MapTool

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What MapTool is

MapTool is a virtual tabletop for creating detailed maps and running games online in place of pen, paper, battle mats, and dice. Its integrated server connects players over the internet. The tool works across game systems, with support for maps, square or hex grids, tokens, and images. Dynamic lighting, vision, fog of war, and topology tools let game masters control what players can see. MapTool also has a scripting language and macros for automating game activities. Those macros can call REST services, including a documented example using Syrinscape’s REST API to play sounds for connected players. MapTool is an installed application for Linux, macOS, and Windows, not a browser tool; it does not rely on a remote server, and storage depends on available disk space. It is free and open source, with forums, Discord, tutorials, and a wiki for help. Automating calculations and complex rolls requires campaign properties and code macros.

Who it suits

MapTool suits game masters and players who want a system-agnostic online tabletop with detailed map visibility controls. It also fits groups that want local software and can use code macros for complex calculations or rolls.

What it does well

Free and open source.
Integrated server connects players over the internet.
Supports dynamic lighting, vision, and fog of war.
Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What to know first

Not browser-based.
Complex rolls require campaign properties and code macros.
No mobile apps.

Limits

The listed plan is free. Automating calculations and complex rolls requires campaign properties and code macros; storage depends on available disk space.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
MapTool	Free and open source · installable app for Windows, macOS, and Linux	Free

As rptools.net lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the MapTool page on the RPTools website.
Choose a stable or development build.
Install the build for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Start MapTool and use its integrated server to connect players over the internet.
Consult the forums, Discord, tutorials, or wiki for questions and documentation.

Verdict

MapTool brings maps, online play, and visibility controls together in a free, system-agnostic desktop tabletop. Its local, non-browser setup and code requirements for complex rolls are worth considering before choosing it.

Questions

How much does MapTool cost?

The MapTool plan is listed as free.

Is MapTool open source?

Yes. RPTools describes the project as open source and community contributed.

Which platforms does MapTool support?

It is available as an installed app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The maker’s FAQ says version 1.5 and later supports 64-bit operating systems and includes Java in builds for those platforms.

Can players connect online?

Yes. MapTool has an integrated server that connects players over the internet.

Does MapTool have a mobile app or browser version?

MapTool is not browser based, and the listed mobile apps field is no.

What support and documentation are available?

RPTools points users to its forums, Discord, tutorials, and wiki.

Facts from MapTool's own pages

Compatibility: The FAQ says MapTool 1.5 and later supports 64-bit operating systems and includes the Java JVM in builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Customization: MapTool includes its own scripting language and macros that can automate game activities. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Game systems: MapTool is game system agnostic and can accommodate maps, square or hex grids, tokens, and images. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Integrations: MapTool macros can call REST services, and the maker documents using Syrinscape’s REST API to play sounds for connected players. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Local app: MapTool is not browser-based and does not depend on a remote server; storage is limited by available disk space. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Maker: RPTools began as an umbrella project to house MapTool and describes the project as open source and community contributed. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Map features: It supports dynamic lighting, vision, fog of war, and topology tools that can limit what players see. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Notable limitation: Automating calculations and complex rolls requires campaign properties and code macros. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Online play: Its integrated server connects players over the internet. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Product: MapTool is a virtual tabletop for creating detailed maps and replacing pen, paper, battle mats, and dice. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Release status: The MapTool page lists version 1.18.6, released October 30, 2025, and says stable and development builds are available. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Security note: The maker says installers may prompt users to allow network access and that macOS may require users to allow the app to open because it is not recognized as from an identified developer. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026
Support: The maker points users to its forums, Discord, tutorials, and wiki for questions and documentation. · rptools.net, 8 Oct 2026

Where MapTool stands on Freedom251

Virtual Tabletop Software#10 of 28