The Ultimate Collection of Do's and Dont's of the LD.

[CedarBranch]

DO give any FLUDDs placed inside the level an actual use! Maybe you could use a Turbo FLUDD to outrun any hazards, or clear huge gaps; the Hover FLUDD lets you stay in the air longer, while gaining a bit more altitude, and the Rocket FLUDD shoots you very high into the air. Use them creatively!

DO place the Start Position in a safe location (unless you are trying to stop the music, make a mini-game harder, or some other creative idea.). It allows the player to plan their next move, or just relax. As an addition to this "DO," make sure that Mario's feet (not the bottom of the Start box) touch the ground in the LD. It makes him stand on the ground the second you start the level.

DO make sure that your entire level title fits inside the window that shows when you begin the level. If your title is too long but want to keep it so, type this into the box: <br>
It'll add a second line for the characters after it. However, if your title is too long to type and fit into the box... just check this topic out! You could learn other things from it too!:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=10094

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DO NOT place enemies that die in water IN WATER. It is just a waste.

DO NOT place any FLUDDs that serve no purpose in the level. There is no need for a Hover or Rocket FLUDD if you can reach any location in the level without them.

DO NOT place Silver Stars or Red Coins where you cannot avoid them. Also try NOT to effortlessly place them where they can be reached within seconds after heading for them.

[Asterocrat]

DO place the Start Position in a safe location (unless you are trying to stop the music, make a mini-game harder, or some other creative idea.). It allows the player to plan their next move, or just relax.

Just adding that what you have to DO as well is to add in your level several "Relax Points", safe locations where the player cannot get killed, or where the challenge is much easier, with a couple of coins, so the player can rest from a fast-paced level.

[Megar]

Just sayin

That don't use the default grid size? No.
If you work well, the default grid size can be used for a well made Silver Star / Red Coin level. Don't, however use the default size for a basic platforming level.

[KABOOM]

DO test your level a lot. Testing your level not only helps you find bugs, it also helps you decide what is fun and cool about your level. If you can, get a friend, sibling, or another user to test your level before you release it.

DO use common sense!

DON'T abuse signs! Done right, signs can add a beautiful story, dialogue, or just help the player out. Done wrong, they mess up the flow of the level and are pretty much pointless.

[CedarBranch]

Please try to consider feedback given to you on previously made levels. Also look at feedback given to others. That'll give others less to worry about in your levels.

Try to rotate decorations in relation to the surface at its base from time to time. It'll show others that you are putting effort into your works.

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Try to avoid making flat, bare land. It is often considered boring and unprofessional.

Try not to focus on one type of enemy (unless it is needed for the level's concept.). Mix it up!