Q: Where can I find the D&D Character Builder?
A: D&D Insider subscribers can download it from D&D Insider.

Q: What system(s) does it run on?
A: Character Builder Requirements:

• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista; Windows XP SP2
• Display: 1024 x 768

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 Requirements:

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Vista; XP
• Processor: 400 MHz Pentium processor or equivalent (Minimum)
• RAM: 96 MB (Minimum); 256 MB (Recommended)
• Hard Disk: Up to 500 MB of available space may be required
• Display: 800 x 600, 256 colors (Minimum); 1024 x 768 high color, 32-bit (Recommended)

Not supported:

• Win 98, Win NT/Server 2000, Mac, Linux, or DOS

Q: I am not a subscriber, how can I get the D&D Character Builder?
A: The application is for D&D Insider subscribers only. A demo version of the application is available to non-subscribers.

Q: What is included in the D&D Character Builder demo?
A: You can make characters of 1st through 3rd levels using content from the D&D core rulebooks, Dragon magazine, Dungeon magazine, and all 4th Edition D&D game supplements published through September 2008. You have access to all races and classes from these sources, as well as heroic feats and items from levels 1 through 8.

Q: Will there be a demo with all the powers for all levels?
A: We are not planning at this stage to do a demo with the full data set.

Q: How do I install the Character Builder?
A: Close all other applications, then double click the .exe file to install it. The installation takes a while the first time and will need to reboot your computer before it finishes. Please just wait for it to finish to avoid any problems.

Q: Why does it take so long to install?
A: The D&D Character Builder requires Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 sp1 to run. If you don't have this software, then the installer will pause for a long time while it goes to the Microsoft site, downloads Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 sp1, and installs it. Please be patient, because this process can take up to 30 minutes on some machines. Once this software is installed on your machine, any future updates or installs of the D&D Character Builder will be much faster.

Q: How does "Autobuild" work?
A: The D&D Character Builder will choose anything that you don't fill out, even race and class. For powers, feats, and ability scores, the program makes educated guesses based on your class and build. "Autobuild" gives you only characteristics that you qualify for.

Q: Does the D&D Character Builder support the RPGA?
A: Yes. The D&D Character Builder has an RPGA-specific filter on the Restrictions page that removes specific content that is not allowed in the RPGA rules.

Q: If the D&D Character Builder doesn't work, where should I post my problem?
A: If you have problems accessing, installing, or using the software, follow this link and choose "D&DI compendium> Request Technical Support." To report bugs, use the in-game "Report a Bug" button (in the bottom left corner).

Q: How do I add a custom option that I just made up, such as a new feat, class, or race?
A: In the top right corner of each selection window is a yellow House Rule icon. If you click that icon, you can add a custom item. The custom item does not adjust or otherwise affect your character's statistics. If you want the added item to change something mechanically on your character sheet, you need to do that yourself on the character sheet viewer.

Q: How do I customize my character sheet?
A: On the character sheet's Options menu, choose "Show Panel Buttons" and click on the [C] button to customize a panel.
The second way to customize a character sheet is to choose "Unlock Panels" from the character sheet's Options menu. Then you can move the panels around or even stretch them vertically and horizontally.
You can also add pages to your character sheet as well as change the page layout from portrait to landscape. If you delete a panel and want it back, use the "Add Panel" button on the menu.

Q: I found a bug!
A: We added a button on the bottom left corner of the display just for reporting bugs.

Q: How do I take a feat or power that my character is not qualified for?
A: There is a yellow House Rule icon in the top right corner of each selection window. Click that icon to show all available options, and then pick anything you want.
Clicking on the House Rule icon allows you to add custom elements, races, classes, feats, powers, and items. Custom additions to your character are in name only, and they do not automatically adjust your character's statistics.

Q: Can I use the D&D Character Builder offline?
A: Yes! You need a connection to download it initially. Subscribers get the initial download and can decide whether they want the monthly updates. Aside from that, you don't need to be online to use the Character Builder.

Q: Where can I find answers to questions not included in this FAQ?
A: You can visit our additional community FAQ or post new questions on our forums.