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[SourceEngine] Complete Guide/List of Source Modding Tools
By gLx.io
Complete guide with the full list of modding tools which are currently work for games running on the Source engine
   
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Created by
gLx.io
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Category: Maps or Levels, Modding or Configuration, Workshop
Languages: English
Posted
Jan 26, 2024 @ 4:54pm
197 Unique Visitors
15 Current Favorites
Guide Index
Overview
Summary. 
Part 1. Map Editors 
Part 2. Map Compilers 
Part 3. Map Decompilers 
Part 4. Map Tools 
Part 5. Custom FGD Files for Mapping 
Part 6. Model Tools 
Part 7. Model Compilers/Decompilers 
Part 8. Texture Tools 
Part 9. Valve VPK Tools 
Part 10. XBLAH's Modding Tool 
Part 11. General Softwares 
Credits. 
Comments
Summary.


This guide has been carefully written by gLx. It lists the complete list of source modding tools, each with their description and related links.

It took me a lot of time, I hope you will enjoy the content and that you will continue to maintain in live all these games running on the source engine.

I have only keep the best, and recommended tools for each categories.
All links are kept up-to-date, so if any links are broken, notice me in comments.

Link to Valve Third Party Tools Website.

Don't forget to support me on one of my links below or by Rewarding this guide or other of my contents, thank you so much again to rate my guide

Part 1. Map Editors


VALVE HAMMER ++ EDITOR (BEST/RECOMMANDED) :
- Community-made version with more improvements, more features and large better stability, created by ficool2

Tutorials for create a map :
Link to TopHattWaffle tutorials playlist : YOUTUBE Link to 3klilsphilip tutorials playlist : YOUTUBE


SLAMMIN TOOLS HAMMER EDITOR :
- Another Hammer Editor made by Slartibarty which replaces the default editor (Hammer v4.x) to Hammer Editor (v5.2.x) Don't be confused with Hammer 5.0 dedicated for Source2 Engine!
Part 2. Map Compilers


Compile Pal X :
- a map compiler created by ruarai, auto-detected SDK configuration, easy setup


Hazard Team Compile Tool :
- a Source map compile tool by dky.tehkingd.u, especially for Source SDK Singleplayer/Multiplayer Mod, for compile severals large groups of levels from VMF to BSP in sequence


Source Compile Analyzer :
- An Online Source map which check any errors in log that Hammer wouldn't display in Message window

Part 3. Map Decompilers


BSPSource
- a Source map decompiler to convert BSP compiled map to VMF Valve Hammer file, lot of fixes over VMEX, created by ata4, written on Java


BSP Decompiler 005
- a Source map decompiler created by wfowler1, [Last versions may corrupt GoldSrc maps! Not recommended for Half-Life]
Part 4. Map Tools



VIDE :
- a third party Source tool for integrate custom files into a BSP map, delivered with a tons of useful sub-tools such as Mass VTF/VMT editor, BSP info, Particle editor ect.

- You can found a tutorial made by TopHattWaffle here : TUTORIAL LINK[www.tophattwaffle.com]


AutoBSPPackingTool :
- a third party tool for packing Source maps, it automatically detects and packs almost every possible custom file that can be used in a map.


Crafty BSP Viewer :
- a Source map viewer created by Nem, which can view the entire map without compile a map


Pakrat :
- a Source GUI replacement for BSPZip, it pack custom files into a BSP map, but not recommended! [The tool corrupt the file if you open it in Hammer after using Pakrat, you have to be sure to pack everything at once, it's impossible to overwrite the file after that.]


PackBSP :
- a Source map tool created by DHager to pack custom files into a BSP Map, outdated, discontinued and cannot detect old Source SDK branch.


Terrain Generator :
- a Terrain Generator created by Nemesis, compared to a classic generator, this one is managed with full 3D control over the appearance of the terrain


Twister :
- a Source tool created by Penguinboy, for create many displacements that can take long time or which are impossible to do in Hammer

Part 5. Custom FGD Files for Mapping


TeamSpen Hammer Addons :
- a FGD file created by TeamSpen210 with a lot of improved and addition contents for Hammer, compatible with major Source Games


Cstrike_Gflyer-1.0.8b
- a custom Counter-Strike Source FGD files with improvements, useful for minigames map


PropHunt X2Z FGD :
- a FGD file created by Wolvindra-Vinzuerio, for create maps with the latest PropHunt addon
Part 6. Model Tools


Blender : (Free)
- a Free, versatile and powerfull 3D Program, the best Source work compatible.

- You can found lot of tutorials from Youtube, check it below this for some examples :


Blender Addons and Plugins
- Here is a list of most useful addons and plugins for Blender :
Blender Source Tools
- a Plugin for Blender which can Import/Export many Source Engine files (SMD,QC,MDL,DMX ect..), is a MUST ON Plugin for Blender!.
Blender Source Ops
- another great Plugin for Blender created by Bonjorno7 for Import/export SMD and generate qc. files.
Blender SourceIO
- a Plugin for Blender created by REDxEYE for Import Source Maps, Models and Texture directly to Blender.
Blender VertexLitGeneric
- a Plugin for Blender created by Syborg64 to allow recreate in real-time VMT type materials using the Shader editor in Blender.
Blender Source Collision Tools
- a Plugin for Blender created by theanine3D for generate and optimize collisions models for Source Engine games.


Autodesk 3DSMax and MAYA : (Paid)
- a strong 3D Program and very versatile but not my prefer for my opinion. Not free and very expansive (approximately 200$ per month), not recommended for beginner users.


3DSMax/Maya Addons and Plugins
- Here is a list of most useful addons and plugins for 3DSMax and Maya :
3DSMax Tools
- a Plugin for 3DSMax created by Cannonfodder, which allow to Import/Export SMD/DMX Files.
Wall Worm 3DSMax Tools
- a MaxScript for 3DSMax for manipulate model files, VTF/VMT files, generate qc. files and more.
3DSMax VTF Plugin
- a Plugin for 3DSMax created by wunderboy8 for allows to use VTF files.
MESA 2.1 for MAYA
- a plugin for MAYA for Import/Export Source Models.


3DCoat : (Paid)
- a great 3D Program, but not Free, more cheap than 3DSMax, you can found a version from Steam for Rust/CS:GO.


ZBrush : (Paid)
- A 3D paint and polygonal subdiv modeller, especially for making custom skins/textures for CSGO/CS2, not Free.

Part 7. Model Compilers/Decompilers


Crowbar : [RECOMMENDED]
- a Source Model tools (The best of one) with multiple functions such as compile/decompile, pack/unpack VPK, preview model, download/publish Workshop addons and more. Always up-to-date.


MDLDecompiler
- a MDL Decompiler created by Cannonfodder, fixed version by Hooch.


SourceCompiler
- a Source compiler created by Cannonfodder, for compiling models and materials, outdated.
Part 8. Texture Tools


VTFEdit Reloaded :
- an VTF/VMT Editor, improved version of original VTFEdit created by Jed and Nemesis, combine VTFLib, VTFCmd and VTFEdit in one tool.


VTFEdit :
- a VTF/VMT Editor created by Jed and Nemesis for create materials and textures for Source games.


VMT Editor :
- a open-source texture tool created by Gira-x and Yanzl , for create VMT files


Materialize :
- a free 3D texture tools for create PBR materials, convert in multiple material transitions


Source Model Skin Editor
- a texture model editor created by hlstriker for create skins for a model without rewritten qc. file or decompile mdl file.

Part 9. Valve VPK Tools


GCFScape
- a VPK Tool created by Jed and Nemesis for manipulate and explore VPK files, you can extract, modify and more function, recommended with additional crowbar tool.


VPKEdit
- a VPK Tool created by craftablescience for create, extract and view text, image, vtf and mdl files.

Part 10. XBLAH's Modding Tool


About XBlah's Modding Tool : (Free/Paid)

- XBlah's modding tool is a perfect Integrated Development Environment and up-to-date created by XBlah to improve Valve's productivity and quality. - The IDE includes features like mod creation, map editing, compiling and decompiling, model compiling, editing and decompiling, material editing, soundscape editing, vpk packing and unpacking and general scripting and automation.

The tool have two versions :

- Free version with essentials and simple stuffs
- Paid version with complete function


Part 11. General Softwares


Adobe Photoshop : (Paid)
- a powerfull Photo/Image editor, the greatest of all, useful for edit materials/textures. Not free but you can purchase a monthly subscription


Photoshop VTF Plugin :
- a extenstion for Photoshop which allows to edit a VTF file without export it as an other format file, no longer available and functional above the version CC 2019 of Photoshop, the last compatible are Photoshop CC 2018 32bit Version


GIMP : (Free)
- The Free software of Photoshop competitor


Visual Studio Code : (Free)
- a Powerfull code editor


Notepad++ : (Free)
- a Powerfull text editor for edit many Valve files (like qc., smd, vmt and more)


Notepad++ VDF Language :
- a plugin for Notepad++ that supports custom text highlighting. Highlighting rules are available for many Valve languages.

Credits.
Special Thanks for all of these contributors :

  • ficool2 : Valve Hammer ++
  • Izotope, DarviL, SCell555, Momentum Mod team, NvC_DmH_CH,Yrrzy, Pont, Tumby : Valve Hammer++ Contributor Credits Website[ficool2.github.io]
  • TopHattWaffle, 3klilsphilip : Valve Hammer Tutorial on Youtube
  • Slartibarty : Slammin Hammer Tools
  • ruarai : Compile Pal X
  • dky.tehkingd.u : Hazard Team Compile Tool
  • ata4 : BSPSource
  • wfowler1 : BSP Decompiler 005
  • ReverendV92 : Notepad++ VDF Language
  • Nem : Crafty
  • DHager : PackBSP
  • Jed / Nemesis : Terrain Generator / VTFEdit Reloaded / GCFScape / Photoshop VTF Plugin...
  • Penguinboy : Twister
  • TeamSpen210 : Hammer Addons
  • Prophunt x2z FGD : Wolvindra-Vinzuerio
  • Bonjorno7 : Blender SourceOPS
  • REDxEYE : Blender SourceIO
  • Syborg64 : Blender VertexlitGeneric
  • theanine3D : Blender Source Collision Tools
  • Cannonfodder : 3DSMax Tools, MDLDecompiler / SourceCompiler...
  • wunderboy8 : 3DSMax VTF Plugin
  • ZeqMacaw : Crowbar
  • Gira-X, Yanzl : VMT Editor
  • hlstriker : Source Model Skin Editor
  • craftablescience : VPKEdit
  • Xblah : XBLAH'S Modding Tool

Some authors are missing, or I couldn't find them, but spacials thanks also to them

1 Comments
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Cody Green Sep 18, 2024 @ 5:14pm 
penis