivener</a></td><td>cheap ($50) writing tool popular among authors, rich outlining features</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://tiddlywiki.com/">TiddlyWiki</a></td><td>free open-source lightweight personal wiki that lives in a single .HTML file on your device</td></tr><tr><td><em>Google Docs</em></td><td><em>sometimes it's best to keep it simple</em></td></tr></tbody></table>

## To review\...

* for [learning 3D level design](#moddable-games-recommended) fundamentals, we recommend **modding Quake or Doom**
* for [making 2D levels](#2d-level-editors), we recommend **Tiled**
* for [general 3D art](#3d-art-tools), we recommend **Blender**
* for [general 2D art](#2d-art-tools), the world still uses **Photoshop**
* for [planning](#planning-tools), we recommend keeping **an IRL paper notebook** for personal sketches, notes, etc.
* but anyway, **you should use whatever you feel good about**, because making and finishing stuff is more important than social consensus
  * the ultimate level design tool is *"giving a shit"*