Skip to main content

Trying out the tools

An orientation to Boardssey's 15 small tools, what they're for, where they live, and where to start.

Boardssey ships with 15 small tools that designers use every day, the things that would otherwise have you opening a different app mid-session. This page is a quick orientation: where the tools live, how they're grouped, and which ones to try first.

For each tool's full walkthrough, see its dedicated article in the Tools collection.

What this page helps you do

  • Find the Tools area in the sidebar.

  • Understand the four tool categories.

  • Pick one or two tools to try first.


Where the tools live

In the sidebar, click Tools. You see a grid of every tool, grouped by category. Click any tool to open it, each is a self-contained mini-app.

Filter the list by category at the top: Pre-production, Playtesting, Prototyping, Designing.

All Game Dev tools are included on every plan (Adventurer, Pathfinder, Oracle). The two gated features (Whiteboard, Sell Sheet Designer) are not in the Tools area, those are full features in their own right and require Pathfinder or higher.


The four categories

Pre-production

Tools that turn finished design into manufacturer-ready output.

Playtesting

Session helpers for the table.

Prototyping

Tools for getting prototype components into testers' hands.

Designing

Design-time analytical tools.


Where to start

Pick the tool that matches what's in front of you right now:

You don't need to use all 15 tools. Most designers use 4–6 regularly and treat the rest as occasional helpers.


Tips & common questions

Some tools share categories. Yes. Color Blindness Simulator, Size & Scale Reference, Rounded Corners, and Dieline Generator each appear in two categories because they're useful at more than one stage. The article is the same; you find it under whichever category matches your situation.

Can I pin my favorite tools? The Tools area has a pin/favorites feature so your most-used tools sit at the top. Pin via the icon on each tool card.

Are there more tools coming? Yes, we add tools regularly based on what designers ask for. Check the monthly What's new for additions.

Why aren't AI / Card Designer tools listed? AI Tools and the Card / Component Designer are bigger features than "small tools," so they live in their own areas. As they ship, they'll get their own articles.

Related articles

Did this answer your question?