Decal authoring checklist

Decals are a separate paint stack from overlays in the map editor and Creator Studio. Uploads preserve native PNG dimensions (passthrough ingest) so any aspect ratio within caps renders predictably on the map.

Overlays vs decals

Overlay — second paint stack; always 256×384 reference → ~683×1024 storage; billboard on the tile.
Decal — third paint stack; native WxH (max 1024 px per side); center/foot anchor billboards above all layers.
Do not upload decal art as overlay (or vice versa) unless you intend that stack in-game.

Native-size rules

Rule	Value
Max dimensions	1024 px width and 1024 px height (each side checked independently)
World sizing	256 px image width = 1 hex flat-to-flat at scale 1.0
Scale	0.25×–8× in the decal toolbox (multi-hex visuals use scale on the anchor hex)
Default anchor	Center (foot available when painting)

Import pipeline

Your file — any PNG/JPEG/WEBP/GIF within size limits.
Studio preview — native aspect (no letterbox to 256×384).
Upload to pack — server stores native PNG; response may include warnings[] (quality only).
Metadata — { "decalIngestVersion": 2, "defaultAnchor": "center" } on the pack item.

Dimensions over 1024 px per side are rejected. Very small sources upload with warnings — re-export larger or raise scale when painting.

Quality recommendations (warnings only)

Long edge < 256px — very soft on the board; re-export at higher resolution when possible.
Long edge < 512px — noticeably soft.
Export larger rather than upscaling tiny art at ingest (we do not invent pixels server-side).

Small sources (e.g. 98×92) still upload — expect softness when zoomed. Use scale to enlarge on the map.

Composition tips

Center anchor — best for ships, towns, and large landmarks; image center sits on the hex center.
Foot anchor — best for grounded props; bottom-center sits on the hex center.
Export sRGB PNG with transparency; avoid JPG for decals.
Paint-test on grass, stone, and water-adjacent tiles before uploading to the pack.

Pack editor / API

Pack item kind: decal (not overlay).
No decalFrame field for new uploads — legacy v1 assets may still use tall/square metadata.
Cap: 50 decals per pack (same collection cap in Studio).

Authoring spec · Creator Studio spec