Can I Upload a Character to Roll20? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can upload characters to Roll20, making it a powerful platform for tabletop role-playing games. Roll20 offers several methods to get your characters into the digital space, whether you’re importing from other sources or bringing in a character you’ve created from scratch. This article will explore the various ways you can get your characters into Roll20, covering everything from importing digital files to manually entering information, and will answer 15 Frequently Asked Questions. Let’s dive in and make sure your digital adventurers are ready to roll!
Different Ways to Bring Characters Into Roll20
Roll20 is designed to be flexible, accommodating different player preferences and styles. You can upload characters via:
1. Importing from D&D Beyond
One of the most popular methods for Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) players is to import their characters directly from **D&D Beyond**. This process involves a few key steps. First, you need to make sure your D&D Beyond character is set up as you desire. Next, you'll copy the character's **JSON string** data. Then, within a Roll20 game, you will type the command `!beyond -import` into the chat, followed by pasting the JSON string, which will then bring your D&D Beyond character into Roll20. **Third-party extensions**, like Beyond20, can further simplify this process, directly integrating your D&D Beyond character sheets with Roll20, Foundry VTT, and Discord. It also allows for dice rolls to be performed directly from the D&D Beyond character sheet.
2. Using the Roll20 Character Vault
The **Character Vault** is a space within Roll20 where you can store your characters. You can **export characters** from your vault and import them into new games. If you're a player, the Game Master (GM) will need to assign the imported character to you before you can use it in the game.
3. Manual Entry
If you have a character sheet in **PDF format** or from a system not directly supported by automated tools, you’ll need to enter the information into Roll20 **manually**. While this can be more time-consuming, it is a good way to fully understand your character. Roll20 has built-in character sheet templates for many different game systems which you can populate with your character's details. While this is the least automated approach, many players find the time they spend creating the character to be beneficial.
Understanding Roll20’s Import System
It’s important to understand a few things about Roll20’s import and character management process:
- Anyone in a game can import characters into Roll20, including players who don’t have a subscription.
- Game Masters (GMs) can import characters, non-player characters (NPCs), and monsters.
- The game’s subscription level (free, plus, or pro) is determined by the creator’s account level, not the player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about importing and managing characters in Roll20:
1. Can I upload a character sheet PDF directly to Roll20?
No, you cannot upload a character sheet PDF and have it automatically populate a character in Roll20. You will need to **manually enter** the data into Roll20’s character sheet templates.
2. How do I get my character sheet to appear in Roll20?
If a **character sheet template** is enabled for your game, you’ll find a **Character Sheet** tab in your character journal entry. Clicking this tab will open the character sheet, which you can then fill in or import data into.
3. How do I link a character sheet to a token?
First, select the token you want to use for the character. Then, go to the character sheet's **Default Token section**, click “Use Selected Token,” and then “Save Changes.” Your token is now linked to the character sheet. This will allow you to **drag-and-drop** from the Journal onto the map.
4. Can players add their own tokens to Roll20?
Yes, players can provide images for tokens. They can send a link to the token image, or email it to the GM, who can then upload the image and link it to the character sheet.
5. What image file types does Roll20 support?
Roll20 supports **JPG, GIF, and PNG** image file types. JPG is the preferred file type for images due to smooth gradients and a smaller file size. Maximum upload sizes are **10MB for free users** and **20MB for Plus and Pro users.**
6. How do I upload images for my character tokens?
You can upload images by **dragging them from your computer directly** onto the tabletop in Roll20. This will automatically upload the image to your Art Library.
7. What are the size limitations for uploaded files?
**Free users** have an image upload limit of 10MB, while **Plus and Pro users** can upload up to 20MB. Ensure that your files are within these limits to avoid upload issues.
8. Can I use animated GIFs as character tokens in Roll20?
Yes, you can use GIFs for tokens. For simple animations without transparency, a **.gif** should suffice. If you are looking for advanced transparency consider **.webm** or **mp4** which are better supported.
9. Can I use homebrew content on Roll20?
You can add homebrew content to your game, but you need to do this manually by adding homebrew items and abilities to character sheets directly. There is no direct way to add homebrew content to the Roll20 compendium in the same way you can import content from licensed materials.
10. How do I import sprite sheets into Roll20?
Currently, there's **no way to batch import sprite sheets** into Roll20. However, you can upload individual sprites by dragging them from your file system directly onto the map.
11. Can I paste images into Roll20?
Yes, you can **paste images** directly into the text areas of your journal entries or handouts using CTRL+V (or right-click and paste).
12. Do I need to purchase digital rulebooks to play on Roll20?
No, Roll20 does not require that you own the books in order to use the system. However, owning the books will allow you to reference them more easily, and improve your playing experience. Roll20 does not confirm if you own the digital or physical versions of the books, nor do they require you to own the books.
13. How can I move my character tokens on Roll20?
You can move character tokens by clicking and **dragging them on the map**, or by clicking the token and then using the **arrow keys** to move it. When dragging, only the person dragging will not see an animation of the token being moved.
14. Who can edit the tokens of a character?
Only a **Game Master** can edit the actual token for a character sheet. Players can only edit their avatar, and they can provide images for token, but cannot edit the token directly.
15. How big can maps be on Roll20?
Maps in Roll20 can be any size. You can use maps of 50x50, 100x100, or any other size you need, with each unit representing any measurement you want, such as feet or meters.
Conclusion
Uploading characters to Roll20 is a straightforward process, with multiple options available depending on your needs. Whether you prefer importing from D&D Beyond, using the character vault, or entering information manually, Roll20 provides you the tools to bring your characters to life in your virtual games. Understanding the platform’s capabilities will allow you to streamline your gameplay and enhance your overall experience.