Tiled

Overview

Tiled is a desktop 2D level editor centered on tile maps, with additional support for free image placement and annotations. It suits game makers who need flexible map geometry and a choice of tile and object editing tools; its open, modifiable software license is a strong fit for projects that value control over their tools.

Map layers can use rectangular, isometric, staggered isometric, staggered hexagonal, or oblique projections. That range makes Tiled relevant beyond conventional grid-based layouts, while support for multiple tilesets in one map helps organize projects drawing on varied tile art. TMX is its map format, and libraries and game frameworks can read or render TMX and JSON maps, giving developers routes to use map data outside the editor.

Tiled is free software that users may use, modify, and redistribute under the same terms. The maker credits Thorbjørn Lindeijer and other contributors.

Key features

Tile and terrain editing

Tile-layer tools include a stamp brush, line and circle drawing, selection, automatic terrain transitions, and pattern matching. This combination supports both deliberate placement and quicker connected or repeated edits. Tile animation and a collision editor add tools for game content, though the manual says much of its documentation still needs to be written; teams that depend on extensive written guidance may need to account for that gap.

Objects and map structure

Object layers support rectangles, points, ellipses, polygons, polylines, and tile objects, which can be scaled or rotated. That breadth lets designers represent varied map elements without restricting everything to tile placement. Tiled also supports free image placement and annotations.

Extensibility and integrations

Plugins can add custom map or tileset formats, and JavaScript can extend the editor. Documentation points to libraries and game frameworks that work with TMX or JSON maps. These options make Tiled adaptable to different development setups, but the particular workflow depends on the plugin, library, or framework chosen.

Pricing

Tiled Map Editor costs nothing. The plan is labeled “Name your own price · voluntary payment,” so users can pay voluntarily rather than face a required subscription. There is no free trial because the editor is free to use. The maker also describes it as free software that users may modify and redistribute under the same terms.

Development supporters receive regular updates, a special Discord role, and priority support. This is relevant to users who want to contribute and receive those benefits; the core editor remains free.

Platforms

Tiled is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its 64-bit downloads require at least Windows 10, macOS 13, or Ubuntu 22.04 or an equivalent Linux distribution. Check those minimums before adopting it on older systems.

Who it's for

Tiled is a good fit for 2D game developers who need tile and terrain tools alongside flexible object layers, multiple map projections, or an extensible editor. Its free-software license also suits users who want the option to modify and redistribute their map editor. It is a less comfortable choice for teams that need complete documentation before building a workflow around the tool.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Multiple projections, object shapes, and free image placement support more than standard grid-based tile layouts.
• Pros: Terrain transitions, pattern matching, animation, and collision editing cover several common map-authoring tasks in one editor.
• Pros: Plugins, JavaScript extensions, and TMX/JSON ecosystem support give developers ways to adapt the editor and use map data beyond it.
• Pros: The editor is free, and its license permits use, modification, and redistribution under the same terms.
• Cons: Much of the manual still needs writing, which can make self-guided setup and learning harder for documentation-dependent teams.
• Cons: The 64-bit builds have specific minimum operating-system requirements, excluding older systems.

Alternatives

GridCraft is worth considering for users who prefer a web editor: its free Web editor includes all 19 tools and every export format, with no account needed.

LDtk is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, particularly for users who want its source code available.

2D Tiler is a free web-based alternative for users who want a browser-based tool and a plan described as free forever with no recurring subscriptions or arbitrary limits.

DarkRadiant may suit users seeking an open-source level editor, provided they already have the required game resources, which the editor does not install.

Sprite Fusion offers a free Web Edition for personal and commercial use with unlimited projects, making it a fit for users who prefer a web-based workflow.

Hammer++ is a free Windows modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for the Source engine, so it is the focused alternative for that engine and platform.

Mega Man Maker is a free fan-made non-profit game for creating and sharing levels and playing user-created levels, rather than a general-purpose map editor.

GtkRadiant is another free level-editor option for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Browse more options in Game Level Editors.

Verdict

Choose Tiled if you want a free, extensible 2D map editor with varied projections, detailed object layers, and tools for terrain, animation, and collision. Its breadth and permissive use make it an appealing foundation for many game projects; look elsewhere if your team needs a fully written manual or cannot meet its desktop system requirements.