MAKE AN INVISIBLE HAND DUNGEON!
Step 1: Hold and drag with your mouse or your finger to sketch your object. The object must be a closed shape for the program to work correctly.
Step 2: Release the mouse button (or stop touching the screen) to finish the sketch.
Step 3: Click or tap one of the colored element buttons, then click or tap a grey dot inside your object to place that element. Repeat this as many times as you'd like using any elements of your choice.
Step 4: Hit the GENERATE button to create the final map.
Step 5: Review the world details section below the map.
SETUP TIPS
SETUP TIPS
There are a couple approaches to drawing things.The first one, which I call Outlining, involves drawing the general shape of the object in black, then filling in the elemental composition of the item with the dots. This leads to the elemental colors taking up more of the object, and produces less pathways, which is better suited to (a) bigger objects, and (b) worlds that have more "wilderness" that the players will be exploring.
Outlining sketching process
Outlining 2D map result
Outlining 3D vista map result
The second approach, which I call Pointalism, involves drawing a box around the entire canvas, then drawing the shape of the object using only the colored element dots. This leads to more pathways, and is better suited to (a) smaller objects, or objects with a lot of detail that are hard to draw in one fluid motion, and (b) worlds where you want more control over player movement and the "visual narrative" of the dungeon.
Pointalism sketching process
Pointalism 2D map result
Pointalism 3D vista map result
GENERAL TIPS
⭐ Don't worry about making the drawing pretty because players will only see the Vista Map.
⭐ A mix of 3-4 colors, one of which is a lighter one (say Flesh, or Bone) seems to work best.
⭐ Interpret the map very loosely. Zoom in and look for details that suggest things, then use those as inspiration when describing what players see.
⭐ Interpret symbols on the map as you see fit (for example, you might interpret "👩 : Locked chest" as a chest with a child locked inside of it).