Chitmunk vs Component Studio
Chitmunk and Component Studio are both card designers, but they're built for different people. Component Studio is TheGameCrafter's in-house editor — tightly tied to TGC's component catalogue and a great fit if you already know you're printing with TGC and don't need much beyond a card layout tool. Chitmunk is a broader, CSV-driven design ecosystem that uploads to TheGameCrafter when you're ready, and also exports Tabletop Simulator files, print-at-home PDFs, and standalone files for any other printer.
| Feature | Chitmunk | Component Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Browser-based (no install) | Yes | Yes |
| CSV data merge ({{column}} bindings) | Yes — full template syntax + image bindings + conditional visibility | Yes — {{ row.column }} bindings with conditionals + Google Sheets import |
| AI card art (in-editor) | Yes — Acorn Cauldron | No |
| Print-ready PDF (CMYK + crop marks) | Yes (Rare / Epic) | Print & Play PDF with cut lines; color profile not documented |
| Tabletop Simulator export | Yes (Rare / Epic) | Yes — TTS image-grid exporter built in |
| TheGameCrafter direct upload | Yes (Rare / Epic) | Yes — native (same company) |
| Works with non-TGC printers | Yes — standard PDFs work with MPC, DriveThruCards, local shops | Yes — ZIP of PNGs + Print & Play PDF work with any printer |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes (Epic) | Project sharing; concurrent editing not advertised |
| Virtual playtest simulator | Yes | No |
| 200+ component sizes | Yes | Yes — full TGC catalogue |
| 170+ starter templates | Yes | Has a template gallery; size not publicly stated |
| 39 component generators (hex grids, tracks, etc.) | Yes | No |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
When to pick Component Studio
- You're 100% sure you're printing with TheGameCrafter and you want a tool made by the same team that prints your cards.
- You want to stay inside the TGC ecosystem end-to-end, with no separate accounts or upload steps.
- Your project is a single card layout and you don't need CSV-driven decks or AI art.
- You like that the component sizes are guaranteed to match TGC's print catalogue exactly.
When to pick Chitmunk
- You want your spreadsheet to drive the deck —
{{Card Name}},{{Cost}},{{Attack}}merged into one template, every card built automatically. - You want AI card art generated next to your card while you work, with credits included on every paid plan.
- You want to playtest on a virtual tabletop and export to Tabletop Simulator without rebuilding the deck.
- You want the option to print with TheGameCrafter, MakePlayingCards, DriveThruCards, or a local shop — one project file, multiple destinations.
- You want 39 ready-made generators for hex grids, tech trees, score tracks, and other game-piece patterns instead of drawing them by hand.
- You're co-designing with someone and want to edit the same project at the same time.
Frequently asked
Does Chitmunk work with TheGameCrafter?
Yes. Chitmunk has direct upload to TheGameCrafter on Rare and Epic plans. One button splits your decks, maps each card type to the right TGC component, applies bleed, and pushes the files into a new TGC project.
Can I print somewhere other than TheGameCrafter?
Yes. Chitmunk exports standard PDFs with crop marks at 300 DPI, plus Tabletop Simulator spritesheets and print-at-home 9-up sheets. The same project file works with MakePlayingCards, DriveThruCards, or your local print shop.
Does Chitmunk merge data from a spreadsheet?
Yes. Drop a CSV onto the canvas, type {{Column Name}} inside any text element, and Chitmunk generates one card per row. Image bindings and conditional visibility work the same way. The same template handles 12 cards or 500.
Can I generate card art with AI in Chitmunk?
Yes. The Acorn Cauldron generates print-quality card art directly in the editor. Common tier includes 10 credits to try it; Rare includes 100 credits per month and Epic includes 500.