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Frequently Asked Questions and User Guide

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Which languages are supported?

Character Craft 5.5e is currently available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and Italian.

Why are some classes, items, or species missing from the app?

Character Craft 5.5e includes only the freely available content authorized by WOTC, known as the SRD 5.2, by default.

Where can I get more content to import?

CC5.5e can import:

  • Native JSON files exported by other players
  • XML files following the FC5 format

Some community members create and share extended content on their own pages.

Can I import my character from another app, like Fight Club 5?

No. The structure of CC5.5e is different and the data the character needs to function correctly does not exist in the file that other apps export.

My created Item/Spell isn't showing up for other characters.

When you create an Item or Spell directly inside a character sheet, it acts as a local copy for that character only.

To create content that is saved to the database and accessible to all your characters, please create it using the Compendium Tab.

What do I get with Premium?

With Premium (Unlimited Characters), you gain access to:

  • Creating more than 3 characters
  • Online Initiative Tracker
  • Cloud Sync to save and sync characters across platforms
  • Character Sharing (Receive characters shared by others)
  • Ad-free
Note: Premium is required per platform, except for Mac and iOS which share the same store.

How does Premium work on the Web Version?

Purchases are not available on the Web Version. If you bought the Premium version on Windows, Apple, or Android and have characters saved in the cloud, your Premium access will be automatically unlocked upon login.

Otherwise, you can enjoy the free features, including the Online Initiative Tracker.

What is the difference between Traditional Sync and Share Sync?

Traditional Sync

You mark a character to Sync and the app sends all the data to the server. You open the app on your desired platform, and it will download the latest data automatically.

This way requires premium on both Stores if you are using different platforms, since each platform has a way to guarantee that you really purchased the product.

Share Sync

This is a new more flexible way to share characters to another player (usually used by players to share their characters with DMs), but you can use it as a sync tool as well. You simply Activate the Share, Copy the Code, and input it on the desired device. Voilà.

With this method, only the Receiver platform is required to have Premium. (Note: On the Free version, Share Sync is limited to one active character at a time).

Can I edit my character on another platform (e.g., PC & iPad) without buying Premium twice?

If you want seamless, automatic syncing where changes on one device instantly appear on the other, Traditional Sync (requiring Premium on both platforms) is the recommended method.

However, if you only have Premium on one device (or none), you can use the Manual Export/Import method:

  1. Export the character from Device A (creates a .json file).
  2. Transfer the file to Device B (via email, cloud storage, Discord, etc.).
  3. Import the file on Device B and make your edits.
  4. Export it again and import it back to Device A when finished.
Important: Each time you Import a character, the system assigns it a new unique ID. This means you will see a duplicate character in your list. We recommend deleting the old version once you confirm the new one has imported correctly to avoid confusion.

How do I update my character's profile picture?

To update it, simply go to the image and click on the Gear icon in the bottom right corner.

We recommend using Imgur to host your images. For animated WEBP files, we recommend Postimg.

Can I use formulas in Names or Descriptions?

Yes. You can use dynamic formulas inside curly braces {} in Feature/Feat Names, Descriptions, and Action Types.

Example:

Text: Breath Weapon {2d6} Fire

Result: Breath Weapon 7 Fire (Calculates the roll)

How do I add a Spell to a Feature?

Edit the Feature and scroll to the Attached Spells section. Spells added here will appear directly on the feature card, useful for Feats like Magic Initiate or Species traits.

I added a Feature with limited-use resources (Rage, Second Wind, Luck, etc.), but I can't find how to use them.

To add a custom resource to a Feature, open the Feature's edit screen and scroll to the bottom. There you will find the Custom Resources section.

  1. Click Add Custom Resource.
  2. Enter the desired name for your resource.
  3. Set the number of uses (you can use formulas like pb for proficiency bonus, etc.).
  4. Specify how many charges are recovered per rest (use all to recover all charges).

This allows you to track and manage any custom resource your Feature provides.

My Feature gives a bonus to my character. How can I apply it?

Go to Edit Feature → Character Bonuses section.

There you can add bonuses to:

  • Stats, Attack rolls, Damage, Saving throw DCs, etc.

Tip: Damage types are now represented by distinct colors throughout the app for easier identification during combat.

Basic Formulas

  • +2 - Direct values
  • pb - Proficiency Bonus
  • Wisdom - Ability names in English
  • spell - Your character's spellcasting attribute modifier
  • level - Your character's total level
  • classlevel:classname - A specific class level
  • 1+pb, 2*level - Combine formulas with math operators

Complex Weapon Formulas

Weapon Hit Bonus and Weapon Damage Bonus support complex formulas like 1d6+2. This is added to the weapon's base formula (e.g. 1d6+(1d6+2)).

Use Extra Damages (formerly "Additional Damage Formula") for separate damage instances (like Sneak Attack or Hunter's Mark).

Conditional Formulas

For Weapon Hit Bonus and Weapon Damage Bonus, you can use conditional formulas that only apply when specific conditions are met. Use the format condition=value.

Character State Conditions — checked against your character's equipped items:

  • wearing_armor=1 - Applies only when the character has armor equipped (e.g. Fighting Style: Defense)
  • no_armor=Wisdom - Applies only when the character has no armor equipped (e.g. Unarmored bonuses)
  • single_weapon=2 - Applies only when exactly one weapon is equipped (e.g. Fighting Style: Dueling)

Weapon Property Conditions — checked against the specific weapon being used:

  • range=2 or ranged=2 - Ranged weapons only (have Range set)
  • melee=2 - Melee weapons only (no Range set)
  • heavy=2 - Heavy weapons only
  • finesse=2 - Finesse weapons only
  • light=2 - Light weapons only
  • thrown=2 - Thrown weapons only
  • two-handed=2 - Two-Handed weapons only
  • versatile=2 - Versatile weapons only
  • ammunition=2 - Ammunition weapons only
  • reach=2 - Reach weapons only

Chaining Conditions — combine multiple conditions with = to require ALL of them:

  • melee=single_weapon=2 - +2 only for melee weapons AND only one weapon equipped (Fighting Style: Dueling)
  • heavy=two-handed=1d6 - +1d6 only for heavy two-handed weapons

OR Operator — use || to apply the first matching condition:

  • range=2||melee=3 - +2 for ranged weapons OR +3 for melee weapons (first match wins)

Conditional Formula Examples

Fighting Style: Archery → Weapon Hit Bonus: range=2

Fighting Style: Defense → AC Bonus: wearing_armor=1

Fighting Style: Dueling → Weapon Damage Bonus: melee=single_weapon=2

What are Toggleable Modifiers and how do I use them?

Toggleable Modifiers are powerful tools that allow you to create conditional, temporary effects, or "game modes" within your character sheet. They function as On/Off switches linked to Items or Features.

Instead of permanently editing your sheet to apply a temporary buff (like a spell or potion), you simply "switch on" the corresponding modifier, and the system automatically recalculates all attributes.

What Can They Modify?

A single toggleable modifier can alter multiple aspects of the sheet simultaneously:

  • Combat Attributes: Armor Class (AC), Initiative, Speed, Max HP, Passive Wisdom.
  • Attack & Magic: Hit Bonus, Damage Bonus, Extra Damage (e.g., +1d6 Fire), Spell DC, Magic Attack Bonus, Spell Slots.
  • Skills & Saves: Numeric bonuses, temporarily granting Proficiency or Expertise, Advantage/Disadvantage.
  • Defenses: Add Resistances, Vulnerabilities, or Immunities.
  • Base Stats: Temporary increases to Strength, Dexterity, etc.

Integration with the System

Modifiers accept both fixed values (e.g., +2) and formulas supported by the system (e.g., proficiency, str, level).

When activated:

  • The system identifies all equipped items/features with active modifiers.
  • All bonuses are added to the character's base stats in real-time.
  • Deactivating the modifier removes the effects instantly.

Practical Use Examples

1. Great Weapon Master (Feat)

Create a modifier on the Feat to toggle "Heavy Attack Mode".

  • Hit Bonus: -5
  • Damage Bonus: +10

Result: When making a risky attack, toggle the switch. Attack and damage are adjusted in the roller.

2. Shield (Spell)

Create an Item "Spell Effect: Shield" or add to the spell.

  • AC Bonus: +5

Result: Toggle when casting the reaction to temporarily boost AC.

3. Boots of Speed (Magic Item)

  • Speed Bonus: 30 (or base speed value)

Result: Keep boots equipped, but only receive extra movement when the effect is activated.

4. Shadow Blade / Conditional Damage

  • Name: "Dim Light/Darkness"
  • Hit/Damage Bonus: Advantage or extra damage.

5. Conditions (e.g., Poisoned)

  • Name: Poisoned
  • Skill Advantage Modifier: Disadvantage on all.

Combined with Custom Variables, this allows creating virtually any D&D 5e effect within the app.

Custom Variables in Modifiers

Custom Variables allow you to create dynamic modifiers where the player can adjust numerical or dice values directly on the sheet, without editing the item or ability settings.

How It Works
  • Definition: In the Toggleable Modifiers editor, define a Label and a Default Value.
  • Formula Usage: In bonus fields of that same modifier (like Bonus Weapon Damage, Extra Damage, AC Bonus), use the special keyword customvalue.
  • Interaction: When the modifier is toggled ON, a text field appears, allowing real-time editing of this value.
Important Rules:
  • Closed Scope: The customvalue keyword is only recognized within the fields of the specific modifier where it's defined.
  • Limit: Currently, each modifier supports only one custom variable.
Example 1: Barbarian Rage

Create a "Rage" button where damage scales with levels without constant editing.

  1. Modifier Setup:
    • Name: Rage
    • Custom Variable Label: "Rage Damage Bonus"
    • Custom Variable Default: 2
    • Bonus Weapon Damage: customvalue
  2. Behavior:
    • Player toggles "Rage". A field appears: Rage Damage Bonus: [ 2 ].
    • System adds +2 to weapon damage.
    • At higher levels, player changes [ 2 ] to [ 3 ]. System updates damage instantly.
Example 2: Versatile Magic Weapon

A sword charged with variable fire damage.

  1. Modifier Setup:
    • Name: Fire Charge
    • Custom Variable Label: "Fire Dice"
    • Custom Variable Default: 1d6
    • Extra Damages (Fire): customvalue
  2. Behavior:
    • Player toggles modifier. Field shows: Fire Dice: [ 1d6 ].
    • Attack deals weapon damage + 1d6 Fire.
    • Player can change [ 1d6 ] to [ 2d6 ] for a stronger attack. Damage updates instantly.

How do I handle Hit Points when leveling up?

When you level up, the app allows you to set your Max HP or a Custom HP bonus directly, giving you full control over your character's health growth.

Can I add Loot to Encounters?

Yes! Encounters now support Loot. You can define items or rewards within an encounter, which can then be easily tracked or distributed to your party.

Is it compatible with Archivist Campaign files?

Character Craft 5.5e has limited but improving compatibility with Archivist Campaign files, making it easier to manage your campaign data and sessions.

How do I mark a Feature's Action Type?

Edit the Feature and fill the Action Type field with the desired value (Action, Bonus Action, Reaction, etc.). The list will display those entries sorted alphabetically.

Not sure what to write? Check the Demo Characters for reference examples.

How do I make a Spell consume a specific Resource or Item Charge?

Edit the Spell and look for the Resource Consumption section.

  • You can link it to a Custom Resource (like Sorcery Points or Ki).
  • Or select an Item from your inventory to consume its Charges/Quantity.

My character doesn't have spell slots. What should I do?

  1. Check the Feature that grants Spellcasting
  2. Make sure the option "Includes Spellcasting" is enabled
  3. Then check and edit the number of spell slots available at that level

My spell adds the spellcasting ability modifier (like Cure Wounds). How do I automate that in the roll?

Use +spell in the roll formula.

The system will automatically use the modifier from the spellcasting ability set in the spell.

Example:

For Cure Wounds: 1d8+spell

My Multiclass Spell Slots are incorrect. What should I do?

Check if the Spellcasting Multiplier is set correctly for each of your classes. An error in an older version could cause this value to be imported as 1.0 for all classes.

  1. Go to your class settings and verify the Spellcasting Multiplier value.
  2. Adjust it according to the official multiclass spellcasting rules if needed.
  3. If this information is already correct, check if the spell slots are filled in the Spellcasting Feature in your character's Features list.

How do I create a Healing Item?

When defining the item's damage/effect, select Healing as the "Damage Type". This ensures it heals the target instead of dealing damage.

How do Magic Item Charges and Recharges work?

The recharge system supports three main categories:

1. Rest or Time-based Recharges (Default)

The system automatically recognizes these terms in the recharge field:

  • Dawn: Recharges at dawn. (Example: "dawn")
  • Dusk: Recharges at dusk. (Example: "dusk")
  • Short Rest: Recharges after a short rest. (Example: "short rest")
  • Long Rest: Recharges after a long rest. (Example: "long rest")
  • Short or Long Rest: Recharges on any rest. (Example: "short/long rest")

2. Range Recharge

Used for items or Attacks (Dragon's Breath Action for example) that have a chance to recharge based on a success range (e.g., "Recharge 5-6").

  • recharge: The die to roll (e.g., d6).
  • rechargeAmount: The success range (e.g., 5-6).

Result: A die button 🎲 appears. Clicking it rolls the die and recharges if the result falls inside the success range.

3. Dice Recharge

Used for items that recover a variable number of charges (e.g., 1d6+1 charges per day).

To configure this, place the formula (for example 1d6+1) in the rechargeAmount field. The system will roll this formula automatically when the specified rest (e.g., Long Rest or Dawn) occurs and restore that many charges. A manual roll button is also available.

4. Special or Free Text

  • Special: For unique conditions ("special").
  • Never: For finite consumables ("never").
  • Free Text: If recharge is empty, rechargeAmount text is displayed.

Practical Example: "3 Charges per Day"

  • Charges (Total): Max charges (e.g., 7).
  • Recharge: Dawn.
  • Recharge Amount: 3.

Result: Clicking Long Rest restores 3 charges automatically.

Note on Long Rests: In the app, clicking Long Rest simulates the passage of a day, triggering all Long Rest, Dawn, and Dusk recharges.

Barbarian

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to configure Unarmored Defense?

To change the character's base AC calculation, ensure they have no armor equipped.

The recommended way to apply Unarmored Defense is through the Feature itself:

  1. Edit the Unarmored Defense feature.
  2. Scroll to the Armor Class Bonus section.
  3. Select the attribute to add to your AC (e.g., Constitution for Barbarians).

This changes the base formula to: (10 + Dex) + Con.

Finally, click the Refresh Icon above the equipment list to update your AC.

How to automate Rage?

To do this, edit the Feature that grants Rage:

  1. Add a Custom Resource to it, filling in the number of charges at the desired levels (you only need to fill it where the value increases).
  2. Go to the Toggleable Bonuses section and create a new bonus.
  3. Add resistances to the 3 damage types (Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing).
  4. In Weapon Bonus Damage, enter the desired value (e.g., 2 for level 1).

Bard

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to add Expertise and Jack of All Trades to my skills?

You can mark the desired skills as Expertise or Half Proficiency manually, or automate this by adjusting the Feature that grants these bonuses.

  1. Edit the desired Feature.
  2. Scroll to the Expertise or Half Proficiency section.
  3. Check the desired skills.

Cleric

⚠️ Work in Progress

Druid

⚠️ Work in Progress

Fighter

⚠️ Work in Progress

Monk

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to configure Unarmored Defense?

To change the character's base AC calculation, ensure they have no armor equipped.

The recommended way to apply Unarmored Defense is through the Feature itself:

  1. Edit the Unarmored Defense feature.
  2. Scroll to the Armor Class Bonus section.
  3. Select the attribute to add to your AC (e.g., Wisdom for Monks).

This changes the base formula to: (10 + Dex) + Wis.

Finally, click the Refresh Icon above the equipment list to update your AC.

Paladin

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to automate Lay on Hands?

You just need to create a Custom Resource on the Feature.

You can fill the value for each level individually or enter 5*classlevel:paladin at level 1 of the Counter.

This formula means the maximum value is 5 times the Paladin class level (must be the exact class name).

The Demo Character Dominus is a good example of this feature.

Ranger

⚠️ Work in Progress

Rogue

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to add Sneak Attack damage?

There are two ways to do this:

  • Weapon Formula: Add an extra Damage die to the weapon's formula. This allows you to toggle the added damage on or off when rolling the attack.
  • Toggleable Bonus (Recommended): Use a Toggleable Bonus (by editing the Feature that grants Sneak Attack) that adds a Damage Formula Bonus of 1d6 (or the desired value). The Demo Character Lanaya is a good example of this feature.

Sorcerer

⚠️ Work in Progress

Warlock

⚠️ Work in Progress

Wizard

⚠️ Work in Progress

Aasimar

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to configure traits like Celestial Resistance, Healing Hands, and Celestial Revelation?

To do this, edit the Species Feature or another desired Feature:

  1. Add the two Damage Resistances (Necrotic and Radiant).
  2. Create two Custom Resources with 1 charge that recover on a Long Rest: one for Healing Hands and another for Celestial Revelation.

How to automate Healing Hands?

After creating the resource, you can add an Attached Spell or create a Spell inside the Feature:

  1. Give it the name Healing Hands and select Healing as the damage/effect type.
  2. In the formula field, enter (pb)d4.

This ensures the system rolls a number of d4 dice equal to your Proficiency Bonus.

Dragonborn

⚠️ Work in Progress

Dwarf

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to add racial bonuses (Poison Resistance, HP bonus per level, Tremorsense)?

To add these bonuses, modify the racial Feature (usually named Dwarf Traits) or another desired feature:

  • Poison Resistance: Add a permanent bonus of Damage Resistance (Poison).
  • HP Bonus: Add a Permanent Character Bonus of "Hit Point Bonus" and set the value to level. The system will automatically add the character's current level to Max HP.

For Tremorsense:

Create a standard Custom Resource. Select Proficiency Bonus as the maximum value, or write pb in the level 1 field of "Fixed Value (Per Level)".

Elf

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to add the Lineage Spell?

In the species feature or another desired feature, create a Custom Resource with a fixed value of 1, resetting on a Long Rest, with the desired name.

The chosen spell must be added to the spell list manually. When preparing it, mark it as "Always Prepared (Species)".

Gnome

⚠️ Work in Progress

Goliath

⚠️ Work in Progress

Halfling

⚠️ Work in Progress

Human

⚠️ Work in Progress

Orc

⚠️ Work in Progress

Tiefling

⚠️ Work in Progress

Alert

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to add the Initiative bonus?

To add your Proficiency Bonus to Initiative, you can edit the initiative directly by clicking on its card. However, to automate this so you don't need to update it when leveling up:

  1. Open the Feature that grants this bonus (or another desired Feature).
  2. Add a Permanent Character Bonus.
  3. Select Initiative Bonus and set the value to pb.

This ensures the system always uses your current Proficiency Bonus and adds it automatically to your final Initiative value.

Crafter

⚠️ Work in Progress

Healer

⚠️ Work in Progress

Lucky

⚠️ Work in Progress

Magic Initiate

⚠️ Work in Progress

Musician

⚠️ Work in Progress

Savage Attacker

⚠️ Work in Progress

Skilled

⚠️ Work in Progress

Tavern Brawler

⚠️ Work in Progress

Tough

⚠️ Work in Progress

How to add the extra hit points?

The Tough feat increases your hit point maximum by an amount equal to twice your level.

To automate this, you can use a simple formula:

  1. Edit the Tough feat.
  2. Go to the Permanent Character Bonuses section.
  3. Add a value to Hit Points.
  4. Set the value to 2 * level.

This will automatically calculate the correct bonus (2 HP per level) as you level up.

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