Here is my current process for creating and storing creature tokens. These tokens are mounted to metal washers, making them ideal for use with Alea Tools magnetic markers.

1) Find an Image – The first thing you need to do is to locate an image you want to turn into a token. Keep in mind, when searching for images, that you can manipulate the source image by zooming and cropping. Sometimes, you will end up using just a detail from a larger image. You can rip images from pdfs. I have made tokens from most every image in the Monster Manual. The D&D Gallery on the Wizards website is another great source. For this example, I used the Caligrosto illustration from Dungeon 360 found on that site.

2) Drop the Image into Token Tool – Go download the amazing Token Tool from RP Tools. Do it now! I’ll wait…. Now, in two separate, side-by-side windows, open the Token Tool program and the site of the source image. Drag and drop the image into Token Tool.

Source image and Token Tool side-by-side

3) Create the Token Image – Using Token Tool, create the final image. Select an appropriate token border. The circular borders are preferred if you are using the hole punch described below. I like the granite-looking border. Next, manipulate the image. Zoom in and out and slide the image within the token border to get the look you want. I try to stick to head shots because the detail is easier to see at that size at the game table. Full figure shots are harder to make out. Often, I will try to incorporate some other element, e.g., part of a sword or a hand casting a spell. When you are done, make sure to save the final image using the File:Save Token command from the drop-down menu.

Token Tool with Image

4) Print the Image – Print the image. I use a color laser printer and print to 67 lb. medium card stock. I find that’s a good balance. Regular paper is a little flimsy and lets some of the metallic color of the washer show through. Anything heavier is just overkill.

Card Stock

5) Punch the Token – I use a 1” hole punch I got from Alea Tools as part of a big package at Gen Con, but you can get a hole punch like this from any decent craft store. Trick: Flip the paper so you can properly line up the image and get a clean punch.

Hole Punch

Punching the Counter

Punched Counter

6) Mount the Token – I mount the tokens on 1/8” x 1” zinc fender washers I got at Home Depot. I like the fender washers because they have small holes, making them less susceptible to puncturing. If you are going to use your tokens in conjunction with magnetic markers, make sure that whatever washers you choose will stick to a magnet; bring a magnet with you to the store when you go to purchase. I mount with PowerPritt Gel because it adheres to both metal and paper and it sets quickly.

Applying the Glue

Finished Counter

7) Store Your Tokens – Here’s my hot new tip: square coin tubes. I got mine online but I’m guessing you could find them at any decent coin shop. Make sure you get the “small dollar” size; I think the quarter-sized tubes are a little too snug. The best part about the square coin tubes is that you can sort your tokens by creature type, e.g., goblinoids, animals, etc., or even by encounter, e.g., 1 – Watchtower, 2 – Kitchen, etc., and mark the tubes accordingly, permanently or with removable labels as necessary. Now you can stack your token tubes behind the GM screen and pull the tokens you need exactly when you need them.

Coint Tube with Counters

Four Coin Tubes

The Counter in Action

I heartily suggest you give this process a try. It’s fairly streamlined and requires little time and no particular skill. So, what are you doing about creature tokens? What are your top secret tricks?