Overview

GridCraft is a browser and desktop tile-map editor for game developers who need flexible tile sizes, shared editing, or multiple export paths. Its strongest case is a map workflow that combines those capabilities with Tiled file compatibility; the main trade-off is that cloud collaboration and storage are capped on the free tier.

Key features

Editing and export

GridCraft lets you paint tiles of different sizes from one atlas onto the same map, a useful distinction for projects whose art does not fit a uniform tile size. Brush, terrain, flood-fill, shape, selection, stamp, and object tools cover common map-building tasks, including terrain work and entity placement.

Built-in exporters target Godot 4, GameMaker, Defold, LDtk, LOVE2D, Lua, and CSV. That breadth gives developers several routes for moving map data into a project, though the right target still depends on the game’s tooling. GridCraft also opens and saves Tiled .tmx and .tmj maps, which Tiled can continue to read; that makes it easier to try GridCraft without leaving those formats behind.

Collaboration and desktop workflow

Live collaboration shows teammates’ cursors, selections, and edits, synchronized with CRDTs. It can help a small team work on the same map, but the number of collaborators varies by plan. The desktop app adds GitHub and GitLab support for committing, pushing, and pulling map files, plus an MCP server that can expose the open map to an AI client for reading and editing.

The MCP server is off by default and binds to the local machine, a useful default boundary for a feature that allows map edits through an AI client. It does not yet edit infinite chunked maps, so projects relying on those maps should not choose GridCraft for that workflow.

The documented API uses JSON over HTTPS; authenticated endpoints use JWT bearer tokens that expire after 24 hours. GridCraft is in early access, and its site says updates ship most weeks. Support is directed to Discord.

Pricing

The free Web editor costs 0.00 USD per free, billed $0 forever. It includes all 19 tools and every export format, and requires no account. That makes it a low-friction way to evaluate the editor or work locally in the browser, but it does not include the paid cloud quotas. Free accounts include 3 cloud maps, 25 MB total storage, one bound desktop device, and collaboration for up to 3 people per map.

Cloud costs 3.99 USD per month, billed $3.99/month. It raises the allowance to 10 cloud maps, 1 GB storage, 5 people per map, syncing across all devices, and a 50 MB per-file upload limit. It suits an individual or small group that needs synchronized maps and more room than the free cloud cap.

Team costs 13.99 USD per month, billed $13.99/month. Its 50 cloud maps, 5 GB storage, 10 people per map, all-device syncing, and 100 MB per-file upload limit make it the better fit for larger teams or heavier map libraries. The cheaper Cloud plan gives up half the participant capacity, fewer maps, less storage, and a lower upload ceiling.

The Desktop app costs 19.99 USD per once, billed $19.99 once. It includes Mac, Windows, and Linux support, offline use, local file access, Git, the MCP server, and LAN hosting. It is the relevant purchase for a developer who needs those desktop capabilities; it does not replace the separate cloud quotas of Cloud or Team.

Platforms

GridCraft is available on the web and as a desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The API is another integration surface, but its JSON-over-HTTPS interface and expiring JWT tokens are more pertinent to developers building authenticated workflows than to map editing alone.

Who it's for

GridCraft is best suited to game developers who want differently sized tiles in one map, need several export targets, or work with others on Tiled-compatible files. The free web editor is a sensible starting point; teams that need more collaborators, cloud storage, or synchronized devices should compare Cloud and Team. Developers who need offline access, local files, Git, LAN hosting, or MCP access should consider the one-time desktop purchase.

It is a weaker fit for users who need uncapped cloud storage or more than 10 collaborators per map, or for workflows centered on infinite chunked maps with MCP editing. Early access and frequent updates may appeal to users comfortable with an evolving product, but those preferring a more mature release may want to look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pros: Different tile sizes can share one atlas and map, which gives art-heavy projects flexibility beyond uniform tiles.
Pros: Exports span several engines and formats, while Tiled files remain readable in Tiled.
Pros: Live collaboration, Git integrations, and desktop MCP support connect editing to team and development workflows.
Cons: Free cloud use stops at 3 maps and 25 MB, with collaboration limited to 3 people per map.
Cons: Cloud capacity and upload limits remain tiered, and the MCP server cannot edit infinite chunked maps.
Cons: Early-access status means it is still an evolving option rather than a settled release.

Alternatives

Tiled is the better choice for someone who wants a free, cross-platform editor with voluntary payment rather than GridCraft’s tiered cloud plans.
LDtk is worth choosing instead if free, open-source software is the priority.
2D Tiler is a web alternative for users seeking a free plan described as having no recurring subscription or arbitrary limits.
DarkRadiant is a free option for users whose work fits an open-source level editor that requires separate game resources.
Sprite Fusion is an alternative with a free web edition for personal and commercial use and unlimited projects.
Tilemap Editor is an alternative available on Android, iOS, and the web.
Hammer++ is a free Windows modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for the Source engine.
Mega Man Maker is a free fan-made game for creating and sharing levels and playing user-created ones.

Browse the Game Level Editors list for more options.

Verdict

Choose GridCraft if flexible tile sizes, collaboration, and broad exports matter more than generous free cloud capacity. Its Tiled compatibility and desktop Git and MCP tools add practical workflow options, while the free web editor makes starting straightforward. Look elsewhere if your work depends on MCP editing of infinite chunked maps or if the cloud caps do not suit your team.

	Doom Builder X	GridCraft
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	$3.99/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Windows	api, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Level dimensions	2d_and_3d	2d
Entity placement	Yes	Yes
Prefab or template tools	Yes	—
Tilemap tools	—	Yes
Terrain tools	—	Yes

Doom Builder X vs GridCraft

Doom Builder X

GridCraft