> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs/additional-features/useful_software.md).

# Useful Software

This page lists third-party tools and software that can help with Farming Simulator map development when working with Maps4FS-generated maps. These tools are maintained by their respective authors, so please refer to their documentation for detailed usage instructions and updates.

## GRLE Convert

**🔗** [**grleconvert on GitHub**](https://github.com/Paint-a-Farm/grleconvert)

A cross-platform command-line tool for converting GIANTS Engine density map files (GRLE and GDM) to and from PNG images. Essential for editing map layers outside of Giants Editor.

**What it does:**

* Convert GRLE/GDM files to PNG for editing in image editors
* Convert edited PNGs back to GRLE/GDM format (pixel-perfect, lossless)
* Auto-detect encoding parameters from map i3d files
* Generate pixel value guides that explain what each value means in your map layers

**Why it's useful:** Working with infoLayer files (farmlands, fields, soil maps) and densityMap files (height, ground, foliage) is much easier when you can edit them as PNG images in tools like Photoshop or GIMP, then convert them back to the game's native format.

**Platform:** Windows, macOS, Linux

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*More tools will be added to this page as they become available.*