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Old 10-27-2018, 03:19 PM   #1
larsdangly
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Default Transparent hex overlay for maps?

I find that a great way to map for TFT is to make a 'normal' sort of map and then drop a wire frame hex map with see-through hex interiors over top of it. I used to have such a thing that I could plop onto digital image files, but I seem to have lost it and am too old/stupid to use the internet to find another. Does anyone have something like this to share?
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Old 10-27-2018, 03:26 PM   #2
Skarg
 
Join Date: May 2015
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

Yes.

I've used physical transparent hex map overlays since about 1986. I tend to draw combat maps on plain paper, then overlay with a transparent hex sheet. It's great because it is so easy to draw maps on plain paper, and then you can keep them and re-use them in case the action goes back there again.

You can just take a blank hex map to a well-equipped copy store and they should have transparencies you can copy them onto.

Doing the same thing digitally is also rather easy, though the details depend on the software you use. I tend to use Photoshop, where you can easily add a layer that is the hex grid and set how you want to blend it with the map.
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Old 10-27-2018, 04:43 PM   #3
Anaraxes
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

Most laser printers should be able to print onto transparency sheets.

Inkjet is a little more problematic because most inkjets are water-based, which obviously doesn't work well when sprayed on a sheet of plastic. But they do make transparency film specially for use with inkjet printers; see your local office supply store.

Given a printer and transparency, then all you have to do is print a hex grid, perhaps getting a PDF with your favorite sizes, colors, etc from Incompetech. (Now, if we can just talk them into heavier-weight megahex outlines...)
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Old 10-27-2018, 05:08 PM   #4
Skarg
 
Join Date: May 2015
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

I photocopied blank GURPS 1" hex combat maps onto transparencies.
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Old 10-27-2018, 09:51 PM   #5
larsdangly
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

Let me clarify: what I mean is a digital object, suitable for pasting into a graphics program like Illustrator or Powerpoint or whatever, consisting of a hexagonal grid of lines with 'see through' cells.
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Old 10-27-2018, 11:06 PM   #6
Skarg
 
Join Date: May 2015
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

Ok. I don't use those - if I make you a transparent PNG, will that work? Any particular resolution?
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Old 10-30-2018, 01:12 PM   #7
Axly Suregrip
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Durham, NC
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

I do it the other way. I put down a map and cover it with a 3' x 3' sheet of plexiglass. Then use dry erase markers on the plexiglass during play as needed.

Get plexiglass from Home Depot.
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Old 10-30-2018, 02:13 PM   #8
larsdangly
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

thanks everyone; I'm all good now. The specific problem I was trying to solve was overlaying a hex grid on top of the billions of maps I use from Dyson Logos as part of my TFT setting. Most of them are either not gridded or have a square grid, and it helps play during chases, 'exploration' or when setting up for fights if I have an explicit record of how MH's will map onto the base map. Anyway, I found what I needed after a bit more googling.
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Old 10-31-2018, 11:24 PM   #9
Barliman
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

Quote:
Originally Posted by larsdangly View Post
Anyway, I found what I needed after a bit more googling.
Which was...? (He asked free-riding on someone else's Google-fu)
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Old 11-01-2018, 07:52 PM   #10
Ronald
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Default Re: Transparent hex overlay for maps?

My search skills could use some guidance as well.
Not long ago I started with a Google search for "transparent hex-grid overlay" which ended up at DriveThruRPG and an unrelated purchase.
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