TaleNode¶
Node-based dialogue editor for game developers.
Build branching conversations visually. Export JSON for any engine.
What is TaleNode?¶
TaleNode is a desktop application that lets game developers create dialogue trees, branching storylines, and quest logic using a visual node graph. Connect nodes with wires, set conditions and variables, then export a clean JSON file ready for Unity, Godot, or any game engine.
Visual Node Editor¶
Drag-and-drop 8 node types on an infinite canvas with pan, zoom, and grid snapping. See your dialogue flow at a glance.
8 Node Types¶
Start, Dialogue, Choice, Condition, Event, Random, End, and SubGraph nodes cover every branching pattern your game needs.
Variables & Conditions¶
Define Bool, Int, Float, and Text variables. Use them in Condition nodes for branching and Event nodes for state changes.
Character Database¶
Create characters with names, colors, and portrait paths. Reference them in Dialogue nodes for consistent speaker attribution.
Live Validation¶
Real-time graph checks catch disconnected nodes, missing Start nodes, empty dialogues, and dead ends before you export.
Playtest Mode¶
Walk through your dialogue in a built-in preview. See branching in action, test choices, and verify flow without leaving the editor.
Multi-Format Export¶
Export JSON, XML, Voice CSV, or drop-in runtime plugins for Godot, Unity, and Unreal. Import from Yarn, Chat Mapper, and articy.
Script Editor¶
Dual-view editing — visual node graph and text-based Yarn script side by side with bidirectional sync.
Localization¶
Define multiple locales, edit translations per-node or in bulk, export/import CSV for translators, and include a string table in your JSON export.
Auto-Translation¶
One-click machine translation via DeepL API. Translate all untranslated strings in any locale, then refine with professional translators.
AI Writing Assistant¶
Get dialogue suggestions, generate choice options, and check tone consistency using OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, or Google Gemini.
AI Voice Synthesis¶
Generate speech audio for every dialogue node via ElevenLabs. Assign voices to characters, batch-generate MP3 files for your game.
Real-Time Collaboration¶
Host a session on your LAN and edit the same graph simultaneously with your team. Live sync of nodes, connections, variables, and selections.
Review & Comments¶
Comments per node, review status tracking (Draft/Needs Review/Approved), version history with diff comparison.
Templates & Analytics¶
Save node patterns as reusable templates. Analyze your graph with path stats, word counts, and dead-path detection.
Quest & Journal System¶
Define quests with objectives, trigger quest events from dialogue, and track progression with start/complete/fail actions.
NPC Relationships¶
Track affinity, trust, and reputation per character with named relationship tracks. Modify values via Event nodes and branch on them with Conditions.
Bark/Ambient Dialogue¶
Per-character ambient dialogue lines with weights and conditions. Export as CSV for voice actors or include in your JSON export.
World Database¶
Catalog items, locations, lore entries, and custom entities with categories, tags, and key-value properties. Export alongside your dialogue.
Timeline / Cutscene Sequencer¶
Sequence camera moves, animations, audio cues, and waits in named timelines. Export as JSON for your game engine to play back.
Plugin / Extension API¶
Create custom export and import plugins with simple template files. TaleNode discovers plugins from global and project directories.
Theme Customization¶
Dark, Light, and Custom presets. Adjustable font size and accent color for a personalized editing experience.
Document Export¶
Export your dialogue as readable Markdown or RTF documents — complete with character tables, quest checklists, and full dialogue flow.
Quick Links¶
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Installation | Download or build from source |
| Quick Start | Create your first dialogue in 5 minutes |
| Node Reference | Detailed spec for all 8 node types |
| JSON Export Format | Full export schema with examples |
| Settings | Theme, API keys, and collaboration preferences |
| Quests | Quest/journal system with objectives |
| NPC Relationships | Character affinity and reputation tracks |
| Bark Dialogue | Ambient dialogue per character |
| World Database | Items, locations, and lore entities |
| Timeline | Cutscene/event sequencer |
| Extensions | Custom export/import plugins |
| AI Writing | Dialogue suggestions, choice generation, tone checks |
| Auto-Translation | DeepL-powered machine translation |
| Voice Synthesis | ElevenLabs AI voice generation |
| Collaboration | Real-time multiplayer editing |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Complete shortcut table |
| FAQ | Common questions answered |