How to run SFM on Linux/Proton

A simple guide to use SFM on your favorite Linux System.

As-is. I stopped using Source Filmmaker, this is when I used to use it on Linux. Tested on i7-3770S, GTX 1050Ti, Fedora Linux.
To summarize, there's 2 ways you can make this work. One is stable, but lacks features. The other is unstable, but has feature parity with Windows.

Actually Installing It

Unlike trying to use other Windows applications or games with Steam's Proton Layer. SFM will not appear in your library if you have it in your library.

Instead, it works more like Team Fortress 2 in a library sense and some other Free to Play games.

Simply, install it like how you would for a first time. Go to the store page and install it.

Making it Compatible [Method 1]

So, now that it's installed, you're going to want to get it compatible. Well good news, and you have 2 options!


So, assumingly your using the most up-to-date Proton, which at the making of this guide, is Proton 7.
Set your launch options.

PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command%

Now, it should work just fine. Install your SFM assets and you should be good to go!

Alternatively, as pointed out by "A Metal Penguin," you can use Proton 4.2-9 with the launch options

PROTON_NO_D3D11=1 PROTON_NO_D3D10=1 %command%

Which should give you similar results, which was tested with "NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti and the official Vulkan drivers."

Making it Compatible [Method 2]

So, maybe Method 1 didn't work or you want to try out Method 2 just cause.

Then, go to your SFM's properties window,
click on the Compatibility tab on the left of the window.
Click the checkbox that says "Force the usage of a compatibility tool" and click on Proton 4.11-13.

Oh, and beware, this method will not allow you to have shadows on your spotlights. Which can make it or break it for several people

You will not need any launch options. Have fun!

Optional Font "Fix"

So, maybe text in SFM doesn't look the greatest and sometimes slightly unreadable, well, there's also a fix for that!

Although, this time you will need a specific tool called ProtonTricks[github.com].

When you click on Source Filmmaker, it will warn you that you are using a 64-bit Wine-prefix, it's safe to ignore and it does not matter in this case, and you're only installing more fonts.

It will bring up a window thats named "Winetricks - choose a wineprefix"
By default it should be on "Select the default wineprefix," if not, click on it
and then click OK to proceed.
It should bring up another window asking what you would like to do with the wineprefix, click on "Install a font" and proceed.

From there, click on "allfonts" and let it do it's thing, it may pop up windows several times warning you of the same 64-bit Wine-prefix warning message, it is safe to ignore but do click OK to let it proceed.

Concluding Messages (And explaining Launch Options order)

And now, you got SFM working within Linux. Congratulations!

But, before you go on about your daily life, you may need more launch options by some chance.

I'd recommend you research the Proton Github Page to see some popular commands like

PROTON_FORCE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE

To explain how order they are supposed to be ordered, follow this example(s)

PROTON_EXAMPLECOMMAND=1 PROTONEXAMPLE-COMMAND=1 SystemExample=1 SystemExample=1 %command% -example -example2

Proton Commands/System Commands/Steam Commands %command% Game Options

Proton Commands/System Commands/Steam Commands are to be set before Game Launch Options with a "%command%" after the Proton/System/Steam Command list you have set.

Now, you are done with the guide and your SFM is ready for your creativity, have fun!

[XMIII.exe]

bro sfm was working normaly with proton 11 but after a power outage THE FUNK SFM NOT WANNA WORK NO MORE WITH PROTON 11

[the god knows what core]

i recommend to use s2fm like i been doing on linux if you could its more stable for me atleast (i use a amd gpu)

[Umbra]

idk why but using proton 7.0-6 with the PROTON_USE_D9VK=1 command husseinberg uses (and -noqt -usevgui so the viewport doesnt keep bugging out) made sfm smoother, and use less ram than on proton 4.11-13

might be something else but i've been using sfm for around 70 hours and suffering with lag and shadows/ambient occlusion not working properly.
only went looking for this because the lights had do frustrum showing where the light was hitting (didnt realize the lights had one) was missing

[beesechurger lady]

When using the first method on Proton 9.0-4, everything works mostly fine but all search windows show up darkened and mildly laggy, still interactable but weird and kinda frustrating

[Saad Goodman]

using PROTON_USE_D9VK=1 might also increase RAM usage of SFM because of shadows, so bear in mind that fact.

[Saad Goodman]

you can use [code] PROTON_USE_D9VK=1 [/code] to get shadows to work on Proton 4.11-13

This command only works on Proton 5 and below, and you will get black windows while trying to browse models, sounds, or maps, but it doesnt stop you from typing out your model and pressing enter. You just have to remember exactly your model/sound/map name, as while its black, its still functional.

the more techincal reason: for some reason SFM on proton 4.11-13 recognizes your gpu wrongly, so for me it says GTX 470, which isnt my actual GPU. you can get this info by typing [code] mat_info [/code] in the console, you have to go up to see the driver description. With D9VK, it should show your proper GPU. Bear in mind i only tested it on one PC so i'm not sure if its reproducible with everyone (i.e what do AMD users see when typing mat_info? and what about different Nvidia GPUs?)

you should probably add this info.

[A Metal Penguin]

Good question! Just tested and yes I can use volumetrics!

For what it's worth, I'm using NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti and the official Vulkan drivers.

[у]

Interesting, do volumetrics also work?

[A Metal Penguin]

I was able to get shadows to work just fine using Proton 4.2-9 and the following launch command:

PROTON_NO_D3D11=1 PROTON_NO_D3D10=1 %command%

[be kind]

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