Roll20 multi sided token support lets you break free from standard circular or square tokens, giving your virtual tabletop presence more visual clarity and flexibility. Whether you are tracking complex resource states or representing intricate creature shapes, these tokens add precision and personality to your game maps.
On Roll20, a multi sided token is not just a static icon; it is a configurable asset that can display different art, bars, and status markers depending on how you set it up. With the right table of states and clear rules, your multi sided token becomes a dynamic storytelling tool at the table.
Multi Sided Token Overview
| Feature | Description | Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flip or Cycle | Switch between artwork or stats on demand | Show wounded and healthy states without new tokens | Characters, vehicles, creatures |
| Custom States | Define named states such as ready, stunned, or hidden | One token handles multiple conditions | Complex systems like spell slots or sanity |
| Bar Integration | Link built-in or custom bars to state changes | Instant health, mana, or resource updates | Combat, chases, and timed encounters |
| API & Macro Support | Automate flips with chat commands | Reduce table clutter and manual clicks | Game masters running large sessions |
How Multi Sided Tokens Work in Practice
Instead of creating ten near identical tokens for every possible variation, you define a set of states and switch between them during play. Each state can have its own image, token disposition, and associated bars, letting you capture nuanced conditions at a glance.
For combat, you might have a front state showing full health and a back state showing injuries, exhaustion, or magical corruption. With a simple right click or a macro, the token visually updates while the underlying sheet data can also reflect the change if you link attributes to the state.
Design and Art for Multi Sided Tokens
Effective multi sided tokens rely on clear visual design so players instantly understand the current state without reading long descriptions. Use strong silhouettes, color contrasts, and icon placement that remain recognizable at table scale and small avatar size.
Art Guidelines
Keep consistent borders, lighting, and framing across states to maintain identity. Reserve specific color bands or corners for status overlays so you can add or remove markers quickly. When you export or upload artwork, name files in a predictable pattern that matches your in-game state names to avoid confusion during busy sessions.
Configuration and Workflow for Multi Sided Tokens
Setting up reliable workflows helps you maintain consistency and avoid broken links or missing art. Spend time upfront defining naming conventions, state rules, and who is responsible for updating shared tokens between sessions.
- Plan state names and abbreviations that are short yet descriptive
- Use uniform canvas sizes and resolution for all token sides
- Test flips in a private layer before a live game
- Document commands and share key macros with players
- Back up your token templates and art assets regularly
Advanced Multi Sided Token Strategies
Once you are comfortable with basic flips and states, you can layer in conditional visibility, complex bar linking, and synchronized animations that make your virtual tabletop feel more alive.
Combine multi sided tokens with token vision profiles and custom lighting to create memorable encounters where shifting forms and states give players clear narrative feedback without a single extra click.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can multi sided tokens work with character sheets and attributes?
Yes, you can bind states to attributes so that when a value changes, the token updates visually or you can trigger a state change through a sheet button.
What happens if a linked art asset is missing on a token state?
Roll20 will show a broken image placeholder; always verify your uploads and keep backups so that missing art does not break table immersion.
How do I share multi sided tokens with my entire campaign?
Save the token as part of a journal page or campaign asset, or export and reimport in shared libraries so all players and the GM use identical versions.
Can chat commands flip a token automatically during combat?
Yes, using API chat macros you can create commands that cycle through states or target specific states, streamlining turns and reducing manual clicks.