Guide for Foundry VTT
Hex Maps in Foundry VTT
Create your hex map in Hexer, export as Universal VTT, and import it into Foundry as a ready-to-play scene. Grid alignment included.
Pick a format and click Export to see how it works.
Export Your Map
High-resolution image at 1x, 2x, or 4x — perfect for printing or sharing.
Step 1 — Create Your Hex Map
Open Hexer and build your map. Paint terrain with any of the 35 terrain types and 18 hex features — forests, mountains, settlements, dungeons, sacred sites. All terrain types are free.
Add paths and roads to connect settlements. Draw regions to define territories. Attach DM notes to hexes with encounter details, secrets, and landmarks.
Use procedural generation to create a realistic starting point, then hand-edit to match your campaign vision.
Step 2 — Export as Universal VTT
When your map is ready, open the export dialog and select Universal VTT (.dd2vtt). This format packages your map image together with hex grid metadata — cell size, offset, and grid type — into a single file.
Choose your resolution:
- 1x — smallest file, good for large maps or slow connections
- 2x — recommended for most Foundry sessions
- 4x — maximum detail, larger file size
Click Export and save the .dd2vtt file to your computer.
Step 3 — Import into Foundry VTT
In Foundry VTT, create a new scene and use the Universal VTT importer (built into Foundry or available via the "Universal Battlemap Importer" module). Select your .dd2vtt file.
Foundry reads the grid metadata from the file and sets up:
- The map image as the scene background
- Hex grid type and dimensions
- Grid size and offset alignment
In most cases, the grid aligns automatically. Double-check in Scene Configuration > Grid if anything looks off.
Step 4 — Verify Grid Alignment
After import, enable grid visibility in Foundry and zoom into your map. The Foundry hex grid should overlay precisely on Hexer's hex cells. If it doesn't:
- Open Scene Configuration > Grid
- Set grid type to Hexagonal Rows — Odd (pointy-top, matching Hexer's format)
- Adjust grid size in pixels if needed — it should match your export resolution
- Use the grid offset controls to fine-tune alignment
At 2x export, each hex cell is large enough for tokens and movement measurement to work cleanly.
Step 5 — Multi-Layer Underdark Scenes
If your Hexer map uses Underdark layers (Pro feature), export each layer separately as its own Universal VTT file. In Foundry, create a separate scene for each layer.
To link layers together so players can move between them:
- Multilevel Tokens module — teleport tokens between scenes at staircase hexes
- Stairway module — create visual portal connections between scenes
- DF Scene Navigator — quick scene switching for the DM
Place the connection points in Foundry at the same hex coordinates where Hexer has staircase or cave entrance features. This keeps the transition intuitive for players.
Tips for the Best Results
Resolution vs performance
2x export is the sweet spot for most Foundry sessions. 4x looks sharper but can slow down loading for large maps. For maps wider than 40 hexes, consider 1x to keep file sizes manageable.
Fog of war considerations
Hexer's fog of war is per-hex and real-time during live sharing. Foundry has its own fog system that works per-token line of sight. You can use either approach — Hexer's fog for pre-session prep and narrative reveal, Foundry's fog for tactical in-scene visibility.
Also export a hex key
Export your map as a Hex Key document (Markdown) alongside the VTT file. This gives you a structured reference of every hex's terrain and notes — useful for running the session without switching between Foundry and your notes app.
Start Building Your Foundry Map
Create a hex map, export as Universal VTT, and import into Foundry in minutes. Free to start, no account required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Universal VTT format?
Universal VTT (DD2VTT) is an open scene format that packages your map image with grid alignment data into a single .dd2vtt file. Foundry VTT, Roll20, Arkenforge, and other virtual tabletops can import it directly as a ready-to-play scene — no manual grid alignment needed.
Does Foundry auto-detect the hex grid from Hexer's export?
Yes. The Universal VTT file includes grid metadata — cell size, offset, and grid type. When you import it into Foundry, the hex grid aligns automatically. You may want to double-check the alignment in Foundry's scene settings, but in most cases it works out of the box.
Can I export Underdark layers separately for Foundry?
Yes. Each layer (surface, Upperdark, Middledark, Lowerdark) exports as its own Universal VTT file. In Foundry, create a separate scene for each layer and use a module like Multilevel Tokens or stairway teleporters to link them. Players can move between layers via staircases or cave entrances.
What resolution should I export at?
For Foundry, 2x resolution is a good balance between visual quality and file size. 1x works for smaller maps or slower connections. 4x is available if you need maximum detail, but the file will be larger. Hexer's export dialog lets you choose before downloading.