Learn how to convert FCW vector files to the more open and versatile SVG format, unlocking greater accessibility and flexibility for your maps and projects.

Recently, I published on GitHub a vector graphic converter from FCW to SVG. It allows the transformation of files from the inconvenient binary FCW format used by Campaign Cartographer (a tool for creating maps for role-playing games) into a more universal and widely supported SVG format.

This is especially useful for those who want to view or edit such maps, like the Forgotten Realms Interactive Atlas (1999), in modern vector graphic editors. The original code of the program wasn’t written by me; I merely compiled it and packaged it into a single executable file for ease of use. If you have programming skills in Java, you can explore the converter’s source code here: CartographerSVG.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the FCW to SVG Converter:

  1. Ensure you have the latest version of Java installed.
  2. Download the fcw-to-svg-converter.jar file from the FCW to SVG Converter repository.
  3. Depending on your operating system, find the appropriate program to run commands (Command Prompt in Windows or Terminal in Linux and macOS).
  4. Use the cd command to navigate to the folder containing the converter’s executable file.
  5. Run the conversion command: 
     java -jar fcw-to-svg-converter.jar file-to-convert.fcw

    Replace file-to-convert.fcw with the name of your input file.

  6. After executing the command, a file with the .svg extension will appear in the same directory. Make sure that all elements of the original map were correctly transformed.