Honest Comparison
Hexer vs Hextml
Both are browser-based hex map editors. Hextml is free and open source. Hexer adds procedural generation, fog of war, Underdark layers, VTT export, and live sharing.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hexer | Hextml |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain types | 35 terrain (all free) + 18 features | ~30 |
| Terrain icons | Yes — 95+ built-in | Yes — stamps |
| Procedural generation | Yes — 3 templates | No |
| Fog of war | Yes (Pro) — per-hex states | Yes — basic |
| Underdark layers | Yes — 3 depths (Pro) | No |
| DM notes on hexes | Rich text with categories | Text labels + hidden notes |
| Live sharing | Real-time via link | Collaborative mode |
| Paths & roads | Free-form + styled | Hex overlays |
| Regions | Yes — named, colored | Via hex coloring |
| PNG export | Yes (1x–4x) | Yes |
| SVG export | Yes | No |
| Universal VTT export | Yes | No |
| Save format | JSON + cloud sync | HTML file |
| Hex key document | Yes — Markdown | No |
| Free tier | Yes — 1 map, 20×15 | Yes — fully free |
| Price | Free / €4.99/mo Pro | Free (Patreon optional) |
| Runs in browser | Yes | Yes |
When to Choose Each
Choose Hextml if…
You want a completely free hex editor with no usage limits. Hextml is lightweight, has collaborative editing, basic fog of war, and stamp icons. It's a solid choice for quick hex grids where you don't need procedural generation, Underdark layers, or VTT export.
Choose Hexer if…
You're running a hexcrawl campaign and need tools beyond basic terrain painting. Hexer's free tier already gives you more terrain types, procedural generation, all export formats, and live sharing. If you also need fog of war, Underdark layers, or Universal VTT export, those are in the Pro tier.
What Hexer adds over Hextml
Procedural generation — choose a template (island, continent, or caves) and generate an entire world with biome-aware terrain, rivers, and settlements. Then hand-edit to refine.
Fog of war — control what your players see hex by hex. Reveal terrain as they explore, with a party marker that automatically clears a vision radius. Share a live link — they see fog updates in real time.
Underdark layers — three subterranean depths beneath the surface, each with its own terrain, notes, and fog. Connected by staircases, portals, and cave entrances.
Universal VTT export — drop your hex map into Foundry VTT or Roll20 as a ready scene. Also export as SVG, high-res PNG, JSON, or a printable hex key document.
Rich DM notes — attach formatted text, categories, and discovery conditions to any hex. Mark notes as DM-only so players never see them in the shared view.
Try Hexer Free
No account needed. Open the editor, create a map, and export it. Upgrade to Pro when you need fog of war, Underdark, or unlimited maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hextml still maintained?
Yes — Hextml has been actively developed through 2024-2025 with new features like stamps, searchable notes, and auto-save. Both tools are actively maintained.
Can I import my Hextml maps into Hexer?
Not directly — the map formats are different. You can export a PNG from Hextml and use it as reference while rebuilding in Hexer. If you have many maps to migrate, contact us and we can look into building an import tool.
Is Hexer free like Hextml?
Hexer's free tier includes all 35 terrain types, 18 hex features, procedural generation, all export formats, paths, regions, DM notes, and live sharing — significantly more than Hextml. Pro adds 55+ premium features, Underdark terrain, fog of war, and Underdark layers for €4.99/month.