Does the DM/GM need to see your character sheet?

I am new to D&D and all these character sheet links and codes are way too confusing for me. Can I stick to a written copy or is there an easy way for me to get a sheet that I can edit easily??? For 5E

All the links and codes you see in the character sheet forum are for pro subscribers to create and maintain the various character sheets that roll20 has or for those that are interested in learning how to create a sheet and have a pro subscription. A GM can assign a character sheet to each of their players that join and enter the game room. I'm moving this to the specific use forum so more people will see your questions.

Usually it's best to get invited into a game first, and then fill out the Character Sheet in the game that the GM gives you. Often the GM will have specific requirements or special options that you want to know when creating the character.  However sometimes it's nice to work on your character in advance. A good way to try the actual 5E character sheet in Roll20, if you are not invited to a game yet, you can Create Game in Roll20 and assign the 5E character sheet, as a way to learn it and try it out. Sure, some GM's may be ok with you keeping a paper character sheet at home, but many GM's will ask you to fill-in (or copy over) your character into the Roll20 online character sheet. So answering your questions directly, yes you could make a character on paper, but also yes the GM of many games usually wants to see your sheet and have you enter the sheet in Roll20.

All of the things that make Roll 20 work are related to that character sheet. Vision, your token, most macros... What would be good would be the ability to print out your sheet for quick reference.

al e. said: All of the things that make Roll 20 work are related to that character sheet. Vision, your token, most macros... Actually that is not quite right. Tokens can function independent from the sheets and they handle the vision aspect. You could make generic game macros which are not tied to a character sheet. Character sheets enhance the game through the ease of use when it comes to tracking various attributes and abilities with most of the math done behind the scene when a sheet button is pressed to roll the dice.