Best DM Tools for D&D (and all TTRPGs) in 2026
The practical, category-by-category guide to digital tools that make Dungeon Mastering smoother.
2/7/26
6 Minutes, 1,100 words
Introduction
Running a great D&D campaign is as much about information management as creativity. Notes, continuity, maps, handouts, and execution tools determine whether sessions feel smooth or chaotic.
This guide focuses on digital GM tools that materially improve how sessions run, with one free and one paid option per category.
While the examples skew D&D, the tool stack applies to nearly any TTRPG.
If you want a broader AI-specific roundup, start with our AI tools for TTRPGs guide and then return here for the full DM stack.
This post is part of our AI Dungeon Master hub, a set of GM guides and tool breakdowns for TTRPG enthusiasts who want smoother prep and better table flow.
Summary Table
A quick comparison to help you pick the right tools by category.
| # | Category | Free Option | Paid Option | Best For | Why Paid Is Worth It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Session Notes & Recall | Continuity, recall, and long-running campaigns | Auto recaps and searchable history save prep time | ||
| 2 | Virtual Tabletops | Browser-based play with sheets, dice, and shared maps | One-time license with deep automation and control | ||
| 3 | Worldbuilding & Lore | Reference-first lore and player-facing docs | Advanced maps, timelines, theming, and privacy | ||
| 4 | Maps & Encounter Visuals | Fast map creation and encounter clarity | AI-assisted maps with lighting and VTT exports | ||
| 5 | Handouts & Session Assets | Immersive props and fast, consistent visuals | Premium assets and fast resizing for speed |
1. Session Notes and Recall
What it is: the system that keeps your campaign consistent. This is the most important category for GMs. Forgotten NPCs, lost plot threads, and inconsistent lore break immersion faster than bad combat.
- Helps you remember what the table actually experienced.
- Lets players feel seen when their choices reappear later.
- Builds immersion by keeping the world consistent session to session.
Free option
Google Docs
Reliable, flexible, and familiar. Works well for raw notes, but everything is manual and recall degrades over time.
Open Google Docs →Paid value
This is where tables leak time. Paid tools automate the busywork and keep continuity intact.
- Automatic session summaries and timelines.
- Searchable characters, locations, and events.
- Instant recall during play.
Incremental value: saves hours of prep time every month as the campaign grows.
Paid option
Archivist AI
Captures sessions, summarizes them, and builds a searchable session history for instant recall and continuity.
Explore Archivist AI →For practical workflow ideas, see our guide on speeding up prep with AI.
2. Virtual Tabletops (Combat and Spatial Play)
What it is: the digital table for combat and spatial play. Positioning, initiative, and visibility are where confusion slows games down.
- Theatre of the mind is great, but not for everyone.
- D&D movement and positioning matter, so visuals keep mechanics honest.
- A shared map boosts immersion and cuts rules disputes mid-combat.
Free option
Roll20
A browser-based VTT with character sheets, dice rolling, and shared maps built in.
Open Roll20 →Paid value
Paid VTTs reduce session friction with stronger automation, lighting, and custom tooling.
- Advanced lighting and vision.
- Automation via modules and macros.
- Self-hosted control for performance and privacy.
Incremental value: improved visual immersion without ongoing subscription costs.
Paid option
Foundry VTT
Self-hosted VTT you run on your own machine or server, with full control over mods and performance.
Explore Foundry VTT →If you want a deeper look at Foundry workflows, check out our Foundry VTT integration interview.
3. Worldbuilding and Lore Repository
What it is: your long-term lore source of truth. This category covers intentionally written content, not session-derived data. It is reference-first and changes slowly.
- One place to build your world and prep future content.
- Connected lore is easier to revisit after time away.
- Consolidation reduces contradictions and half-finished ideas.
Free option
Notion
Flexible pages and templates make it easy to store lore, factions, and NPCs in one place.
Open Notion →Paid value
Paid lore tools add structure and presentation so players can browse without breaking immersion.
- Advanced maps and multiple timelines.
- Custom theming and layout control.
- Granular privacy for in-world reveals.
Incremental value: cleaner lore management plus player-friendly publishing.
Paid option
World Anvil
Built for worldbuilding with structured templates, timelines, and player-facing publishing tools.
Explore World Anvil →If you care about how structure changes recall, our tags and maps guide is a good companion read.
4. Maps and Encounter Visuals
What it is: the prep layer for tactical clarity. Visual clarity improves decision-making and speeds up combat. This category is about preparation, not runtime memory.
- Maps are prep assets, separate from the VTT runtime.
- They communicate cover, distance, and terrain instantly.
- Clear visuals speed up decisions during tense encounters.
Free option
Dungeon Scrawl
Quick sketches for simple encounters when you need speed over polish.
Open Dungeon Scrawl →Paid value
Paid map tools speed prep with AI-assisted layout and exports that drop directly into your VTT.
- Auto-furnished rooms and props.
- Built-in lighting and ambiance.
- Clean exports for VTTs and print.
Incremental value: faster map production with better visual clarity.
Paid option
Dungeon Alchemist
AI-assisted mapmaking that auto-populates rooms with walls, doors, windows, lights, and props.
Explore Dungeon Alchemist →5. Handouts and Session Assets
What it is: player-facing assets that reduce repetition. Props and handouts increase immersion and reduce repeated explanations.
- Handouts make clues and NPCs feel tangible.
- AI can help draft letters, posters, and props quickly.
- Visual aids reduce repeated explanations at the table.
Free option
Google Slides
Simple, shareable, and effective for letters, quest boards, and visual aids.
Open Google Slides →Paid value
Paid tools remove production friction with premium assets and fast resizing for multiple formats.
- Premium templates and design assets.
- Brand Kit and Background Remover.
- Magic Resize for fast exports.
Incremental value: faster handout production with consistent visuals.
Paid option
Canva Pro
Fast templates, consistent styling, and easy export for digital or print use.
Explore Canva Pro →FAQ
What is the single most important DM tool category?
Session notes and recall. Continuity is where campaigns either deepen or collapse, so strong recall tools give you the biggest payoff.
Do I need a paid VTT to run combat well?
Not always. Free VTTs can handle most encounter needs. Paid platforms tend to earn their keep when you want automation, lighting, and long-term customization.
What should I pay for first on a tight budget?
Start with memory. A reliable recap and recall system reduces prep time and keeps your table immersed over long campaigns.
Can I mix and match these tools?
Absolutely. Many DMs pair a memory tool with a VTT and one asset-creation tool. The stack is modular and should match your play style.
Final Takeaway
Most DM tools solve narrow problems. The biggest breakdowns happen with memory, continuity, and recall, not dice rolling or map grids.
If you only invest in one category, invest in Session Notes and Recall. Everything else supports execution. Memory supports trust, immersion, and long-running campaigns.
That is where the highest return lives.