Chitmunk vs nanDECK
Chitmunk and nanDECK are both card designers, but they're built for different people. nanDECK is a free, Windows-only desktop tool driven by a custom scripting language — powerful in the hands of someone who enjoys writing code to lay out a card. Chitmunk is a visual, browser-based editor for designers who want their spreadsheet to drive an entire deck without learning a syntax. Same goal, two very different workflows.
| Feature | Chitmunk | nanDECK |
|---|---|---|
| Browser-based (no install) | Yes | No — Windows desktop only |
| CSV data merge | Yes — visual {{column}} binding | Yes — script-based |
| AI card art (in-editor) | Yes — Acorn Cauldron | No |
| Print-ready PDF (CMYK + crop marks) | Yes (Rare / Epic) | Yes — CMYK PDF via SAVEPDF + crop marks via GAP |
| Tabletop Simulator export | Yes (Rare / Epic) | Yes — direct TTS export (Export → TTS) since v1.29 |
| TheGameCrafter direct upload | Yes (Rare / Epic) | No |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes (Epic) | No |
| Virtual playtest simulator | Yes | No |
| 200+ component sizes | Yes | Any size you script; no curated catalogue |
| 170+ starter templates | Yes | Ships sample templates for TGC, Printer's Studio, Artscow; rest are community |
| 39 component generators (hex grids, tracks, etc.) | Yes | Anything you can script; no packaged generators |
| Free tier | Yes — all design tools free | Yes — free desktop tool |
When to pick nanDECK
- You're comfortable writing scripts and you want pixel-perfect, programmatic control over every card.
- You're on Windows, you don't need cloud collaboration, and you like keeping everything local on disk.
- You've already invested years into your nanDECK scripts and the workflow fits your brain.
- You don't need AI art, virtual playtesting, or direct upload to TheGameCrafter.
When to pick Chitmunk
- You'd rather drag a CSV onto a canvas than write
card[1-54]in a script editor. - You work on a Mac, Chromebook, Linux box, or you switch machines often — Chitmunk runs anywhere there's a browser.
- You want AI card art generated next to your card while you work, not pasted in from another tool.
- You want to playtest your prototype on a virtual tabletop without rebuilding it in Tabletop Simulator.
- You want to upload your finished deck to TheGameCrafter with one button instead of exporting and re-uploading manually.
- You're co-designing with someone and want to edit the same file at the same time.
{{Column Name}} placeholders inside the visual editor. You don't have to re-enter a single row.
Frequently asked
Can I import my existing nanDECK CSV into Chitmunk?
Yes. Chitmunk reads standard CSV files, so the same spreadsheet you use with nanDECK works here. Drop it on the canvas, type {{Column Name}} inside any text element, and Chitmunk generates one card per row.
Do I need to learn a scripting language to use Chitmunk?
No. Chitmunk is visual. Drag text, images, and shapes onto a canvas, bind columns by clicking, and toggle conditional visibility from a dropdown. There is no script syntax to memorize.
Does Chitmunk run on Mac, Linux, or Chromebook?
Yes. Chitmunk runs in any modern browser on any operating system. There is no installer. nanDECK is Windows-only.
Is Chitmunk free like nanDECK?
The full visual editor, CSV merge, 170+ templates, 39 generators, and home-resolution export are free to try. Print-ready 300 DPI export, AI card art, and team collaboration are on the paid Rare and Epic plans.