How to make a hidden GM-only note on the token layer

Rather than looking back and forth between a map and my notes to get a room description or trap info, I like having a token with notes right there in the appropriate spot. That way, I can double click to open directly when the players get there, and it's a nice visual reminder to me.

I used to use a generic dot token for this, but that's ugly for players and you don't want them seeing it for hidden things like traps. (Sure, you could put it on the GM layer instead... but why switch layers if you don't have to?)

It takes these steps to set up, but thankfully you only have to do it once:

1. Make or download a completely clear token .png (you can grab mine below.)
2. Upload that into your library.
3. Zoom in close to a gridded map and drag the clear token out. Because you're zoomed in close, it should be easy to drag-select and find it again, even though you can't see it.
4. Set a couple of colored auras. I used cyan at 2 and royal blue at 0 feet. I also set it as a low-radius light source that players can't see.
5. Under Player Permissions, make sure they _can't_ see the auras or the name. 
6. Right-click on the token to Advanced > Is Drawing (unless you want it to snap to grid).
7. Give it a name like "GM note" and put whatever you'd like in the description field. 
8. Keep this edited token copy somewhere handy so you can use it as you prep your maps. (You could even make it a "character" so you can just drag it onscreen when you need it.)

So as a working example, I can put a copy of this on a key spot on my map... rename it "Rocks Trap"... description could be "Some rocks are piled on one side of the tunnel and if you step too close, they fall. DC 12 Perception to detect. DC 5 Dex save to dodge." Or use it for box text, etc.

Inside this box is a clear .PNG token you can save to use as a starting point:Right-click there and save the image. If that doesn't work, right click this link and save target.

Hope this helps you as much as it helps me!

That's a great write up!  I use a very similar technique for my bump script's "invisible" markers on the token layer.

As it happens, I have most of an API script written to automate this note marker process, but haven't finished it up yet. Now maybe I should be inspired to do just that...

I like doing something slightly different (although I'm gonna have to steal using the invisible token with auras so the GM can see it part: that's pure genius). I make a character for each room, drop a token on the map, and then I have several token-button abilities that will whisper me (or everyone if appropriate) a description of what is going on or is relevant in the room/area. This is a little more set up, but allows you to get the info without having to open up and scroll to the token's gmnotes during play. For actual traps, I love using Stephen's It's a Trap script, although I have tweaked my TrapTheme a little to remove some of the automation aspects.

I think it is a good write-up for a useful technique.

Would it be easy to get a page added for this on the Roll20 Wiki for Tips & Tricks?

https://wiki.roll20.net/Category:Tips

I do similar to Scott, I have a journal set up with a default token that is a little 'information' icon, it has a couple of token actions attached to it that either whisper the contents of bar 1 to me or put it publicly into the chat. I then just copy and paste descriptive text into the bubble of bar 1 from my notes so i can quickly call on it as needed in game.
I place the actual token out of sight by putting it beyond dynamic lighting walls.

I suggest using a rollable token, the first face being visible art like a push pin, the second face being the clear art. That way you can see the token when you put it on the map, position it, then make it vanish.
I did this for the hit locations of a colossal monster map for a forthcoming 13th Age Alliance game. 

Andrew R. said:

I suggest using a rollable token, the first face being visible art like a push pin, the second face being the clear art. That way you can see the token when you put it on the map, position it, then make it vanish.
I did this for the hit locations of a colossal monster map for a forthcoming 13th Age Alliance game. 

That's a great idea!

Thanks for all the enthusiasm!

Gold, I'll look at how to add a Tip there.

Andrew R, I hadn't thought of a rollable token -- wouldn't you still need the GM-only aura after it's invisible, though? Otherwise you'll never find it again yourself.

Andrew R, I hadn't thought of a rollable token -- wouldn't you still need the GM-only aura after it's invisible, though? Otherwise you'll never find it again yourself.

Absolutely! The tokens I set up yesterday all have the GM-only aura. I just find it easier to work with a rollable token that I can see before I set up the aura. 

Thanks for the invisible token Pixel!