Cauldron VTT vs MapTool
Cauldron VTT
cauldron-vtt.netMapTool
rptools.netSide by side
| Figure | Cauldron VTT | MapTool |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Virtual Tabletop Software | 8.0 (#10) | 7.7 (#14) |
| Map features | Dungeon Masters can create maps with fog of war, and maps may use still images or video. | It supports dynamic lighting, vision, fog of war, and topology tools that can limit what players see. |
| Support | The maker's resources page directs users with questions to the Cauldron Discord server. | The maker points users to its forums, Discord, tutorials, and wiki for questions and documentation. |
Plans
In their own words
Cauldron VTT
Cauldron VTT has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
MapTool
MapTool is a free, open-source virtual tabletop for creating detailed maps and running games online. Its integrated server connects players over the internet, while support for square or hex grids, tokens and images keeps it independent of any particular game system. Visibility controls include dynamic lighting, vision, fog of war and topology tools that limit what players can see. The application can replace paper, battle mats and dice, and its scripting language and macros can automate game activities. Macros can call REST services, including the documented Syrinscape example for playing sounds to connected players. MapTool is an installed application rather than a browser service and does not rely on a remote server; storage depends on available disk space. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. The maker provides forums, Discord, tutorials and a wiki. Version 1.18.6 is listed as released October 30, 2025, with stable and development builds available. Complex calculations and rolls require campaign properties and code macros.