Can You Import Into Roll20? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can import various types of content into Roll20, the popular virtual tabletop (VTT) platform. Roll20 is designed to be flexible and accommodate a wide range of user needs, allowing for the import of characters, maps, documents, and even scripts to enhance your gaming experience. The import process varies depending on the type of content, and this article will break down the different methods available, answering many common questions along the way.
Importing Characters into Roll20
One of the most common imports involves bringing your characters into your Roll20 games. This process is designed to be fairly straightforward, with several options available.
Importing Characters from the Character Vault
Roll20 has a feature called the Character Vault where you can store character sheets. If you already have a character sheet in your Character Vault, you can easily export it to a game.
- Exporting from the Vault: To export, navigate to the Character Vault and choose the character you wish to move. Then, select the “Export to Game” option and choose the appropriate game from the list provided.
- Player vs. GM Role: If you’re a player, you’ll import the character, but the GM needs to manually assign the character to your player profile within the game.
- Game Level: The level of a game is determined by the subscription level of the game creator’s account. This doesn’t affect the ability to import a character, but might influence the available features of the game itself.
Importing Characters Using JSON Files
For those using external tools like D&D Beyond, you can import characters using a JSON file. Here’s how:
- Export from D&D Beyond: In D&D Beyond, copy the character’s data in JSON format.
- Import to Roll20: In your Roll20 game, go to the chat window and type !beyond -import. Then paste the copied JSON string and press enter. Your character will be imported automatically.
- Alternative JSON Import: Another way is to navigate to the bottom of the journal sidebar, find the “Import” button and choose your character’s JSON file.
Importing Characters from Other Games
You can also import characters from other games you’ve created or participated in. The process involves similar steps as importing from the vault, choosing the desired character, then the target game from a list. You must have permission to edit the character sheet you are attempting to import.
Importing Other Content Types
Roll20 also supports the import of other types of content, enriching the overall VTT experience.
Importing PDF Documents
You can upload PDF documents directly to your game, which can be handy for rulebooks, handouts, and other essential game materials.
- Navigate to the Game: Enter the specific game you want to import the PDF to.
- Journal Tab: Go to the Journal tab and select “+ Add”. Then, select “PDF”.
- Upload Option: Click “No, upload PDF now” and give your PDF a name, and then upload the desired PDF document, then save changes. You can also drag and drop the file into the designated area.
Importing Images
The system also supports images, which are essential for maps, tokens, and other visual aids. The file types supported are JPG, GIF, and PNG.
- Image Size Limits: The maximum file size for images is 10MB for free users and 20MB for Pro and Plus subscribers.
- Pasting Images: You can paste images using the copy-paste function into the text area of handouts, journals, or GM notes for easy reference.
Importing Scripts
API scripts allow you to add custom functionality to your Roll20 games.
- Access API Settings: Go to your Roll20 campaign, select Settings, then API Scripts.
- Choose a Script: Look through the available scripts in the script library.
- Add the Script: Select and add the desired script to your campaign.
FAQs: Importing into Roll20
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify more points on importing into Roll20.
1. Can I import my D&D Beyond characters to Roll20?
Yes, you can import your D&D Beyond characters into Roll20 using the JSON export method, and the !beyond -import command in the chat window, or by using the import feature in the journal.
2. How do I import a character into the vault?
You can import a character directly into the character vault by clicking on the “Import Character” button, which will then show a list of games you can import characters from, and then select the appropriate character.
3. Can I import books into Roll20?
Roll20 integrates various books directly into its platform, allowing you to copy and paste text from the PDF to create handouts or reference materials.
4. Can I import my own homebrew content?
Yes, you can create your own custom character sheets in Roll20, but this requires some knowledge of HTML. Additionally you can add homebrew rules/content as handouts or reference materials, but there is no native way to create homebrew compendiums within Roll20 at the moment.
5. What is the difference between D&D Beyond and Roll20?
D&D Beyond is primarily a knowledge base and character/monster builder without VTT capabilities. Roll20 is a VTT which lacks content creation and sharing design capabilities.
6. Can I upload any file type into Roll20?
Roll20 mainly supports JPG, GIF, and PNG files for images and PDFs for documents. However, it does not support uploading other file types like DOC or XLS.
7. Is Roll20’s die roller truly random?
Roll20 uses quantum fluctuations in the power of a beam of light to generate randomness, so while no die roller is perfectly random, it is designed to be as close as possible.
8. Why does Roll20 sometimes lag?
Lag can occur when you have many large maps, tokens, or complex dynamic lighting with curves. It may also be caused by browser issues. Using Chrome is recommended for its GPU support for browser rendering.
9. Why is Roll20 sometimes displayed in dark mode?
Roll20 offers a Dark Mode to prioritize a user-friendly experience, and because it can be useful in environments with low lighting.
10. In what language are Roll20 scripts coded?
Roll20 API scripts are written in JavaScript. You only need a basic understanding of the language to get started.
11. Can I just create a character directly in Roll20?
Yes, but only a game master (GM) can create a new character directly from within a game. Players must import or be given an existing character from the GM.
12. Why can’t I edit my character in Roll20?
You need to be given permission by the GM to edit your character sheet. The GM must open the character’s journal entry, select Edit, then under “Can be controlled by”, they must select the names of players who should have editing permissions.
13. Why are some images blurry in Roll20?
Roll20 can only work with the resolution of the images you upload. To improve image quality, upload better-resolution images.
14. Is Roll20 safe?
Roll20 uses industry-best 256-bit SSL encryption to protect your data and privacy.
15. What is the maximum size limit for uploading files on Roll20?
The maximum size for uploaded images is 10MB for free users and 20MB for Pro and Plus subscribers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roll20 allows a significant degree of content importation, from character sheets and PDF documents to custom scripts and images. Understanding these import methods can significantly enhance your gaming experience on the platform. By utilizing the variety of importing capabilities, Roll20 remains a flexible and powerful VTT tool for tabletop gamers. Whether you’re moving characters from other systems or creating detailed homebrew content, Roll20 aims to provide the tools necessary for an engaging and customizable virtual tabletop environment.