Overview

GridCraft is a 2D tile-map editor for game developers who need flexible map construction and several routes into an engine or file format. It is most compelling for teams sharing maps or developers who want differently sized tiles in one atlas; solo users with modest storage needs can start in the browser for free.

Its strengths are the mix of editing tools, Tiled compatibility, and export options. The trade-offs are a constrained free cloud tier and early-access status, so teams with larger projects should weigh the paid quotas and evolving product carefully.

Key features

Map editing and interoperability

GridCraft lets users paint tiles of different sizes from one atlas on the same map, a useful fit when a project’s visual pieces do not all conform to one tile size. Brush, terrain, flood-fill, shape, selection, stamp, and object tools cover common map-building tasks, including terrain work and entity placement.

Built-in export targets include Godot 4, GameMaker, Defold, LDtk, LOVE2D, Lua, and CSV. That breadth makes GridCraft a flexible handoff point for projects using those targets, though the value depends on whether its exporters match a project’s own workflow. It also opens and saves Tiled .tmx and .tmj maps, so teams can continue reading those files in Tiled rather than treating a switch as a one-way move.

Collaboration and desktop workflow

Live collaboration shows teammates’ cursors, selections, and edits, synchronized with CRDTs. That gives small teams a shared editing workflow rather than merely a file-sharing arrangement; the number of collaborators per map depends on the plan.

The desktop app supports GitHub and GitLab for committing, pushing, and pulling map files. It can also expose the open map to MCP clients, allowing an AI agent to read and edit it. The MCP server is off by default and binds to the local machine, a sensible boundary for a local integration; it does not yet edit infinite chunked maps, which matters for projects using that map structure.

API and product maturity

The documented API uses JSON over HTTPS, and authenticated endpoints use JWT bearer tokens that expire after 24 hours. That is relevant to developers building integrations, who will need to account for token renewal. GridCraft is in early access and ships updates most weeks; that pace may suit users comfortable with an evolving editor, but teams requiring a settled tool may prefer to wait.

Pricing

The Web editor costs 0.00 USD per free, billed $0 forever. It includes all 19 tools and every export format, and does not require an account. That is a strong way to evaluate the editing and export workflow, but cloud features and collaboration are constrained on free accounts.

Free accounts include 3 cloud maps, 25 MB total storage, 1 bound desktop device, and collaboration for up to 3 people per map. Those limits are likely to pinch once a project grows or a team needs shared access across more people or devices.

Cloud costs 3.99 USD per month, billed $3.99/month. It raises the allowance to 10 cloud maps and 1 GB of storage, supports 5 people per map, syncs all devices, and allows uploads up to 50 MB per file. This suits an individual or small team that has outgrown the free storage cap. Team costs 13.99 USD per month, billed $13.99/month, and provides 50 cloud maps, 5 GB of storage, 10 people per map, all-device sync, and a 100 MB per-file upload limit. It is the more appropriate tier for larger map collections or collaboration groups, though its higher quotas are the main distinction stated.

The Desktop app costs 19.99 USD per once, billed $19.99 once. It covers Mac, Windows, and Linux, with offline use, local file access, Git, the MCP server, and LAN hosting. For users who need desktop integrations or offline work, this is a one-time purchase rather than a monthly cloud plan; the cloud map, storage, and collaboration allowances are separate plan terms.

Platforms

GridCraft is available on the web and as a desktop app for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its platform coverage suits teams mixing operating systems, while the web editor offers a no-account entry point. An API is also documented for developers connecting software over HTTPS.

Who it's for

GridCraft is a good match for 2D game developers who need terrain and object placement, use varied tile sizes, or want to export maps to one of its supported targets. Small teams can benefit from visible live edits, and developers already using Tiled can work with .tmx and .tmj files without giving up Tiled readability.

It is less suitable for projects that exceed the free cloud caps but cannot justify a paid plan, or for teams that depend on editing infinite chunked maps through the MCP integration. Users who need a mature, settled product should also factor in its early-access status.

Pros and cons

Pros: Differently sized tiles from one atlas can share a map, avoiding a uniform-tile constraint.
Pros: The free web editor includes all 19 tools and every export format without requiring an account.
Pros: Tiled .tmx and .tmj support preserves a path to continue using those maps in Tiled.
Pros: Live collaboration, desktop GitHub and GitLab support, and multiple export targets address both team and solo workflows.
Cons: Free cloud accounts are limited to 3 maps, 25 MB, one bound desktop device, and three collaborators per map.
Cons: The MCP integration cannot edit infinite chunked maps, limiting its usefulness for projects built around them.
Cons: Early access and frequent updates may be a drawback for teams seeking a settled tool.

Alternatives

Tiled is the natural alternative for users who want a free, name-your-own-price editor on Linux, macOS, or Windows; GridCraft’s ability to open and save Tiled formats also makes it possible to keep both tools in a workflow.

Choose LDtk if a free, open-source editor is the priority, particularly when a desktop tool is preferred. Sprite Fusion is another freemium option for users who want to consider a web edition alongside Linux, macOS, and Windows support.

2D Tiler is a free web alternative with no recurring subscription or stated arbitrary limits. Remere's Map Editor is a free, GPLv2 option for users seeking an open-source project on Linux, macOS, or Windows. Hammer++ is a free Windows modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for Source Engine work, while DarkRadiant is a free open-source level editor for users who have the required game resources. Mega Man Maker is a free fan-made project for creating, sharing, and playing levels.

For a broader comparison, see Game Level Editors.

Verdict

GridCraft is best for 2D game developers who need variable-size tile painting, useful export choices, and live collaboration in one editor. Its free web tier makes the core workflow approachable, while the desktop app adds offline work and developer integrations. Look elsewhere if your project depends on infinite chunked maps through MCP, needs more cloud capacity without a paid plan, or cannot take on an early-access tool.

	Doom Builder 64 Enhanced	GridCraft
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	$3.99/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Windows	api, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Level dimensions	2d_and_3d	2d
Entity placement	Yes	Yes
Tilemap tools	—	Yes
Terrain tools	—	Yes

Doom Builder 64 Enhanced vs GridCraft

Doom Builder 64 Enhanced

GridCraft