LDtk is a free, open-source 2D level editor for game developers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports Grid-vania, linear, and free-world layouts, with drag-and-drop reorganization. A visual editor lets users create rules for automatic tile skinning, while custom entities can hold typed properties such as hit points, patrol paths, or inventories. LDtk exports PNG images and JSON entity data, with optional Tiled TMX export. It also loads Aseprite files directly and can reload them when saved. The editor focuses on platformer and top-down perspectives and does not support isometric 3D. Backup features can restore unsaved changes after an application crash. Community importers and loaders are listed for engines including Unity, MonoGame, Godot, Playdate, GameMaker Studio, Löve 2D, and Bevy. LDtk has no stated usage limits, and content created with it can be used commercially. The site links to documentation and an official Discord community.
Who it is for
LDtk suits game developers making 2D platformer or top-down levels who want custom entities and tile-skinning rules. It is available across Linux, macOS, and Windows, with no stated usage limits and commercial use allowed.
What is good
- Free and open source with no stated usage limits.
- Supports Grid-vania, linear, and free-world layouts.
- Custom entities can store typed properties.
- Exports PNG and JSON, with optional Tiled TMX.
- Can restore unsaved changes after a crash.
What to know first
- Does not support isometric 3D.
- Focuses on platformer and top-down perspectives.
Verdict
LDtk offers level layout, automatic tile skinning, entity properties, and several export options in a free editor. Its stated perspective focus is platformer and top-down rather than isometric 3D.
LDtk plans and pricing
All plansCompared on game level editors
- Free plan
- Yes
- Level dimensions
- 2d
- Tilemap tools
- Yes
- Entity placement
- Yes
