GridCraft

Overview

GridCraft is a tile map editor for game developers, with a browser editor and a separate desktop app. It is best suited to teams or solo developers who want flexible tile sizing, Tiled file compatibility, and several export routes; the main trade-off is that cloud capacity and collaboration scale are capped on the free account.

Key features

Map editing and project handoff

GridCraft lets developers paint differently sized tiles from one atlas onto the same map, a useful option when a level’s visual pieces do not fit a uniform tile size. Brush, terrain, flood fill, shape, selection, stamp, and object tools cover both tile placement and broader map work, including terrain and entity placement.

Built-in export targets include Godot 4, GameMaker, Defold, LDtk, LOVE2D, Lua, and CSV. That range gives developers several ways to carry map data into a project without limiting the editor to one engine. GridCraft also opens and saves Tiled .tmx and .tmj maps, which remain readable in Tiled; that makes it easier to try GridCraft while retaining compatibility with an existing Tiled workflow.

Collaboration and desktop tools

Live collaboration shows teammates’ cursors, selections, and edits, with changes synchronized using CRDTs. The feature is practical for shared map work, though the free account limits collaboration to three people per map; larger groups need a paid cloud plan.

The desktop app supports GitHub and GitLab for committing, pushing, and pulling map files. It can also expose an 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, but it does not yet edit infinite chunked maps. That makes it a bounded desktop workflow rather than a general-purpose remote editing interface.

GridCraft documents a JSON-over-HTTPS API, with authenticated endpoints using JWT bearer tokens that expire after 24 hours. The product is in early access, and its site says updates ship most weeks. Support is directed through Discord.

Pricing

The Web editor costs nothing, billed $0 forever. It provides all 19 tools and every export format, with no account needed. For someone working locally in a browser and not needing cloud maps, this is a substantial starting point; its trade-off is the absence of the paid cloud quotas and synced-device allowance.

Cloud costs $3.99 a month, billed $3.99/month. It raises capacity to 10 cloud maps and 1 GB storage, allows five people per map, syncs all devices, and permits uploads up to 50 MB per file. It fits small projects that need shared access or synchronization, but the per-file ceiling and five-person collaboration cap remain relevant.

Team costs $13.99 a month, billed $13.99/month. It includes 50 cloud maps, 5 GB storage, up to 10 people per map, synced devices, and 100 MB uploads per file. This is the more appropriate cloud plan for larger collaborative projects or heavier storage needs; teams that exceed those stated limits should not assume the plan removes them.

The Desktop app costs $19.99, paid once, billed $19.99 once. It supports Mac, Windows, and Linux, offline use, local file access, Git, the MCP server, and LAN hosting. It suits developers who specifically need desktop and offline workflows, while cloud quotas and account limits are separate considerations.

Platforms

GridCraft is available on the web and as a desktop app for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its API is also documented. The browser editor’s no-account free access makes it the simplest way to work without committing to a cloud plan; the desktop app is the choice for offline use, local files, Git integrations, MCP, or LAN hosting.

Who it's for

GridCraft is a strong fit for game developers who use mixed-size tiles, want to export maps to one of its supported engines or formats, or need to preserve Tiled file compatibility. Small teams can use live collaboration, and desktop users gain Git integrations and an MCP option. It is less compelling for projects whose cloud storage, upload sizes, or collaboration needs exceed the plan caps, or whose workflow depends on editing infinite chunked maps through MCP.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Variable-size tiles from one atlas support maps that do not fit a uniform grid.
• Pros: Tiled .tmx and .tmj files can be opened and saved while remaining readable in Tiled.
• Pros: Exporters cover multiple engines and formats, including Godot 4, GameMaker, Defold, Lua, and CSV.
• Pros: The free web editor includes all 19 tools and export formats without an account.
• Cons: Free cloud accounts are limited to three maps, 25 MB total storage, one bound desktop device, and three collaborators per map.
• Cons: Paid cloud plans still impose per-map collaboration, storage, and upload ceilings.
• Cons: MCP does not yet support editing infinite chunked maps.
• Cons: GridCraft is in early access, so users should expect an evolving product.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Game Level Editors. Choose SonLVL if its free availability and Linux, macOS, or Windows support better fit your needs. Sprite Fusion is another freemium option, with a free web edition for personal and commercial use and unlimited projects. Choose Tiled for a free editor on Linux, macOS, or Windows with a voluntary pay-what-you-want model. LDtk is a free, open-source alternative for Linux, macOS, and Windows. J.A.C.K. offers a free plan and a Steam version for $14.99, paid once, including beta updates. 2D Tiler is a free web option with no recurring subscriptions or arbitrary limits. Hammer++ is a free Windows modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for the Source engine. Phaser is a free, open-source framework for web development with WebGL and Canvas rendering and JavaScript or TypeScript.

Verdict

GridCraft is the right choice for developers who value variable-size tile painting, Tiled compatibility, and multiple export targets, especially if the free browser editor covers their needs or the desktop tools justify a one-time purchase. Look elsewhere if your project outgrows the cloud quotas, relies on MCP editing of infinite chunked maps, or needs a workflow outside its supported exporters.