Hi All.
Thought I would list a heap of handy tools that I use personally when mapping/modding. I will list a basic explination of what each tool does, as well as a download link.
If you see a tool that you use regularly (Ie sound editing tools, modelling tools etc) then please post them below and they will be added to the post.
I want to get a nice library going.
Mapping/Compiling
Batch Compiler
For those of you who map, you will notice that when you run the map compiler (depending on the size of the map) it will freeze, it will lag your PC and in some cases it will simply crash.
The Batch compiler uses the same compiling tools that hammer does, but faster and smoother. It keeps the compile log updated and shows you exactly what the compiler is doing (instead of freezing and going straight to the end).
It also has an option to cancel the compiler while its activated!
Info and Download Link: http://qsextreme.com/vbct/
BZip2
This is a simple file zipper for files used on a fast download URL. For those of you who own/have ever owned a server and operated a FastDownload URL, you know how much faster it downloads than Valves ingame file manager. Bzip 2 builds on that speed.
By compressing the files on the downloadURL only, it will allow the player to download a compressed version of a map, model, sound, material etc and instantly unzips it upon completion.
Compression with dev material can go from 18MB (normal size) down to 4MB (compressed) as witnessed by ba_colourful_dtk_v1.
Info and Download: http://www.bzip.org/
Vmex
Vmex is a tool used to decompile .bsp files (ie counter-strike source maps). There are 2 different versions of this: the standard version, and the cracked version.
The standard version will not allow maps to be decompiled if they were locked by the creator, where as the cracked version will.
The only version I will be linking will be the normal version.
Info and Download: http://www.bagthorpe.org/bob/cofrdrbob/vmex.html
DispEd
This little tool allows you to create various geometric shapes (ie displacements) for use in hammer. It will export any shapes created into a vmf file which can be copied and pasted into your map.
Info and Download: http://www.violator.eclipse.co.uk/disped/
DispGen
This program will create a half-life2 displacement map from a height map image. It can read common image formats along with 16bit grayscale tif and pgm images.
Haven't used this tool to much so you will need to check out the website.
Info and Download: http://www.chaosincarnate.net/cannon...rogram=dispgen
Ent Spy
Allows you to go through and see entity information without decompiling a map. This allows you to check entity info like name, parent, model details etc for use when scripting, or simply seeing how something works.
It is also able to edit the entity properties without a need for recompiling.
Info and Download: http://www.bagthorpe.org/bob/cofrdrbob/entspy.html
PakRat
This is the tool i use most. It allows you to pack custom textures, sounds, models etc into a map file so players can see them. Simply browse for the bsp file and add the materials needed. This tool will automatically fill the directory information as well.
Info and Download: http://www.bagthorpe.org/bob/cofrdrbob/pakrat.html
Interlopers Error lister (for compiling errors)
Rather than having to go through your compile log for errors manually, you are able to paste the entire log into this website and have it search the errors for you. It will then tell you the level of the error, from something you can ignore, to something that will stop the map from compiling.
Website Link: http://www.interlopers.net/errors/
Protector Prefab
If you don't want people with cracked versions of Vmex decompiling your map, simply download this vmf and extract the geometry into your map. Do not adjust angles or retexture it, just simply hide it somewhere.
Info and Download link: http://twhl.info/vault.php?map=4128
GCFscape
GCFScape is an explorer like utility that enables users to browse Half-Life packages and extract their contents. GCFScape supports .bsp, .gcf, .ncf, .pak, .vpk, .wad and .xzp packages and runs independently of Steam.
Installer: http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/fil...cfscape131.exe
MAP viewer
MAP Viewer allows you to view .MAP files fast and accurately, handy for getting ideas for new maps without opening through hammer.
Info and Download: http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=21
Vscript2smd
This is less of a tool and moar of a hack, but will come in handy if you ever require complex dynamic physics (at least the perception of such) in a multiplayer map. With this you can record elaborate physics events into an SMD animation to avoid egregious latency problems.
Beware tho, it's a work in progress, and for now you gotta set up the 'recording session' in Portal 2 (but the SMD output works in any Source map).
Info and Download: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...cript2smd.html
Scripting/plugins
Eventscripts Optimiser
This website allows you to paste Eventscripts code (ess or esp) into it to check for errors and optimize the code. Very handy for beginners through to masters.
Website Link: http://code.eventscripts.com/
Script repository
Allows you to save scripts onto the paste pin with ESS or ESP with value highlights. Will also work for other languanges, but is designed for Eventscripts languages.
Website Link: http://code.eventscripts.com/
Modelling (3D)
Propper
This tool allows you to create model files using geometry in hammer. The real benefit of this is map optimization. If you have very complex brushes/lots of faces/vertex manipulation etc it is best to turn it into a .mdl file as the model can be removed while the player is not looking at it.
It also allows you to create custom models for mods such as Hide N Seek and really give your map a unique feeling.
How to install: http://www.worldofleveldesign.com/ca...ce-oilcake.php
Valve website: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/...Tips.2FCaveats
Propper Download: http://www.moddb.com/members/cfoust/downloads/propper
Blender (3D Modelling)
This is a free and powerful tool for modelling complex to simple geometry 3D models. resources are free on their website as some tutorials are also widely available.
Visit the website: http://www.blender.org
Apophysis
Apophysis is used for creating your own Fractal renders in seconds (Fractal Flame Editor)
Visit the website: http://apophysis.org/
Graphics/Texturing
VTF paint.NET
the vtf paint.NET plugin a convenient tool for either simple viewing or editing/creating vtf textures. There are more advanced tools for texture creation but this is a fairly simple and easy alternative.
Info and Download: http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=50
VTF Edit
VTF edit is handy for making sprays and most transparent images for use in game, this can be used for people who do not have photoshop (For use without the VTF Plugin)
Info and Download: http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?c=178
VTF Plugin (For Photoshop & Corel Paint Shop Pro)
VTF Plugin is the same use of VTF edit except with the ease of use when saving the file can be easily saved as .VTF with the settings required.
Valve Info:https://developer.valvesoftware.com/...hop_VTF_Plugin
Info and Download: http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=39
Textures
NVIDIA Texture Plugin for Photoshop
This tool is for Specular & Normal mapping for textures, in other words it changes the texture from a flat-base to appear more "bumpy" or have special lighting effects.
Info and Download: https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-...dobe-photoshop
CrazyBump
The same as the NVIDIA Plugin but for users without photoshop or just want another option.
Download: http://www.crazybump.com/beta/download.html
Resources for Graphic design (Fonts/renders etc)
Dafont.com
Dafont.com is useful for various free fonts and styles.
Visit the website: http://www.dafont.com
Planetrenders
Planetrenders is good for a huge source of useful renders, you will have to sign up to download most of the renders, but you can also request renders to be done within the forums.
Visit the website: http://www.planetrenders.net
Render Rat
Another website used for sourcing renders.
Visit the website: http://www.renderat.com
Sound Editing
Audacity
This free tool is good for editing sound files, with various tools very good for a free editor.
Visit the website: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
FL Studio
(similar to Audacity) has a free demo that comes with most featurers:
Visit the website: http://www.image-line.com/documents/flstudio.html
Muse Score
Is a free music notation software, it runs similar to Sibelius but is free.
Visit the website: http://musescore.org/
MC Music Editor
Musiceditor is free/open source (GPLv2) music notation software (Windows). I havent used it but should be similar to Muse Score.
Visit the website: http://www.mcmusiceditor.com/index.php
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Originally Posted by MDnK 
