Find out how to unlock Terraforming (Island Designer) in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch (ACNH). Includes Island Designer App, terraform, changing terrain, ideas, & permits!!!
Island Designer Features
- Island Creation Examples
- What Can You Do With Island Designer?
- Pave The Ground
- Modify Rivers
- Modify Cliffs
- What Can't You Do With Island Designer
- Decorate Island With Custom Designs
How To Unlock & Overview
Island Creation Examples
List of Creations
| Theme (Permit Used) | |
|---|---|
  Residential Area(Cliff-Construction) |  Event Hall(Cliff-Construction, Landscaping) |
 Sidewalk(Landscaping) |  Wall and Groove(Cliff-Construction, Waterscaping) |
 Sewers(Waterscaping) |  Letters(Waterscaping) |
 Double Waterfalls(Cliff-Construction, Waterscaping) |  House on Top of Falls(Cliff-Construction, Waterscaping, Landscaping) |
Detailed Guides for Island Creation
| Popular Island Design | |
|---|---|
 Residential Area |  Orchard |
 Outdoor Cafe |  Hot Spring |
 Medieval Castle |  Playground |
Tips for Island Creation
- Start by planning the entire map of the island.
- It's recommended to save Waterscaping for last.
- Set down main buildings first, then deal with inaccessible places later.
- Use the map and symbols provided.
Terraforming - How To Change Island Terrain
Use Island Designer App to Change Terrain
The Island Designer app is a feature on your Nookphone that will allow you to Terraform the island as you fit. Additionally, you'll need different permits to be able to use its features.
Check Out the NookPhone Guide HereAdd Slopes & Bridges to Traverse the Island
Make traversing the island a whole lot easier by adding bridges & slopes across the island. These new structures can be purchased from the construction consultant counter. Note that this service is accessible in the Resident Services Building!
Check Out Resident Services Here!What You Can Do With Island Designer App
Features Overview
| Landscaping Type | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| ⬇Ground | ・Lay tiles/pave the road |
| ⬇River | ・Fill in rivers and create ground ・Dig up ground to create/expand rivers |
| ⬇Cliff | ・Remove cliffs ・Create cliffs |
There are three main functions of the Island Designer App: Paving the ground, modifying rivers, and modifying cliffs. Paving the ground is mostly for aesthetic purposes, but the ability to add and remove rivers and cliffs will greatly alter the landscape on your island.
Island Layout Can Be Modified
By using the Island Designer, you can change the initial island layout you chose in the beginning of the game! If you are unsatisfied with the shape of your island, try out a new one.
Learn How To Choose Best Island Layout From HerePaving The Ground
Choose Your Materials And Pave A Road
The Island Designer App will allow you to pave your island as you please. There are various materials you can use, including Bricks and Stones.
| Pavement Designs | ||
|---|---|---|
 Grass |  Dirt Path |  Stone Path |
 Brick Path |  Dark Dirt Path |  Arched Tile Path |
 Sand Path |  Terra-cotta Tiles |  Wooden Path |
 Custom Design | ||
Round Out Sidewalk Corners
The Island Designer App also lets you round out the edges of your paths, so they look a lot smoother. This app gives you a lot of freedom to design your island the way you want to!
River Terraforming
Fill Out Or Clear Water Tiles
Dig a new river or fill out the edges of a large pool as you see fit by getting a Waterscaping Permit! You can fill in a water tile or break down an earth tile to let the water in anywhere.
Make Ponds
The Waterscaping permit can help you design interesting shaped ponds/lakes around your island - try experimenting with this!
Check Out Our Pond Design Guide HereCliff Terraforming
Remove Or Add Hill Tiles
One of the most exciting features of this app is the ability to remove or add hill tiles anywhere with the Cliff-Construction Permit. This allows you to change the elevation of your island to your liking.
Make Waterfalls
If you destroy a cliff that's facing a river, you can create a waterfall! Also, if you dig up the ground on top of that waterfall you can create a pond on your island!
Check Out How To Make Incredible Unique Waterfalls Here!What You Can't Do With Island Designer App
Cannot Adjust Coastlines
Even with the Cliff-Construction and Waterscaping Permits, it is not possible to expand the coast or destroy rocks present on the beach.
Resident Services Features
Construction of the following two structures is accessed via the Resident Services, not the Island Designer app!
>> Check Out Resident Services Functions HereBuild Bridges
Bridges can be placed over water to facilitate fast crossing of rivers. They cost a hefty amount and are differently priced based on their colors and types.
Build Slopes
Slopes can be placed on or next to hills to go up or down from them fast. They also cost a hefty amount and are differently priced based on their colors and types.
Decorate Your Island With Custom Designs
Make Unique Paths & Flooring With Custom Designs
Besides using the Island Designer app, you can also change the mood of your island by making unique paths with custom designs. Check out beautiful designs ACNH creators made from the guide below!
Check Out Best Custom Designs For Path & Floor From HereHow To Unlock Terraforming Video Walkthrough Guide
Unlock In 8 Easy Steps!
Check out our video guide on Terraforming and the Island Designer app!
Terraforming (Island Designer) - How To Unlock
Island Designer & Island Designer Permits
| Permit | How To Unlock |
|---|---|
| Permit To Pave New Pathway | Initially Unlocked |
| Waterscaping Permit | 6000 bells |
| Cliff-Construction Permit | 6000 bells |
Island Designer App Unlock Condition
By meeting the required in-game conditions, you can download and unlock the Island Designer App onto your Nook Phone. You can also get permits for the construction of rivers and cliffs by purchasing them with Bells at the Nook Stop.
Procedure To Unlock Island Designer App
| Step | Things You Should Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pay back your first loan (5000 miles) to Tom Nook |
| 2 | Bring 5 bugs or fish to Tom Nook and invite Blathers. Build Museum by donating 15 creatures. |
| 3 | Build your own house. Help Timmy to build Nook's Cranny |
| 4 | Buy clothes from Mabel and build the Able Sisters Shop |
| 5 | Help Tom Nook build a bridge and 3 houses to open new Resident Service building. |
| 6 | Help Tom Nook build a Campsite and 3 plots |
| 7 | Talk to Isabelle and make the impression of your island 3 starts (★★★) |
| 8 | After the event, you will get Island Designer app! |
In order to unlock the Island Designer app, you mainly need to upgrade the Resident Services and improve your island's overall rating. If you don't know what to do, ask Tom Nook!.
Things You Can Do To Improve Your Island's Rating
- Maximize the number of villagers
- Make Nook's Cranny larger
- Plant flowers, trees, and fruit trees
- Use fences and make a beautiful landscape
- Place furniture to make your village look even better
- Keep your island clean (weeding & no littering)
It's difficult to determine to what exact extent each factor influences your island rating. It's therefore recommended that you keep all of the above things in mind and balance them as you try to improve your island!
Ask For Isabelle's Advice
By talking to Isabelle and ask for her opinion about your island - she'll let you know what points you could improve on.
Check Out How To Improve Your Island Rating Here!Terraforming - How To Change Island Terrain
Use Island Designer App to Change Terrain
The Island Designer app is a feature on your Nookphone that will allow you to Terraform the island as you fit. Additionally, you'll need different permits to be able to use its features.
Check Out the NookPhone Guide HereAdd Slopes & Bridges to Traverse the Island
Make traversing the island a whole lot easier by adding bridges & slopes across the island. These new structures can be purchased from the construction consultant counter. Note that this service is accessible in the Resident Services Building!
Check Out Resident Services Here!Island Design Related Articles
| Custom Design & QR Codes | |
|---|---|
| How To Use The Custom Design Tool | |
| Path & Floor Designs | Sign Board Designs |
| QR Code Maker Tool | |
| Other Related Links | |
|---|---|
| Tree Repositioning | Beach Bottle Spawns |
| Best Island Layout | Island Designer Tool |
| How To Make Waterfalls | House Customization |
| List Of All Furniture | List Of All Fences |
