How to Build a Board Game on Your PC

Determine the type of board game you want to create. You could choose a game similar to checkers or Monopoly.

Choose the type of board you will use. If you plan to use board with straight lines such as Monopoly, you can use a word processor such as Microsoft Word. However, if you want to create a board with twists and turns, you will need drawing software. The Drawing Coach website has a list of free drawing software (see references).

Determine how large a game board you want by hand-drawing the board on plain white poster board or cardboard. This will also let you determine if you will make your game board with pieces of card stock placed end to end or in a large square. Game boards usually require three to four pieces of card stock.

Play the game using the game board you just drew. This will let you spot any changes that may be needed. This is also a good time to create the rules of the game. You can determine what works best and what should be omitted. This allows you to change the game board if needed prior to printing it.

Open a new document in a word processor. Set the orientation of the document to landscape or portrait, depending on how you have drawn your pieces of card stock.

Minimize the page margins as much as possible. Print the squares on the game board using color if you want. Label spaces with different fonts. Consider decorating the game board with various clip art or pictures from your own library.

Print the game board on card stock. Use different colors to make your game board lively. For a neater appearance, trim any excess edges from the cardstock.

Place the game board together. Leave it unattached for easier storing and portability. Ensure that the pieces of the game board line up accurately.

Locate game pieces and items needed for your PC-generated board game to work. Coins, buttons, a deck of cards, toy cars and even candy will all work great. Consider plastic-wrapped peppermint pieces--they are flat and will stay in place on the game board.