Need some Instructions

I have never used Paint.net before and would like to know how to put up a grid (that matches Roll20s) and draw a map on it without drawing on the grid, then delete the grid and save the mapped out image.

Anyone able to help me with detailed instructions, or some video tutorials?

Thanks in advance to all.

Hrm... easiest option might be to take a screenshot of a black grid with white background in Roll20 and paste that onto a layer in Paint.net and then use the magic wand to delete the white. You should be able to just copy and paste that grid to fill the map on that layer.

If Paint.net supports making patterns however, you could google up a tutorial for turning that grid into a pattern and then fill a layer with it. Just remember to make the size of your map in multiples of 70 so it'll align to the grid automatically without any need to move it around or scale it.

So a 10 sq. by 10 sq. map would be 700 px by 700 px.

Here ya go actually. I used the snipping tool in Windows to grab a 5x5 square grid in Roll20 at 100%. This should give you a square grid that is 70px each. Just use the magic wand to remove all the white and so on as I posted above.

schuweet, thanks dood.

I see paint.net already has a grid set in pixels but cannot find a way to change the size of it. (and I hear there is a snap to grid function).

Does anyone know of a better program I can use to make maps and then match up to Roll20's grid? I just need to draw Lines but a snap to grid feature would be great too.

I just use MS Paint, works fine.

How do I make all the white into transparent? No idea how this wand works.

If Paint.net layers have blend modes (I think they have), set the mode to multiply.

If you prefer to use a select wand, you select the white with it and erase it. Though, depending on the wand setting, you could be left with gray pixels touching the grid.

Edit: Paint.net has blend modes: http://www.getpaint.net/doc/latest/BlendModes.html
so, just set the mode of your layer with the squares to multiply and it is done.

I have no idea what blend mode is, but I'll look into it and try it out.

Thanks for the input bud.

Seedle, this might be helpful for you: http://www.getpaint.net/doc/latest/BlendModes.html

Setting the layer to multiply basically means that only things on the top layer that are darker than the stuff on the bottom layer will show (IE. Nice black lines for your grid).

And if you want to make the grid on whole layer, you can use plugin for paint.net - http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/1292-photo-flood-fill-plug-in/
Just download and put in your ...\Paint.NET\Effects\ folder.

Yes, I did find a plugin which allowed me to make a 25 by 25 grd with the pisels set to 70. And when I make it into a Gif and upload it to Roll20 you cannot even see it cause it aligns directly to Roll20s grid.

so now I have the perfect grid specs to work with. When I put a map on Roll20 it should align up perfectly.

Now I just gotta find all the tiles I'll need to make my maps.

I'm working on converting my stuff over to 70 px squares sincerity doesn't look like we're getting adjustable grid sizes any time soon. I'll send ya a link once that's done.