Should I use pointy-top or flat-top hexes?
Use pointy-top for many tabletop and map layouts where columns feel natural. Use flat-top when rows and horizontal movement matter more.
Hex grid maker
Free Hex Grid Maker
Download a clean hex grid instantly, or customize one for a map overlay, printable paper, or game coordinates.
Start with a clean generated file. If it is not the right size, customize the grid below.
PNG
Transparent PNG
1024 x 1024 overlay for maps, Figma, Canva, and image editors.
PNG
HD Map Overlay
1920 x 1080 transparent white hex grid for battlemaps.
PDF
Letter Hex Paper
Pointy-top printable PDF for drawing maps and worksheets.
PDF
A4 Hex Paper
Pointy-top printable PDF sized for A4 paper.
Customize
Make the exact hex grid you need.
Generate printable hex paper, transparent map overlays, and SVG hex grids for tabletop maps, games, and design layouts.
What do you need?
Pick a task and the controls will start in the right place.
Preview
Wide · 900px x 1600px · 253 hexes
Use case
Transparent overlay
Orientation
Pointy-top
Export
PNG, SVG, or print
Pointy-top and flat-top hex grids
Transparent, white, or warm paper backgrounds
Download PNG, SVG, or print from the browser
What to make
Hex paper when you need paper. Transparent grids when you need maps.
Printable hex paper
Use Letter or A4, white background, and browser print for quick worksheets.
Map overlay
Use transparent PNG when you want to place the grid over a battlemap or design.
SVG layout
Use SVG when you need a crisp grid for editing, scaling, or publishing.
Format guide
Download the format that matches the next step.
Hex grid users split into three jobs: putting lines over a map, printing blank paper, or editing a scalable grid in design software. The fastest path is choosing the file format before adjusting every setting.
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Map overlays, thumbnails, and quick downloads | Use transparent background when layering over another image. |
| SVG | Figma, Illustrator, Inkscape, and scalable layouts | Lines stay crisp when resized or edited. |
| PDF / Print | Letter or A4 hex paper | Best for worksheets, tabletop notes, and hand-drawn maps. |
Settings that matter
Most hex grids only need four decisions.
The customizer has deeper controls, but users usually get a usable file quickly by setting orientation, background, hex size, and export format first.
- Orientation: pointy-top for column-based maps, flat-top for row-based movement.
- Background: transparent for overlays, white or paper for printing.
- Hex size: larger cells for notes and drawing, smaller cells for dense maps.
- Coordinates: off for clean art, row or axial labels for games and prototypes.
Hex grid use cases
Build the grid around the map or paper job.
Hex grid searches include printable worksheets, tabletop maps, design overlays, and prototype boards. Clear use-case guidance helps users reach a usable export faster.
Tabletop battlemaps
Upload a finished map, use white or dark lines, then adjust opacity and offset until hexes align with the artwork.
Blank map paper
Choose Letter or A4, set a white background, and print a clean sheet for hand-drawn regions or encounters.
Game prototypes
Use flat-top orientation with row or axial labels when testing movement, range, or board layouts.
Alignment checklist
Make the hex grid readable before exporting.
Most bad hex exports happen because line contrast, cell size, or orientation was chosen too quickly. These checks keep the file useful after download.
- Use transparent background for overlays and white or paper background for print.
- Match pointy-top or flat-top orientation to the movement direction of your map.
- Increase line width for dark or detailed maps; reduce opacity when the artwork should stay dominant.
- Use Offset X and Offset Y after uploading a map to align cells with rooms, roads, or terrain.
Related tools
Hex downloads for faster starts.
When the user wants a file immediately, these long-tail pages provide direct downloads before the customizer.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a transparent hex grid?
Yes. Choose the Clear background and download PNG or SVG. The exported grid has no filled background.
Is this a full hex map editor?
No. This tool focuses on fast printable hex grids and clean overlays, not terrain painting or campaign map storage.
What file format should I download?
Use PNG for quick image work, SVG for scalable editing, and PDF or browser print when you need paper.
Can I align the hex grid to an existing map?
Yes. Use Overlay mode, upload the map, then adjust hex size, opacity, offset X, and offset Y until the grid matches the artwork.