first off im new here and new to map making as well, i learned about all these extra editors and stuff and im wondering what exactly do they do differently from the oringinal editor that had come with the game? which one should a newbie like me download to get started?
please help me out

You could start out with SCXE, then when you get a good idea on the triggers you can get StarForge.
SCXE is basicly like StarEdit, but it has more scripts and units to play with.
StarForge has lots of lots of stuff, but the triggers take alittle while to get use to.
Xtra-Editor also has colored text and ome other cool stuff. I suggest getting that first because its more begginer friendly than starforge, but one thing starforge has is the square terrain whish is cool and it also has sprites but for a beginner I would suggest Xtra Editor(unless you wanted to get both)
If you want to be serious about making maps, get them all. (SCXE, SCMDraft, and StarForge)
i agree with killer, all 3 have their own advantages, but for a beginner i reccomend SCXE
Try using. X-Tra Editor. It's a good Map Editor. But if you like to make better maps without the X-Tra Editor. Then Download the GUEdi Editor thats likes the best map editor and also the Easiest to crack when Protection is on.
QUOTE(TSoldier_Wol[f)
,Aug 21 2004, 11:59 PM] the Easiest to crack when Protection is on.
why do u want a protection easy to crack?
I my self downloaded
Starcraft x-tra edito and ISOM and GUEDIT
But i think straforge can replace Ison adn GUEDIT
I hear starforge is one of the greats. But it says its invalid or corrupt. So I can't get it. I like the Xtra Editors 2.6 fix is good.
QUOTE
I my self downloaded
Starcraft x-tra edito and ISOM and GUEDIT
But i think starforge can replace Ison adn GUEDIT
Yeah Starforge is a good tile editor, and is good with making bounds and other related maps.
Starforge, SCXE 2.5(I don't like 2.6), SCMDraft, ProEdit 1.4.1 . There you got pretty much all you need.
I think you should get SC Xtra Editor 2.5 and Starforge.
I prefer SCXE for beginners and i prefer starforge for professional map makers. SCXE's trigger is understandable, yet, starforge's triggers are typed not clicked.