---
title: Quickly Sketch Maps in Realm VTT
description: Create quick, collaborative maps with Realm VTT's Canvas Scenes, perfect for improvising dungeons in an Old-School style. Customize grids, draw walls, and manage permissions seamlessly.
---

[Realm VTT | Blog](https://blog.realmvtt.com)

# [Quickly Sketch Maps in Realm VTT](https://blog.realmvtt.com/realm-vtt-canvas-scenes-map-drawing-guide)

 Written by [Sean Schnell](https://blog.realmvtt.com/author/sean-schnell) | Dec 17, 2025 3:35:17 PM

In Realm VTT, you can create **Canvas Scenes** to quickly sketch out basic maps. This is an essential tool for GMs who need to improvise a dungeon or terrain layout on the fly when a pre-made map isn't ready.

While we plan to expand this with multiple aesthetic styles in the future, the current version features a clean, **Old-School (OSR) style** with customizable background colors.

### Collaborative Mapping for Old-School Play

What makes Canvas Scenes truly unique is the ability for both **GMs and Players to draw on the scene**. This is perfect for old-school style adventuring where a designated player acts as the "mapper," documenting the party's progress through the dungeon in real-time.

### How to Create a Canvas Scene

1. **Open the Scenes Tab:** Click on **New Scene** from the Left Drawer.
2. **Select Canvas Scene:** Give your scene a name and select the **Canvas Scene** type.
3. **Configure Your Grid:** Choose a size (up to 100x100 cells) and pick your preferred background color.
4. **Start Drawing!** Once inside, you can begin laying out your dungeon immediately.

### Drawing Tools & Shortcuts

The drawing interface is designed for speed and precision. Use these tools to build your map:

- **Walls:** Click the purple **Wall button** on the right.
  
    - **Snap-to-Grid:** Default behavior for straight lines.
    - **Restrict Direction:** Hold **Shift** to lock to a specific axis.
    - **Free-hand:** Press **"S"** to draw organic shapes.
    - *Note: Walls automatically include Line of Sight (LoS) properties.*
- **Doors & Windows:** Select the respective icon and draw anywhere. These tools automatically **snap-to-grid** and will **auto-replace walls** when drawn over them.
- **Erase & Edit:** Use the **Erase tool** to click and delete specific segments.
- **Undo/Redo:** Made a mistake? Use **Ctrl/Cmd-Z** to undo or **Shift-Cmd-Z** to redo your last action.

### Customizing Permissions and Settings

Access the **Settings** (top-right button) to fine-tune your scene:

- **Resize:** Expand or shrink the canvas as the adventure grows.
- **Color Palette:** Change the background color at any time.
- **Player Controls:** Toggle the ability for Players to draw on the map to suit your table's playstyle.

[View full post](https://blog.realmvtt.com/realm-vtt-canvas-scenes-map-drawing-guide)

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