LDtk
LDtk is a free, open-source 2D level editor for game developers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What LDtk is
LDtk is a free, open-source 2D level editor for game developers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports level layouts in Grid-vania, linear, or free-world forms, with drag-and-drop reorganization. Its visual auto-layering editor applies rules for tile skinning, and custom entities can store typed properties such as hit points, patrol paths, or inventories. LDtk exports PNG images and JSON entity data, with optional Tiled TMX export. It can load Aseprite files directly and reload them when saved. The editor is aimed at platformer and top-down perspectives, not isometric 3D. Backup features can restore unsaved work after an application crash. Community importers and loaders are listed for engines such as Unity, MonoGame, Godot, Playdate, GameMaker Studio, Löve 2D, and Bevy. There are no usage limits, and content made with LDtk can be used commercially. The site links to documentation and an official Discord community.
Good
- Free and open source with no usage limits
- Supports drag-and-drop level reorganization
- Defines custom entities with typed properties
- Exports PNG, JSON, and optional TMX
- Loads and live-reloads Aseprite files
Watch out
- Does not support isometric 3D
- Focused on platformer and top-down perspectives
Who it suits
LDtk suits game developers building 2D platformer or top-down levels who need tilemap tools, entity placement, and export options. It may also fit developers who want to use their created content commercially without usage limits.
Verdict
LDtk offers level layout, tile rules, entity properties, and several export paths for 2D game development. Its stated perspective support is limited to platformer and top-down design.
Plans and prices
From LDtk's own pricing page, checked 15 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | all editor features · no usage limitation · commercial use allowed |
| LDtk | Free | No usage limitations stated · Commercial use allowed · Pay-what-you-want, including free |
| Pay what you want | — | optional contribution through itch.io |
The facts
Each one read from LDtk's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Aseprite
- LDtk loads Aseprite files directly and supports live reloading when they are saved.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Aseprite integration
- LDtk loads Aseprite files directly and refreshes changes when the source artwork is saved.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Auto-layering
- A visual editor lets users define rules for automatic tile skinning.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Auto-layers
- Auto-layers can draw textures and details automatically from collision or other rule inputs.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Auto-rendering
- Visual rules can automatically generate tiles and decorative details from level data.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Backup behavior
- LDtk includes backups and can restore unsaved changes after a crash.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Backups
- LDtk offers backups and can restore unsaved changes after an application crash.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Custom entities
- Users can create entities with typed custom properties such as hit points, patrol paths, or inventories.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation and support
- Official documentation covers the interface and in-game implementation, with JSON resources, bug reporting, and an official Discord community.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- An independent technical review says the online documentation is comparatively lacking, although built-in tool documentation is strong.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Engine integrations
- The official importer directory lists integrations for Unity, MonoGame, Godot, Playdate, GameMaker Studio, LÖVE, and Bevy.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Entities
- Users can define custom game entities with typed properties such as hit points, patrol paths, or inventories.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Enums
- Projects can define enums for entity fields, and enums can be synchronized from Haxe source files.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Export
- LDtk exports PNGs and JSON entity data, and offers optional Tiled TMX export.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Haxe orientation
- An independent review notes that the codebase and companion API are written in Haxe, making Haxe developers the natural audience even though other languages can parse the JSON.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists community importers and loaders for engines including Unity, MonoGame, Godot, Playdate, GameMaker Studio, Löve 2D, and Bevy.checked 2 Oct 2026
- JSON format
- LDtk stores project data in JSON and publishes schemas and QuickType files for version 1.5.3.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Language loaders
- Community loaders or APIs are listed for Haxe, C, C++, C#, JavaScript/TypeScript, Haskell, Go, Python, Rust, and Kotlin.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Layer types
- The editor supports integer-grid, tile, and entity layers.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Legal entity
- Pappers identifies Deepnight Games as an EURL registered in Bordeaux, with €2,500 share capital and electronic-game publishing as its principal activity.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Level design
- Users can arrange levels in Grid-vania, linear, or free world layouts and reorganize them by drag and drop.checked 2 Oct 2026
- License
- The source repository identifies the project as MIT licensed.checked 15 Oct 2026
The company
- Company registration
- AFJV lists Deepnight Games as a one-person French studio founded in 2020 with Bordeaux headquarters and one employee.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2020checked 28 Sep 2026
Alternatives to LDtk
- 1
Avidemux
Free planOpen sourceWebLinuxmacOSWindows7.3Free plan - 2
Dune II - The Maker Map Editor
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.2Free plan - 3
GtkRadiant
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.2Free plan - 4
GridCraft
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.0From $3.99 a month - 5
Sprite Fusion
Free planWebLinuxmacOSWindows6.9$14.99 one-time - 6
Hammer++
Free planLinuxWindows6.6Free plan