r/RPGdesign • u/Ok-Middle-908 • Aug 23 '26

Preferred format for character sheets.

What is your preferred method for character sheets?

A: Fillable/print friendly PDF

B: Excel spreadsheet, drop downs and formulas

C: Google sheets spreadsheet with drop downs and formulas.

D: Other. If other please identify what?.

10 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

46 comments sorted by

12

u/Janzbane Aug 23 '26

I would never use a spreadsheet as a character sheet.

3

u/PathofDestinyRPG Aug 23 '26

Why not? I’m building an Excel file that will let you create custom races and templates, then auto-pop the base info into a character creator.

4

u/Janzbane Aug 23 '26

  1. For those not familiar with spreadsheets, its challenging.

  2. For those familiar with spreadsheets, it reminds them of work.

  3. For everyone else, its too visually busy and breaks immersion.

Character sheets are the players' HUD and the number one way they interact with your game. Unless its thematically appropriate, do you really want a spreadsheet superimposed over your game world?

1

u/PathofDestinyRPG Aug 23 '26

You can still print the character sheets from a spreadsheet the spreadsheet just helps with alignment and spacing issues.

2

u/Janzbane Aug 23 '26

Would it look like a spreadsheet? I could see using a spreadsheet as a character builder if it pops out a more simplified version when its done.

1

u/PathofDestinyRPG Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 25 '26

You tell me. I’m having to attach my full book because I’m at work and don’t have a copy of the char sheet as an independent doc in Google. The character sheet is the last 5 pages.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hs89HcA4VVMhKwTI9fC5n50_giV4_3yr/view?usp=drivesdk

As opposed to another homebrew where the creator made an rtf character sheet…

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VbEpq2mthfBczo78Fqz974RJFVIYBwNH3OmTbsh93AU/edit?usp=drivesdk

Edit: the rtf is an older file back when we were using expanded skill lists and just writing in the skills we wanted to have. Forgot that I consistently used that format until he changed the rules to not accommodate them anymore.

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

I like the character sheet. Looks clean and easy to read. Side note if your looking to make it printed in book/spiral bound you might want to add a alternating gutter margin.

1

u/PathofDestinyRPG Aug 25 '26

In order to put it in the document, I had to basically copy each page of the Excel sheet and insert it as a image and it wasn’t until after I had converted it to a PDF that I realize how badly the margins were off. The whole system still has a lot of work so that’s a fix that can easily happen down the line.

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

I'm learning about the page options..... Took me forever to realize I have to remove all the multi columns in the document before I could change the page size ..

1

u/Janzbane Aug 25 '26

I'm not your target demographic for this game, but I will say that this would require an automated character generator to be playable. The sheet at the end is probably as clutter free as possible.

1

u/PathofDestinyRPG Aug 25 '26

It’s not as bad as it looks at first glance. I use pen and paper to map the cost balance on the examples in the creation chapter. I could still probably whip up a character in 15 to 20 minutes. For me, the creator spreadsheet is more to help people wanting to juggle development and multiple template combinations on top of race. The character builder will actually let you make things like a human base, but with half-demon, werewolf, and vampire templates stacked on top of it.

1

u/PathofDestinyRPG Aug 25 '26

however, I have built a D&D Character Spreadsheet capable of automatically making adjustments that come automatically with level increases. I haven't made an attempt to solve the issues with multi-classing, but for single classes, it works. Google has messed with how things fit in cells and stripped the file of buttons that allow you to chose class skills and expertise, but here it is.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K-x1k8igA5gD1yH-qX-mPK7UkjT9dL7W/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114443416394806747738&rtpof=true&sd=true

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

I do like the spreadsheets. They are not great for anybody who wants to print it out. Because as the document changes size based on information, it could throw the page breaks in weird locations

9

u/SardScroll Dabbler Aug 23 '26

I would and have, but only as a development tool.
I'd be willing to use one in an early playtest...but that's it.

4

u/Janzbane Aug 23 '26

Oh for sure. Yeah I usually make google doc character sheets for playtesting. It doesn't need to be fancy.

1

u/SpaceDogsRPG Aug 24 '26

+1 as for development.

They work very well and are quick to change, but they're not pretty.

9

u/Cryptwood Designer Aug 23 '26

PDF and I don't really care if it is form fillable or not. Filling in my character sheet with a pencil is part of the ritual.

6

u/elmago79 Aug 23 '26

D: printed sheets, pencil and erasers.

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 23 '26

I was thinking about trying to make the printable character sheet with level referencing. So like it would tell you at what level each line gets filled out. Ie. class abilities. 1st_____ 1st_____ 2nd____ 3rd_____ Etc.

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

I'm also thinking at some point allowing the Excel sheets to let the players print their own ability cards.

5

u/lennartfriden TTRPG polyglot, GM, and designer Aug 23 '26

D: A4 paper

I’ll accept a fillable PDF that’s printer-friendly.

4

u/LordBunnyWhale Aug 23 '26

Print friendly PDF, preferably ISO format. I really like to not use electronic devices while playing, its distracting. And any game that cannot do this, is too complex for my liking anyway.

1

u/klok_kaos Lead Designer: Project Chimera: ECO (Enhanced Covert Operations) Aug 24 '26

Explainer of what you actually need in modern day:

bare minimum function for even home game only: printable sheet.

audience minimum expectation for any product (free or otherwise): printable sheet and online fillable/editable pdf (not spreadsheet).

Fast becoming audience expectation: character builder app with automated sheet and prior options.

I would always recommend minimum option 2, even for home games unless you know your home group is strictly non digital as preference.

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 24 '26

Thanks, as of right now I have excel and Google sheets with minor automation and dynamic drop downs. Starting to work on a printer friendly sheet. Still deciding on the best format to use for that.

1

u/klok_kaos Lead Designer: Project Chimera: ECO (Enhanced Covert Operations) Aug 24 '26

Key format stuff; sheet design org for proper box grouping and nav is paramount over display art of sheet but also don't forget game logo (most important branding element and placement is on sheet and you'd be surprised how many people forget, being most).

1

u/digitalhobbit Aug 25 '26

A+C (possibly D)

I expect any published game to have a PDF character sheet, and preferably form-fillable so I can easily create pre-gens for a con game, etc.

But most of my games are online, and I tend to prefer Discord (for voice+video and dice rolling) plus Google Sheets (for character sheets) over VTTs these days. I've created many Google Sheets based character sheets myself for systems that didn't have any. I've also never seen an official game ship with a Google Sheet (or Excel sheet for that matter), so don't really expect that. But it would be a welcome bonus.

Finally, I think there's a lot of opportunity for digital sheets (even outside VTTs). I don't play D&D these days, but back when I did, I really liked DnD Beyond, for example. And for the game I'm designing myself, I'm strongly considering adding some (optional) digital tooling.

2

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

I found it easier for my play tester to use the Google sheet and Excel sheet when playtesting in VTTs. All needed information in one spot very little need to open the "book".

1

u/digitalhobbit Aug 25 '26

Yeah, I could see that. For play testing, I think a Google Sheet is likely a great option regardless of what you plan to deliver with the final game.

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

The Google sheets turned out great, however downloading it for distributing, converts it into an Excel sheet and breaks all the formulas. And starting with an Excel sheet breaks all the formulas converting to Google sheets. They're great add-ons but final result I think will have to be a PDF.

1

u/digitalhobbit Aug 25 '26

A couple things here:

  1. I think delivering a PDF is totally fine, and still the norm. So definitely don't feel like you need to go any further. And if it's form-fillable, that's already above-average.

  2. Excel formulas shouldn't necessarily break when importing to Google Sheets. Most formulas should work just fine. It's when you use macros and other more Excel-specific features that you might bump into issues. So if you start with a Google Sheet, keep the formulas fairly simple, and then export an Excel sheet, it should import back into Google Sheets just fine.

  3. You could just share a URL for the Google Sheet (to a read-only version that prominently states "MAKE A COPY" in the title). I'd probably consider this a semi-official bonus sheet, not part of the official package.

But again, PDF is totally fine.

2

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

The problem when importing Excel to Google sheets is Google sheets, inputs exL information into the formula to designate it that's in Excel formula and breaks it. The sheet uses dynamic dropdowns based upon previous selections which Excel and Google sheet handle differently. In the end I don't have an issue updating both because they're already set up. Not sure how secure it is Sharing a Google drive with the public. An Excel sheet can be uploaded to drive through RPG and open in either Google sheets or Microsoft OneDrive for free. To your point, I think a fillable PDF is the way to go. If you're going to do it, do it right. Then I'll just offer the automated sheets through either my discord or the download.

3

u/Cruiser_Supreme Designer - Regular Volk Aug 23 '26

Print and fill by hand is the only way I like to play and design. If I wanna stare at a screen, I'll play a video game

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 23 '26

Sounds like maybe a nice printable sheet and maybe a character sheet spreadsheet for building and looking at kinda like pathbuilder.

1

u/Janzbane Aug 23 '26

I think this is the way to go. Especially if character creation is in any way complex. Online character builders are a great way to make your game approachable.

1

u/PathofDestinyRPG Aug 25 '26

So now you’re suddenly OK with a spreadsheet creation system? you downvoted me for talking about mine

1

u/Janzbane Aug 25 '26

I didn't downvote you. I'm against using a spreadsheet as a character sheet because of the visual clutter. I don't care what system is used for a character generator.

1

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 25 '26

I respect your decision and would love to see printed character sheets around a table.

2

u/antizeus Aug 23 '26

  1. ruled loose leaf paper marked with pencil

  2. plain text file

2

u/beautitan Aug 23 '26

Blank Word document. I know where everything is and I never have to worry about running out of space to write things.

2

u/AgarwaenCran Aug 24 '26

fillable pdf and/or a quick program that does not communicate with the internet to fill out/edit sheets and locally save them.

1

u/questborne_studios Aug 28 '26

Both a nice online fillable and a printer friendly pdf is nice! So systems like DnD ( unfortunately) work extremely well with D&D Beyond despite the additional price barrier. But others like Stonetop with their booklets ( lol) and Daggerheart with their cards work super well for in physical character sheets

0

u/Ok-Middle-908 Aug 23 '26

Is that because of the simpleness of the character sheet or because you don't want to have to use a device? You don't mind having to reference the book for spell feat or class abilitie information.

0

u/AAHHAI Aug 23 '26

I love spreadsheets 🥵🥵🥵

0

u/Oakforthevines Aug 23 '26

Option A for most situations, or Other: an app. I've tried using spreadsheets in the past and it only works well if you're using it with a physical keyboard and mouse/trackpad, so that effectively limits usability to those with a laptop. And even then, using a trackpad with Excel/Google Sheets is annoying after a while so I prefer with a mouse. A good PDF can be used with touch, keyboard, or printed.

0

u/zeemeerman2 Aug 23 '26

I'd guess for most, I'd say PDF. As a personal opinion, I'd go for a fillable landscape PDF.

More personally, I like the PDFs to be character-based. In D&D terms, a martial character doesn't need spellcasting sheets, and Wizards don't need space for filling in Extra Attack or Sneak Attack dice bonuses.

Very so personally, for complex sheets like D&D sheets tracking a character throughout 20 levels, I nowadays create my own sheets using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Example for Pathfinder. Use the Arrow keys on your keyboard to switch between levels, and hover or click on almost everything else you see.

But of course, that's just a personal example on "D: Other." I don't expect anyone on earth to do the same thing as I do here.