mcmap
What it is
mcmap creates isometric pixel-art maps from Minecraft save files. It reads save files from the standard folders on Linux, macOS, and Windows, then produces a PNG by default; maps can also be divided into square image tiles. Users can choose dimensions, render a circle or coordinate-bounded area, and adjust direction, shading, lighting, water, and beacon settings. A JSON color file supports custom block colors and rendering types. The renderer uses all computer threads to process terrain in batches. Rendering a whole map at once may need 10+ GB of RAM, and a fragment-size setting can manage batch size. Use the program from a terminal or PowerShell; an experimental GUI is available for Windows. The v3.0.0 release specifies Minecraft 1.13+ support. Distributed under GPL-3.0, mcmap is free, with source code and precompiled binaries. The project notes that merging batches can leave visible lines in oceans, for which changing fragment size or water settings is suggested.
For and against
For
- Free and distributed under GPL-3.0
- Creates PNG maps and square image tiles
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows saves
- Custom block colors via a JSON file
- Includes dimension and render-area options
Against
- Whole-map rendering may require 10+ GB of RAM
- Windows GUI is experimental
- Merged batches can leave visible ocean lines
The verdict
mcmap offers configurable map rendering for Minecraft saves, with both image tiles and custom color options. Be prepared to use command-line tools and account for memory needs on whole-map renders.
Who it suits
mcmap may suit Minecraft players who want image maps from their save files and are comfortable using a terminal or PowerShell. Windows users can also try its experimental GUI.
Plans and prices
Free
GPL-3.0 licensed software · precompiled binaries and source code
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Build requirements
- The project uses CMake and depends on zlib, PNG, fmt, and spdlog libraries.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The project README says it is compatible with newer Minecraft versions, and the v3.0.0 release specifies Minecraft 1.13+ support.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Custom colors
- Users can customize block colors and rendering types with a JSON color file.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Input
- It reads Minecraft save files from the standard saves folders on Linux, macOS, and Windows.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Known rendering issue
- The README notes that merging render batches can create visible lines in oceans and suggests changing fragment size or water rendering settings.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Large maps
- The README says rendering a whole map at once may require 10+ GB of RAM and provides a fragment-size option to manage rendering batches.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository is distributed under the GPL-3.0 license.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The GitHub profile identifies the account as Jean-Baptiste Skutnik and lists Paris, France.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Output
- The default output is a PNG image, and an option can split the map into square image tiles.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform use
- The README says the program is used through a terminal or PowerShell on Linux, macOS, or Windows, with an experimental GUI available for Windows.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- mcmap creates isometric renders of Minecraft save files as pixel-art maps.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Rendering options
- Options include circular or coordinate-bounded renders, dimension selection, shading, lighting, water and beacon toggles, and map direction.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support channel
- The latest release notes invite users to use repository discussions to request changes and report bugs or incompatibilities.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Threading
- The renderer uses all computer threads to render terrain in batches.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
