# Calamus — user reviews

> 40 indexed App Store user reviews of Calamus by TrapStreet Studios, rated 3.34/5 from 82 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calamus/id1457518364/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calamus/id1457518364.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 27 · 4★ 16 · 3★ 14 · 2★ 8 · 1★ 17

## Newest reviews (13 of 40)

### 3/5 — It’s okay but…

*2023-12-11, version 2.68.400*

If your looking for an easy map maker to throw some maps together this is perfect, but since the “free mode” it has gone downhill, there are things locked that shouldn’t be, torches, bookshelves, a lot of the plants. the wall selection is…. Bad, it only has cobblestone, wood, and brick (locked without subscription), and the floors are okay, there’s plenty of options, except you can’t use the dock without a subscription, even tho I’ve used it before, and where are the desert themed items, you have tomb things but not anything related to the most notable tombs ever? And no steering wheel or crows nest without paying, I know you need to get money to keep your app running but I would much rather watch an add every 30 mins than try to fight with not having a steering wheel or torches in my pirate ship, and don’t even get me started on logging in, I like the concept or having a rune password, but once I put it in it shouldn’t freeze and not let me in, and final thing, when I save a map that has water, when I go in to crop it to make print it on to pages, the water turns a light blue instead of the color I need, if you could fix these problems  this game could easily rival any map making software

### 2/5 — Fix your app

*2023-04-09, version 2.61.400*

I downloaded this app yesterday and played around with it, I need a way to make maps for my d&d campaign's with friends so I downloaded this app to hopefully make it easier. I will say it's a lot easier than some websites I have visited (probably because I am on mobile) but my problem with it is that every couple of second this app makes me re-type my password, sometimes I can't even place a couple tiles because right after I typed my password it asked me to again, I checked the reviews to see if this was a problem for other people and sure enough it was. The developers reached out to them and told them they would fix the problem but that was 3 year's ago, it's not quirky and unique to give us a runes password if you make us typenit in every 2 second's, I mean it seems like the whole point of the game isn't the maps it's just your password. If you like sliding your finger across the screen a lot of times in a minutes this is the app for you.

### 2/5 — download issues and support issues

*2022-03-08, version 2.50.410*

ive been having issues downloading maps, i have reached out to support multiple time including uninstalling and reinstalling and no solution. support has been no help and wont reply and at this point it isnt even worth it as much as i was enjoying it.

### 3/5 — Buggy with decent tile selection

*2022-01-15, version 2.50.410*

The art is nice, and the concept is great, but the app contains bugs. After a few minutes of placing tiles, the program would seem to freeze; closing and reopening the app shows that it had continued placing tiles without showing me. Since the map is saved with every tile you place, there’s not much worry about losing loads of progress all at once, but it’s pretty inconvenient. The selection is decent, but I wouldn’t pay money for it after the 7-day trial ends. My recommendation is Dungeon Painter Studio on Steam if you’re not bound to an Apple device. It functions in the same way as this program, but has way more tools and choices. Plus, it’s not subscription-based.

### 3/5 — Login Issue

*2021-10-10, version 2.50.410*

I used to have a subscription but canceled when my I took a break from the app now that I'm logging back in won't let me do anything unless I buy the subscription again.

### 2/5 — Doesn’t work

*2021-07-24, version 2.50.410*

I really wanted to like this but it just doesn’t work. It doesn’t seem like you can pinch and pull to look at the map from different zoom perspectives. The erase button is in a completely different menu area. I keep trying to go to the settings (gear) icon but instead it takes me to a subscription ad that I can’t navigate away from. 

Theres a forced password system for some reason. Who needs to hide their dnd maps that much?! You’re locked out if dial away from the app for “too long”. I think the design would work on PC where there is a larger viewing area, but it just doesn’t work at all for iphone because it’s not designed with the user in mind + how people use their phones.

Cute interface and you could tell a storyteller made it, but it needs to put effectiveness over artistry. Put all the gear and runes stuff into another app and simply just make this one work.

### 3/5 — wonderful, but..

*2021-07-06, version 2.50.410*

i can make maps quickly and on the go w this! however, i’m having an issue where the map won’t save properly, tiles go missing randomly :(

### 1/5 — *sigh*

*2020-08-14, version 2.45.401*

I can’t even get into the app. Whenever I sign in and put in the runs, I wait two hours until I get kicked out, can you help me?

### 1/5 — Forced sign up

*2020-08-06, version 2.45.401*

When I downloaded the app I had many of my maps on it and played it for a long time and loved it, but after a month of it being idle I got back on and signed in and found out that it had forced me to be signed up for the subscription which I did not want and I could not use the app anymore. Please fix this and I may use it again.

### 3/5 — Like it, but have some issues

*2020-08-05, version 2.45.401*

I basically just downloaded this to make maps, and so far I really like it a lot. I love the art style used for everything and after playing around with it to make a basic map, it’s easy to use after you get the hang of the weird menu layout.

Now on the the issues I have with it. While there is an okay selection of things to chose from, as I was able to create a tavern with what was on hand. It still felt rather limiting with what was offered. I would like to see a bit more verity with this. I want to be able to make underdark maps and there is a bit to be able to make them like lava, crystals, and chasms.... but no fungi? That is a main staple of the underdark. So that really bummed me out as it’s more work on my part to incorporate them into the maps I’ve spent a lot of time trying to make.

The biggest gripe I have with this is, how do you download saved maps? There’s no way to save them to a device of any type. I want to be able to save my maps with out having to screenshot them and have to edit them just to get a whole map. Unless that is something you get with the subscription. I don’t know as I just downloaded it.

I’d be willing to pay for a subscription, only if there was much more of a verity of items to chose form and you could save your maps to a device.

### 2/5 — I payed

*2020-07-20, version 2.45.401*

I payed for the app and now it’s asking for an subscribtion

### 3/5 — Ok... but

*2020-07-15, version 2.45.401*

It a good app, I was able to make what I wanted and with ease, but I don’t understand why someone would make a free app, then add a subscription service to use it. When I first got the app I thought it was gonna be fun to be able to build maps for my campaign, but after the 7 day trial I was disappointed in having to pay to use it again.

### 1/5 — Too Complicated

*2020-06-24, version 2.43.403*

I want to use this app, but I can’t get into it. The app cleverly forgets that you logged in once before. It then has a ridiculous sign in process that’s really too much. I have hundreds of passwords that I try to keep track of, but this app ain’t one of them. Just make it integrate with a password app so I can log in without so much trouble.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Disappointing

*2025-12-06, version 2.70.401*

I’ve really wanted a Map Maker for iOS for designing maps, and this app looked really promising. It has nice icons and looks really pretty. It wasn’t too difficult to start making maps… but then I made a mistake. It is so difficult to correct a mistake (there is no undo option??) its clunky with apple pencil, its missing assests like columns even with a subscription. I wasted an hour trying to make a map that I had to keep restarting because the walls would erase when I was trying to remove an object. I don’t reccomend this app

### 1/5 — Beware Unable to cancel my subscription

*2024-12-28, version 2.70.401*

I’ve been wanting to cancel my subscription for some time now. The app appears to intentionally prevent that. I went under options and clicked on manage subscriptions. This takes you to their website, which is fine. However the link takes you to an about us type of section that has nothing to do with your subscriptions. Furthermore nowhere on the website was I able to find anything remotely close to managing subscriptions. It is also not listed in the apple subscriptions. So beware that you may have this issue. I just reached out to apple to look into this. Canceling a subscription should not be that difficult to do. Which is why this feels intentional.

### 1/5 — Pop up won’t stop

*2023-03-07, version 2.61.400*

I literally can’t do anything because these stupid pop ups keep happening. It’s the same few pop ups over and over and it’s ridiculous.
Don’t bother with this app.

### 1/5 — Subscription???

*2022-08-28, version 2.57.400*

Seems like a great app but the big problem is after a trail period it becomes subscription based. Sorry but for what this is it’s not worth that much money lol.

### 1/5 — Broken

*2022-04-24, version 2.53.400*

Rune swipe password doesn’t feel convenient or secure, and must be entered quickly which is not helpful or accessible.  App crashes as soon as I got to the menu and tried to click something.  Interface has broken text formatting with words crammed overlapping on other words.

### 1/5 — Simply doesn’t work

*2022-01-30, version 2.50.410*

I don’t really write reviews, but this game was so disappointing I had to share. 

The passcode idea is cool, but the tabs do not work. No matter how much I tap the icons, they don’t budge.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t Work

*2021-06-16, version 2.50.410*

Downloaded the app and it never loads in. Just keeps spinning the sand timer.

### 1/5 — Looked promising

*2021-06-15, version 2.50.410*

From the screen grabs, and pictures I’ve seen, as well as the finished maps it looks like a very cool app. But I had it for a few days and it would never stop loading. Never got to do much of anything. So I got rid of it.

### 1/5 — Non functional

*2021-05-31, version 2.50.405*

Never makes it past the original loading screen.

### 1/5 — Monetization Model Kills It

*2021-01-18, version 2.47.400*

If you play every weekend, at the least, without fail — then a subscription might make sense.  If you’re an adult with things like a job and family, then the crazy-chaotic mess that is today’s world means you’d pay every month for something you won’t use.  That makes it a waste of money for the majority of its market, and eliminates the app as a viable candidate, altogether.  

A one time price is a must for this kind of app.  Granted, decent map makers are rare.  Even more so, anything like a usable VTT, especially on mobile.  But just because you’re the only store in town, it doesn’t mean you get a blank check.  People just go to the next town.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Well worth the cost

*2025-09-27, version 2.70.401*

Let me preface this by saying I don’t leave reviews. I’m not even involved in social media nor have I ever been - in my opinion it only serves to cut out the human element. With that out of the way let me begin. 
	I’ve been playing AD&D for over 30 years and I’ve explored most of the relevant apps out there. Hands down, this one is, in my opinion, one of the best. As far as the complaints regarding the implementation of subscriptions, people don’t stop to think about the time and effort the developers put into maintaining the app. Yes, the options available in the free version are limited but nowadays that’s the norm. In this case, a 1-year subscription costs $29.99 which works out to be less than $3.00/month. 
	That being said, if you are someone who looks to create your own scenarios and battle maps, the variety of unlocked content made available makes it well worth the cost. If you are someone who prefers spending less time customizing, you have the option to create randomly generated rooms. It just depends on how much time you choose to spend creating your map. I will say I felt there was a small learning curve to figuring out some of the mechanics but it didn’t take long to grasp.
	As far as any complaints about customer service, the negative reviews couldn’t be further from the truth. I had a complication regarding my subscription so obviously I contacted the developers. I received a response and resolution to the issue in less than 24 hours. The way I see it, you can’t ask for better customer service - especially in this day and age. 5 out of 5 stars and deservedly earned.

### 5/5 — Great for dnd and fast to fix

*2022-10-15, version 2.58.400*

I had a bug and they were able to repair it and give me a new download in less than three hours. Great art for map making. Great customer service!

### 5/5 — No subscription

*2020-11-08, version 2.47.400*

I’m a person that doesn’t like app purchases/subscriptions but otherwise 5 stars :)

### 5/5 — Love it with only a small problem

*2020-08-15, version 2.45.401*

I found this app and it was just what i was looking for. Unfortunately none of my players have been able to use the app and when i tried as well it won’t work. When creating a new account after entering a password it seems to load endlessly.

### 5/5 — Great start

*2020-05-21, version 2.42.410*

Please, add more content. This is great!

### 5/5 — This is just EXCELLENT!

*2020-01-18, version 2.38.400*

GOOD JOB!

### 5/5 — Great map app

*2020-01-17, version 2.38.400*

I have been using this app, while DM’ing for a D&D 5e group, for a while now. I have found that it is very easy to create a map, with a wide variety of terrain and objects to place or just a simple floor plan. 

There is definitely a variety of ways to use this app while DM’ing. (I have only used it on an iPhone and iPad) The way I have used it at my table, is that I create a map before hand and during the session I have a dungeon, tavern, boss lair or campsite all mapped out and ready to use. If I need to draw it onto a dry wipe battle map, I already have the battle mapped to scale (with objects and obstacles) without having to keep changing it at the table. 

More specifically, it helped with a church battle we had at our table. I could describe dimensions while they walked through the church and then quickly drew it out when it became a fight, with little interruptions to our session. I was able to position the alter, pews, enemies, and potential traps and secret doors. It was very helpful and great fun showing the PC’s after the session, minus the things they didn’t see. 

Overall. I think it’s a great app. I enjoy using it, it’s very simple and each map I’ve created has felt different.

### 5/5 — Great App for TTG

*2020-01-16, version 2.38.400*

Fantastic app for dungeon creation

### 4/5 — Subscription VTT

*2020-11-05, version 2.47.400*

I downloaded it for the free trial.  This is a virtual tabletop to play D&D type games online with friends.  What this brings to the table is it is cross platform, working with PC and mobile.  There aren’t much in the way of mobile VTTs out there.  I already use Roll20 and Tabletop Simulator for free and for a one time cost, so to me it’s not worth paying a monthly subscription for this.  Thus, I didn’t much check out those features.

What I did enjoy was the map making portion, where you can make battle maps or dungeons and then export them for use in other VTTs.  They have a nice palette of icons to make maps and tokens with.  I did notice if I made medium or large size maps there was a significant slowdown on my iPad Pro.  But for a set piece battlemap or breaking a dungeon into chunks of smaller areas (20x20 squares or so) it worked perfectly.

Not worth the subscription in my opinion, but I would pay a one time cost if they made a program that was just the map maker.

### 4/5 — Awesome

*2020-06-07, version 2.42.410*

Love the idea still learning things. Why does it freeze when we try to add players and also when we join how do we start playing

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-08.*
