How does Steam workshop install mods?

[Matt]

How exactly does the steam workshop install a mod when you Subscribe to it? Does it put the correct file into the the games folder in steam apps? And what about when i Unsubscribe to it. Does it take away the mod file and put the original back automatically?.. Just curious how it works.

[Vaemer-Riit]

It depends on the game.

Skyrim: When you launch the game through steam it checks your current files against the ones you are subscribed to and downloads any that you are missing. Then you click on data files on the launcher and choose which ones to activate.

Unsubscribing will not delete the files but will prevent steam from trying to update the mod (if the author puts out an update)

Garysmod: Steam will download the mods and place the files in the correct folders. These mods do not overwrite anything.

Not sure if unsubscribing will delete the files.

CS:GO: None of these are for download. Vote on your favorite ones and Valve will add batches of them to the game through the drop system. The Author gets a cut of the revenue that their skin makes.