Miniature VTT Bridge – Touchscreen Adapter for Virtual Tabletops

A couple of months ago, my friends and I switched from a physical battlemap to playing D&D Beyond online / in person on a monitor. It’s faster, easier for the DM, and keeps the game flowing — but I really missed the physical side of tabletop RPGs: building, painting, and moving minis.

I happened to have a touch monitor lying around, so I figured — why not put it to use? To bring back some of that tactile feeling, I designed this little adapter.

With copper tape applied, it turns your miniatures into “touch styluses” for the screen. That way, you can move your digital token on the virtual map with the actual mini in your hand

Warning: Copper tape can scratch your touchscreen over time. To protect it, you can cover the tape with a thin self-adhesive vinyl foil. It’s inexpensive, easy to apply, and won’t interfere with the touch functionality of the base.
 

What you need

• 3D printed model (this file)
• Copper tape (conductive adhesive recommended)
• Touchscreen monitor
• Optional: 5mm x 1.6mm magnets (one in the base, one in your miniature)

Assembly: 

• Print the model.
• Use the included cutting template to prepare strips of copper tape.
• Apply copper tape across the center cross and around the outer ring.
• (Optional) Insert a magnet into the base and another into your miniature for a firm connection.

Print Settings

• Layer height: 0.2 mm (works fine with standard quality)
• Infill: 20–30%
• Supports: Not needed

Now your minis can interact directly with the touchscreen map! ^^ 
 

The GIF shows me testing the concept with a base simply covered in copper tape in Microsoft Whiteboard. It works, but it’s not as precise as this printed model. I may upload an updated gif in the future.