Adding images to your WorldPainter map

WorldPainter lets you import image files and paint them directly onto your terrain. You load an image file, set its size and position on the map, and then use the Brush tool to paint it onto the landscape. The process takes a few minutes once you understand the steps, and it works with PNG, JPG, and other common image formats.

The most common reason to do this is to recreate real-world terrain from satellite photos or to transfer a hand-drawn map design into your world. You can also use images as a reference layer while you build, keeping them visible but not painted into the final map.

Key Takeaways

  • Import an image through the File menu, then resize and position it on your map canvas before painting it.
  • The Brush tool with the image selected lets you paint the image onto terrain at whatever opacity and size you choose.
  • You can keep an image as a reference layer without painting it, or delete it after you finish using it as a guide.
  • Satellite photos and hand-drawn maps work best when they match your map's dimensions or you resize them to fit your planned terrain area.

Importing an image file into WorldPainter

Open WorldPainter and load the map you want to add the image to. Go to the File menu at the top and select "Import" or "Import Image" — the exact wording depends on your WorldPainter version. A file browser window opens. Navigate to the image file on your computer and select it, then click Open.

WorldPainter places the image on your map at its default size, usually centered. The image appears as a layer you can see and move. If the image is much larger or smaller than your map, it may look distorted or tiny at first — you will resize it in the next step.

Resizing and positioning the image on your map

Once the image is imported, you need to scale it to fit the area where you want to paint it. Look for the image layer in the Layers panel on the right side of the screen. Right-click the image layer and select "Transform" or look for resize handles around the image itself on the canvas.

Drag the corners of the image to make it larger or smaller. Drag the center to move it to a different location on your map. If you want the image to cover your entire map, stretch it until it fills the canvas. If you only want to paint part of your terrain with it, position and size it to cover just that area. You can also rotate the image if needed by looking for a rotation handle or option in the Transform menu.

Painting the image onto your terrain

Select the Brush tool from the toolbar on the left. Make sure the image layer is selected in the Layers panel — it should be highlighted. Now when you click and drag on the map canvas, you paint the image onto the terrain. The brush paints whatever part of the image is under your cursor.

Adjust the brush size using the Size slider in the tool options. A larger brush paints more of the image at once. Lower the Opacity slider if you want the image to blend with existing terrain rather than completely replace it. Paint over the areas where you want the image to appear. You can paint multiple times over the same area to build up the image gradually or paint it all at once with a large brush.

Using an image as a reference without painting it

If you want to keep an image visible while you build terrain by hand, you do not have to paint it. Instead, lower the image layer's opacity so you can see through it to the terrain below. In the Layers panel, find the Opacity slider for the image layer and drag it to around 30 to 50 percent.

Now you can see both the image and your terrain at the same time. Use the terrain tools to sculpt and paint your world while following the image as a guide. When you are done, you can delete the image layer by right-clicking it and selecting Delete, or leave it in place if you want to keep it for reference.

Fixing common image import problems

If your image appears stretched or distorted, the dimensions do not match your map. Resize the image layer to match your map's aspect ratio — if your map is square, make the image square. If your map is rectangular, stretch the image to match that shape. You can also crop the image before importing it so it matches your intended terrain area.

If the image is too dark or too light to see clearly while painting, adjust the Opacity or Brightness settings in the Layers panel. If the image does not paint smoothly or leaves gaps, increase your brush size or lower the brush hardness so the edges blend better. If you imported the wrong image, right-click the layer and select Delete, then import the correct one.

Preparing images before you import them

Satellite photos work well for terrain because they show elevation and vegetation patterns. read them from Google Earth, Bing Maps, or similar services. Crop the photo to the area you want to use and save it as a PNG or JPG file on your computer.

Hand-drawn maps should be scanned or photographed at high resolution and saved as an image file. Make sure the drawing is clear and has good contrast so the details show up when you paint. If your hand-drawn map has a white background, you may want to increase the contrast in an image editor before importing so the lines are darker and easier to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import multiple images at once?

Yes. Import each image separately through the File menu. Each one becomes its own layer in the Layers panel. You can resize, position, and paint each one independently. This is useful if you want to combine several satellite photos or reference images into one map.

What image file types does WorldPainter accept?

WorldPainter supports PNG, JPG, BMP, and GIF files. PNG is usually the best choice because it preserves detail without compression loss. JPG works well for satellite photos. Avoid very large files — if your image is over 10 megabytes, resize it in an image editor first to keep WorldPainter running smoothly.

How do I undo painting if I make a mistake?

Use Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo your last brush stroke. You can undo multiple times to go back several steps. If you want to start over with the image, delete the layer and import it again.

Can I paint the same image in different places on my map?

Yes. Paint with the image layer selected as many times as you want in different locations. You can also duplicate the image layer, move the copy to a different position, and paint with both versions. Right-click the image layer and select Duplicate to create a copy.

What happens to the image when I export my map?

The painted image becomes part of your terrain and exports normally. The image layer itself does not export — only the terrain you painted with it. If you want to keep the original image layer for editing later, save your WorldPainter project file before exporting.