> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.thescriptersguild.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.thescriptersguild.com/forge/forge-basics-and-ui/loading-into-forge/forge-canvases.md).
# Forge Canvases
Empty maps with various themes used as starting points for Forge map projects.
Forge canvases are empty template maps that serve as the foundation for most player-made Forge maps, providing a variety of themed environments to begin building in.
## Canvas Variants and Themes
There are eight specific variants of forge canvases available:
* Arid
* Barrage
* Ecliptic
* Institute
* Mires
* Permafrost
* Seafloor
* Void
Each variant features a distinct theme, such as snow, desert, grass, or space. All canvas variants except for Void and Ecliptic feature built-in terrain. These canvases possess unique terrain texture patterns that can be utilized by "TI" (Terrain Inherited) objects to match the existing landscape without manually adjusting materials or colors.
{% hint style="info" %}
While many players refer to their creations as "forge maps," assets built using developer tools are classified as "dev maps," even if they contain forge objects.
{% endhint %}
## Map Layout and Boundaries
### Gameplay Area
The designated gameplay area has XYZ dimensions of 4000x4000x1500 units. The canvas floor is positioned at Z: 500. Moving beyond these specific limits triggers an undeletable soft-kill boundary and a soft barrier that prevents player movement.
### Object Placement Limits
While players can place objects within a large cubical area of approximately XYZ: 40000x40000x30000 units, there is a critical distinction between the hard placement limit and object persistence. A separate sphere boundary exists with a radius of 20250 units from the 0,0,0 origin point; any objects placed beyond this spherical boundary will be deleted when the Forge session is restarted.
{% hint style="warning" %}
Objects located in the corners of the cubical placement boundary that fall outside the 20250-unit radius sphere will not persist after a session restart. To visualize this invisible deletion volume, players can use the [tsg objectPlacementBounds](https://www.unggoy.xyz/prefabs/25603843-8140-4a1a-82d6-7a1634564efa) prefab.
{% endhint %}
### Space Under the Canvas
A large volume exists beneath the canvas floor (Z: 500). This subsurface area begins at Z: -250 and ends at Z: -9462.15, with total dimensions of XYZ: 4635x4542x9212. Players can freely place dynamic or static objects in this zone without being instantly killed; however, moving outside the boundaries of this subsurface area will result in an instant respawn.
An important limitation of this area is that Nav Mesh and lighting data cannot be built within it; consequently, AI or bots are unable to move there, and light bounce accuracy (such as darkness levels) is non-existent.
## Starting Platforms
Every forge canvas includes a starting platform containing basic gameplay elements such as item spawns, spawn points, and gamemodes. These platforms serve to demonstrate ideal item spawner placement or provide examples for setting up specific gamemode configurations.
It is noted that the default starting platform setups provided by Halo Studios contain incorrect object properties. For an example of a correctly configured starting platform using these same objects, players can refer to the map [tsg Void](https://www.unggoy.xyz/maps/eb6ef4dd-3fe0-4265-a5db-40bfb90a851b).
***
## Source Data
* Discord thread: [Forge Canvases](https://discord.com/channels/220766496635224065/1533995379237060678/1533995379237060678)
#### Contributors
Okom
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://wiki.thescriptersguild.com/forge/forge-basics-and-ui/loading-into-forge/forge-canvases.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
