Introduction to Layers

Layers are one of the most powerful features in Dungeon Scrawl. Understanding how they work will help you create more complex and detailed maps.

What Are Layers?

Every map in Dungeon Scrawl is made up of one or more layers. Each layer contains its own drawing, style settings, and objects. Layers stack on top of each other, and the order they appear in the Layers menu determines what is visible on the map.
When you create a new map, Dungeon Scrawl automatically creates two layers: a Dungeon layer using your selected preset style, and a Background layer beneath it.

Layer types

There are four main types of layer in Dungeon Scrawl:

• Dungeon layers: the primary drawing layers where you create map areas. Each Dungeon layer has its own wall, floor, grid, shadow, hatching, and shading settings. See [Dungeon layer settings] for more information.
• The Background layer: a distinct layer that sits beneath all other layers and controls the background colour, dot grid, and isometric view setting. See [Dungeon layer settings] for more information.
• The Fog of War layer: a special Dungeon layer designed to work with the Send to Tabletop feature. See [Dungeon layer settings] for more information.
• The Images folder: a default folder that contains all objects placed on your map, including doors, stairs, text, and uploaded images. Objects in the Images folder are documented in their respective tool articles.

Why use multiple layers?

A single Dungeon layer is enough for simple maps. Additional layers are useful when you want to:

• Apply multiple styles or colour schemes to a single map
• Add depth with pits, terraces, or bridges
• Create multiple overlapping floors
• Add linework, annotations, or other details
• Create smooth transitions between areas

Best Practices

• Give each layer a clear, descriptive name. For example, "Cave upper level" rather than "Cave".
• Use folders to group related layers, especially on complex maps.
• Use the eye icon to hide and show layers when looking for a specific element.
• Lock the Background layer once you are happy with it to prevent accidental changes.
• Save your work regularly using ⌘/Ctrl+S. Maps are not saved automatically unless you have a
• Dungeon Scrawl Pro subscription, which includes cloud autosave. Unsaved changes will be lost if you close or refresh the browser.

Tip: The Layer Menu can be resized by dragging its bottom edge