LDtk
What it is
LDtk is a free, open-source 2D level editor for game developers, available on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports Grid-vania, linear, and free-world level layouts, which users can reorganize by dragging and dropping. A visual editor lets them set rules for automatic tile skinning, and custom game entities can include typed properties such as hit points, patrol paths, or inventories. LDtk exports PNGs and JSON entity data, with optional Tiled TMX export. It also opens Aseprite files directly and can reload them when saved. The editor is focused on platformer and top-down perspectives; it does not support isometric 3D. Backups can restore unsaved changes after a crash. The maker lists community importers and loaders for engines including Unity, MonoGame, Godot, Playdate, GameMaker Studio, Löve 2D, and Bevy. Use is free without stated limits, and projects made with LDtk may be used commercially. The site links to documentation and an official Discord community.
For and against
For
- Free use without stated limits
- Commercial use of created content allowed
- Exports PNGs and JSON entity data
- Can reload saved Aseprite files
- Backups can restore changes after crashes
Against
- Does not support isometric 3D
- Focused on platformer and top-down perspectives
The verdict
LDtk combines level layout, automatic tile skinning, and typed entity properties in a free editor. Its perspective focus is a key consideration for projects that need another view type.
Who it suits
LDtk suits game developers who need to design 2D platformer or top-down levels and define entities. It is also relevant to developers using engines with community importers or loaders listed by the maker.
Plans and prices
Free
all editor features · no usage limitation · commercial use allowed
Read 15 Oct 2026 · ldtk.io
LDtk
No usage limitations stated · Commercial use allowed
Read 2 Oct 2026 · ldtk.io
Pay what you want
optional contribution through itch.io
Read 15 Oct 2026 · deepnight.itch.io
On the record
- Aseprite
- LDtk loads Aseprite files directly and supports live reloading when they are saved.ldtk.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Aseprite integration
- LDtk loads Aseprite files directly and refreshes changes when the source artwork is saved.ldtk.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Auto-layering
- A visual editor lets users define rules for automatic tile skinning.ldtk.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Auto-layers
- Auto-layers can draw textures and details automatically from collision or other rule inputs.deepnight.itch.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Auto-rendering
- Visual rules can automatically generate tiles and decorative details from level data.ldtk.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Backup behavior
- LDtk includes backups and can restore unsaved changes after a crash.ldtk.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Backups
- LDtk offers backups and can restore unsaved changes after an application crash.ldtk.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Company registration
- AFJV lists Deepnight Games as a one-person French studio founded in 2020 with Bordeaux headquarters and one employee.afjv.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Custom entities
- Users can create entities with typed custom properties such as hit points, patrol paths, or inventories.ldtk.io · read 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.ldtk.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- An independent technical review says the online documentation is comparatively lacking, although built-in tool documentation is strong.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Engine integrations
- The official importer directory lists integrations for Unity, MonoGame, Godot, Playdate, GameMaker Studio, LÖVE, and Bevy.ldtk.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Entities
- Users can define custom game entities with typed properties such as hit points, patrol paths, or inventories.ldtk.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Enums
- Projects can define enums for entity fields, and enums can be synchronized from Haxe source files.deepnight.itch.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Export
- LDtk exports PNGs and JSON entity data, and offers optional Tiled TMX export.ldtk.io · read 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.hysenlabs.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists community importers and loaders for engines including Unity, MonoGame, Godot, Playdate, GameMaker Studio, Löve 2D, and Bevy.ldtk.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- JSON format
- LDtk stores project data in JSON and publishes schemas and QuickType files for version 1.5.3.ldtk.io · read 15 Oct 2026
