Can You Upload Images to Roll20? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding yes! You absolutely can upload images to Roll20. This feature is fundamental to the platform, allowing you to bring your campaigns to life with custom maps, character tokens, handouts, and more. Roll20 offers multiple methods for uploading images, catering to different needs and workflows. Understanding these methods and the platform’s limitations is key to a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Methods for Uploading Images

Roll20 offers two primary ways to get your images into your virtual tabletop:

Click and Drag

This is often the quickest and most intuitive method. You simply:

1. Open your computer’s file explorer (or Finder on a Mac).
2. Locate the image file you want to upload.
3. Click and drag the image directly onto the Roll20 tabletop.

The image will be uploaded and placed on the map, ready for you to use. This method works for most image types and is perfect for quickly adding assets as needed.

Using the Upload Button

The second method involves Roll20’s built-in library:

1. Navigate to the My Library section in Roll20’s sidebar.
2. Click on the Upload button.
3. A file browser window will open, allowing you to select your desired image.
4. Click “Open” or “Upload” and the image will be added to your library.

Once uploaded to your library, you can drag images from the library onto the tabletop as needed, which gives you more control over when and where you use your assets. This is a great method for managing large collections of images and keeping your campaign resources organized.

Understanding File Size Limits

While Roll20 allows image uploads, there are file size limitations in place to maintain platform performance. These limits vary based on your subscription level:

• Free Accounts: Have lower file size limits for uploads.
• Paid Accounts (Plus, Pro): Have higher file size limits.

The specific size limit also depends on the file type. Larger file sizes can lead to sluggish performance, so it’s always best to optimize your images before uploading. If your file is too large, use image editing software to compress and resize it before uploading to Roll20.

Image Types Supported

Roll20 supports a variety of image formats, ensuring flexibility in the types of visuals you can use in your game:

• JPG/JPEG: These files are great for photos, maps, and other images with smooth gradients and offer the smallest file size with quality loss.
• PNG: These files are ideal for transparent graphics, tokens, and anything where you need sharp lines and alpha transparency.
• GIF (Static & Animated): You can use GIFs for decorative elements or moving elements, as long as the animation isn’t too large or complex. Note that only static WebP is supported, not animated.
• MP4 & WebM: These video files can be uploaded as well, but should be under a certain file size.
• PDF: PDF documents can be uploaded and converted into a single image.

How to Use Images Effectively

Simply uploading an image is just the first step. Here are some tips to make the most of images in Roll20:

• Tokens: Images placed on the Objects and Tokens layer automatically become tokens. You can adjust their size and link them to character sheets for ease of use.
• Handouts: Images can be added to handouts and journals for your players to reference. This is excellent for sharing clues, character portraits, or other important details.
• Backgrounds: Use maps and images as background elements. You can place these on the Map layer and then place tokens on the tokens layer for easy movement.
• Show Images to Players: As a GM, use Shift + Z to display an image in full size for all players. This is useful for presenting story elements, important scenes, or close-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about uploading images to Roll20, along with their answers:

1. Can I paste images directly into Roll20?

Yes, but only within text fields. You can paste (Ctrl+V or right-click -> Paste) images into the text areas of your handouts, journal bios, or GM notes. To insert more images, insert an image into the header box, copy, paste, and repeat.

2. How do I turn an image into a token?

Any image placed on the Objects and Tokens or GM Info Overlay layer automatically becomes a token. You can resize and move these tokens as needed.

3. How do I show a picture in full size to my players?

As the GM, place the image on the tabletop (Map or Objects and Tokens layer), click the image, and then press Shift + Z. This will display the image at full size for everyone.

4. What is the best size for a Roll20 token image?

Tokens should be 280×280 pixels per “square,” regardless of the in-game size. Use the PNG format for transparent areas. This size ensures the tokens look sharp and zoom properly.

5. Can players upload tokens to Roll20?

No. Only GMs can upload and move new tokens to the tabletop or edit their deeper settings. However, players can move their assigned tokens and edit their name and bubbles.

6. How can I add a character portrait to a character sheet?

The easiest method is to upload the image to an image hosting website (like imgur), copy the image link, and then paste it directly into the appropriate field in the character sheet’s Bio & Info tab.

7. Can I upload GIFs to Roll20?

Yes, Roll20 supports static and animated GIFs but note that excessively large animated GIFs can slow down the platform, so use them with caution. PNGs and GIFs with transparent elements are displayed correctly.

8. How do I copy an image from Roll20?

Place the image on the tabletop, press Z, right-click the image, and select save image to save the image to your computer.

9. Can I upload a PDF file into Roll20?

Yes, you can. PDFs can be uploaded, but the max size is 150MB, with 100MB being recommended for optimal performance. The PDF will be converted into a single image.

10. Can I upload WebP image format?

Yes, you can, but only static WebP images are supported, animated versions are not.

11. What are the file size limits for maps and images?

The limit is 5MB for free accounts and 10MB for paid accounts for single images. Very large maps should be divided into smaller sections to avoid lag.

12. What is the best resolution for images in Roll20?

Keep your image resolution low, around 70-150 DPI. The standard for web has always been 72 or 75 DPI. Higher resolution will slow down your game without significant visual benefit.

13. Does Roll20 prefer JPEG or PNG images?

Roll20 recommends JPEG for smooth gradients and small file sizes. But when you need transparency, you must use PNG files.

14. How do I change my player picture on Roll20?

In the chat tab, change the “As” dropdown to your character. This will change the in-game profile image to the character sheet image.

15. Can I use copyrighted images in my Roll20 games?

Only use images you have the rights to use, whether from public domain or personal creations. Avoid using copyrighted material without permission.

Conclusion

Uploading images is an integral part of creating rich and immersive gaming experiences on Roll20. By understanding the various methods of uploading, file size limitations, and best practices, you can easily bring your campaign visuals to life and enhance your games for all players. With these tips and answers, you’re well-equipped to leverage Roll20’s image capabilities to their full potential.