Head-to-head · Game Level Editors
GridCraft vs LDtk
GridCraft leads on 0 checks, LDtk on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGridCraft · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresGridCraft · 3 of 5
GridCraft scores higher on our rubric for game level editors: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.
GridCraft is the better fit for collaborative teams editing 2D maps. LDtk is the better fit for structured 2D projects with broad engine support.
- GridCraft fits best
Collaborative teams editing 2D maps
- LDtk fits best
Structured 2D projects with broad engine support
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Side by side
| Feature | GridCraft 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | LDtk 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in Game Level Editors | #3 in Game Level Editors |
| Best for | Collaborative teams editing 2D maps | Structured 2D projects with broad engine support |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 17 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features GridCraft 3/5 · LDtk 2/5 | ||
| Tilemap tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Terrain tools | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Entity placement | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prefab or template tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Visual scripting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Level dimensions | 2d | 2d |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | GridCraft is a 2D tile-map editor for game developers who need to create, organize, and share maps across browser and desktop workflows. It supports tile layers, stacked layers, terrain brushes using Wang sets, object layers, custom… Read the review → |
LDtk is a free, open-source desktop level editor for developers building 2D games. Its feature set covers tile-based painting, integer grid data, configurable entities with custom fields, automatic tile rendering, and world organization.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
GridCraft — where it wins
- Real-time collaboration for shared map editing
- Exports to Godot, GameMaker, Defold, LDtk, and more
- GitHub, GitLab, and MCP support in the desktop app
Where it doesn't
- Paid access starts at 19.99
- Offline work and local file access require the desktop app
- Studio collaboration is reserved for the Team plan
LDtk — where it wins
- Free for commercial use with no hidden fee
- Tile, entity, auto-layer, and world-layout tools in one editor
- Documented JSON export with integrations across engines and languages
Where it doesn't
- Focused on 2D level creation rather than 3D production
- Desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Engine workflows may require importers, APIs, or format integration
- GridCraft9.4/10 · Free plan
A capable collaborative map editor with broad exports, but paid plans start at 19.99.
Visit GridCraftFull verdict → - LDtk9.0/10 · Free plan
A capable free editor for structured 2D levels across major engines and desktop platforms.
Visit LDtkFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- GridCraft vs TrenchBroom
- GridCraft vs GtkRadiant
- GridCraft vs Ultimate Doom Builder
- GridCraft vs DarkRadiant
- Tiled vs LDtk
- LDtk vs 2D Tiler
All game level editors comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





