Honest Comparison
Hexer vs Worldographer
Worldographer is a powerful desktop hex mapper. Hexer is a free, browser-based alternative with live sharing, Underdark layers, and VTT export. Different tools, different strengths.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hexer | Worldographer |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Browser (any device) | Desktop (Java app) |
| Price | Free / €4.99/mo Pro | $60 one-time (2025 edition) |
| Free tier | Yes — full editor, 1 map | Limited free version |
| Terrain types | 35 terrain (all free) + 18 features | 100+ |
| Custom terrain icons | Yes — 95+ built-in | Yes — extensive icon library |
| Procedural generation | Yes — 3 templates | Yes — advanced |
| Fog of war | Yes (Pro) — live link | Yes — via screen share |
| Underdark layers | Yes — 3 depths (Pro) | No |
| DM notes on hexes | Rich text with categories | Yes — text notes |
| Live sharing | Yes — real-time link | No |
| Paths & roads | Yes | Yes |
| Regions | Named, colored regions | Yes — political regions |
| PNG export | Yes (1x–4x) | Yes |
| SVG export | Yes | No (PNG/PDF only) |
| Universal VTT export | Yes | No |
| Map scales | Hex only | Hex, square, iso |
| World/continent/kingdom | One scale | Multi-scale linking |
| Runs offline | No (browser-based) | Yes (desktop) |
| No install needed | Yes | No — requires Java |
When to Choose Each
Choose Worldographer if…
You need multi-scale mapping (world, continent, kingdom with linked zoom levels), work offline frequently, or prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription. Worldographer is a mature, feature-rich desktop tool with decades of development behind it.
Choose Hexer if…
You want to open a browser and start mapping immediately — no install, no Java, no file management. Hexer's free tier gives you all 35 terrain types, 18 hex features, and all export formats. If you run hexcrawls with players, the live sharing + fog of war combination is something no desktop tool can match. And the Underdark layer system is unique to Hexer.
The browser advantage
Worldographer requires a Java installation and runs as a desktop application. That's fine for solo prep, but it means your maps live on one machine, and sharing means exporting files.
Hexer runs in any modern browser. Create a map on your laptop, continue on your tablet, share a live link with your players during the session. Cloud-saved maps (with a free account) are accessible anywhere. No installs, no file management, no compatibility issues.
For virtual tabletop users, Hexer's Universal VTT export drops your hex map directly into Foundry VTT or Roll20 as a scene — something Worldographer can't do natively.
Try Hexer Free
No download, no account, no credit card. Open the editor and start building your hex world right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hexer a replacement for Worldographer?
Not exactly. Worldographer is a more mature desktop application with multi-scale mapping (world, continent, kingdom). Hexer is a browser-based hex editor focused on campaign-level maps with features Worldographer lacks: live sharing, Underdark layers, and Universal VTT export. They serve different workflows.
Can I import Worldographer maps into Hexer?
Not directly. Worldographer uses a proprietary format. You can export a PNG from Worldographer and use it as reference while building in Hexer. The procedural generator can also give you a comparable starting point quickly.
Is there a free version of Worldographer?
Worldographer has a limited free version with fewer terrain types and features. The full 2025 edition is a one-time $60 purchase. Hexer's free tier includes all 35 terrain types, 18 hex features, all export formats, procedural generation, and live sharing.
Which is better for Foundry VTT?
Hexer exports directly to Universal VTT format, which Foundry can import as a scene. Worldographer can export images but doesn't produce VTT scene files. For Foundry integration, Hexer has the edge.