This article relates to the game "Left 4 Dead". Click here for more information.
This article's documentation is for anything that uses the Source engine. Click here for more information.

Left 4 Dead/Authoring Tools: Difference between revisions

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{{otherlang2
{{LanguageBar|title=Left 4 Dead - Authoring Tools}}
| de = Authoring Tools/SDK (Left 4 Dead):de
{{l4D topicon}}{{Source topicon}}
| fr = Authoring Tools/SDK (Left 4 Dead):fr
{{l4d}} The '''Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools''', also known as an SDK, is a set of software utilities that allow you to create your own levels, campaigns, common Infected, and other gameplay elements. They include versions of Source SDK tools that have been updated to work with the {{l4d|2}} version of {{Source|2}}.
| it = Authoring Tools/SDK (Left 4 Dead):it
{{Confusion|For {{l4d2|2}}, please go to the [[Left 4 Dead 2 Level Creation]] page. You will, however, need to master the basics of Source and L4D level design first.}}
| pl = Authoring Tools/SDK (Left 4 Dead):pl
| ru = Authoring_Tools/SDK (Left 4 Dead):ru
}}
 
The '''Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools''', also known as an SDK, is a set of software utilities that allow you to create your own levels, campaigns, common Infected, and other gameplay elements. They include versions of Source SDK tools that have been updated to work with the Left 4 Dead version of the [[Source Engine]].
 
'''Note:'''
For [[L4D2_Level_Design|Left4Dead 2 Level Design]], please go to the Left4Dead 2 Level Design page. You will however need to master the basics of Source and Left4Dead level design first.


== Availability ==
== Availability ==
The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools are freely available on Steam to all owners of the PC version of ''Left 4 Dead''.


The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools are freely available on Steam to all owners of the PC version of Left 4 Dead.
== Downloading and Installation ==
 
[[File:SteamToolsMenu2019_1.png|thumb|right|300px|The Games dropdown menu.]]
== Downloading and installation ==
[[File:SteamToolsMenu2019_2.png|thumb|right|300px|The Tools category.]]
 
[[File:L4D_Tools_install.png|frame|right|Installing the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools]]
 
To install the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools, either [steam://install/513 click here] or:
To install the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools, either [steam://install/513 click here] or:


# Restart Steam if it's currently running.
# Open the '''Library''' window.
# Open the '''Steam '''window.  
# Click on the '''Games''' dropdown.  
# Click on the '''Tools '''tab.  
# Click on '''Tools''' checkbox.
# Double-click on the '''Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools''' entry.  
# Scroll down in your library until you see the '''Tools''' category.  
# Double click on '''Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools''' and install them.
# The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools will download to your computer via Steam.  
# The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools will download to your computer via Steam.  
# Once it has been fully installed, you will be able to launch it in the same way you installed it (from the '''Tools '''tab).
# Once it has been fully installed, you will be able to launch it in the same way you installed it (from the '''Tools''' section of your library).
 
You can also create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking on the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools entry and clicking '''Create desktop shortcut''' from the context menu.  


{{note|For the Authoring Tools to function correctly, it is important that your installation of Left 4 Dead is fully up-to-date. You can make sure of this by running the game before launching the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools. Simply launching the game then quitting after you get to the main menu is sufficient.}}{{clr}}
You can also create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking on the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools entry, clicking '''Manage''', and then clicking '''Add desktop shortcut'''.
{{Important|For the Authoring Tools to function correctly, your installation of ''Left 4 Dead'' must be fully up-to-date. You can make sure of this by running the game before launching the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools. Simply launching the game, then quitting after you get to the main menu is sufficient.}}


== What's included? ==
{{bug|hidetested=1| [[Valve_Hammer_Editor|Hammer World Editor]] 4.1 Build 9028 - program crash/freeze when [[operating system]] run more than 19 threads.
<code>Fatal Error<br>
Out of thread ids. Decrease the number of threads or increase MAX_THREADS_SUPPORTED</code>
[[Fatal_Error_Out_of_thread_ids|Fatal Error Out of thread ids]]}}
{{clr}}


== What's Included? ==
The package includes:
The package includes:


* Updated Hammer, the Source level editor
* Updated {{Hammer|2}}, the Source level editor
* Suite of command line compiling utilities, such as <code>studiomdl</code> and map compiling tools
* Suite of command line compiling utilities, such as <code>studiomdl</code> and map compiling tools
* Updated Particle editor
* Updated Particle editor
Line 44: Line 39:
* Example models: common Infected, a breakable prop, and explosives
* Example models: common Infected, a breakable prop, and explosives
* Example particle systems (<code>particles/particle_sample.pcf</code>)
* Example particle systems (<code>particles/particle_sample.pcf</code>)
* [[SketchUp to Hammer Export plugin|SketchUp plugins]]


== Where do I go from here?  ==
== Where do I go from here?  ==
* The [[L4D Level Design Basics Tutorial]] is a step-by-step tutorial to get started making Left 4 Dead levels using the Hammer level editor.  
* The [[L4D Level Design Basics Tutorial]] is a step-by-step tutorial to get started making Left 4 Dead levels using the Hammer level editor.  
* Another good way to start creating your own levels is using the [[SketchUp Source Tools]].
* Another good way to start creating your own levels is using the [[SketchUp Source Tools]].
Line 54: Line 49:


== Bugs and issues ==
== Bugs and issues ==
 
* Post all issues and bugs in the [https://github.com/ValveSoftware/Source-1-Games/issues GitHub issues page].
* Post all issues and bugs in the [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=192 Steampowered.com Forums].
* See the [[:Category:Source SDK FAQ|Source SDK FAQ]] for answers to general SDK questions.  
* See the [[:Category:Source SDK FAQ|Source SDK FAQ]] for answers to general SDK questions.  
* For level design and Hammer editor issues, see the [[:Category:Level Design FAQ|Level Design FAQ]].  
* For level design and Hammer editor issues, see the [[:Category:Level Design FAQ|Level Design FAQ]].  
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= See also =
= See also =
* [[Left 4 Dead Level Creation]]
* [[Left 4 Dead Level Creation]]
* [[Left 4 Dead 2 Level Creation]]
* [[Left 4 Dead 2 Level Creation]]{{SDK-navbox}}


[[Category:Left 4 Dead]]
[[Category:Entry pages]]

Latest revision as of 07:14, 20 May 2025

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Left 4 Dead The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools, also known as an SDK, is a set of software utilities that allow you to create your own levels, campaigns, common Infected, and other gameplay elements. They include versions of Source SDK tools that have been updated to work with the Left 4 Dead Left 4 Dead version of Source Source.

Warning.pngRisk of Confusion:For Left 4 Dead 2 Left 4 Dead 2, please go to the Left 4 Dead 2 Level Creation page. You will, however, need to master the basics of Source and L4D level design first.

Availability

The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools are freely available on Steam to all owners of the PC version of Left 4 Dead.

Downloading and Installation

The Games dropdown menu.
The Tools category.

To install the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools, either click here or:

  1. Open the Library window.
  2. Click on the Games dropdown.
  3. Click on Tools checkbox.
  4. Scroll down in your library until you see the Tools category.
  5. Double click on Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools and install them.
  6. The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools will download to your computer via Steam.
  7. Once it has been fully installed, you will be able to launch it in the same way you installed it (from the Tools section of your library).

You can also create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking on the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools entry, clicking Manage, and then clicking Add desktop shortcut.

Icon-Important.pngImportant:For the Authoring Tools to function correctly, your installation of Left 4 Dead must be fully up-to-date. You can make sure of this by running the game before launching the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools. Simply launching the game, then quitting after you get to the main menu is sufficient.
Icon-Bug.pngBug: Hammer World Editor 4.1 Build 9028 - program crash/freeze when operating system run more than 19 threads.

Fatal Error
Out of thread ids. Decrease the number of threads or increase MAX_THREADS_SUPPORTED

Fatal Error Out of thread ids

What's Included?

The package includes:

  • Updated Hammer Hammer, the Source level editor
  • Suite of command line compiling utilities, such as studiomdl and map compiling tools
  • Updated Particle editor
  • Updated Faceposer
  • Example maps
  • Example models: common Infected, a breakable prop, and explosives
  • Example particle systems (particles/particle_sample.pcf)
  • SketchUp plugins

Where do I go from here?

  • The L4D Level Design Basics Tutorial is a step-by-step tutorial to get started making Left 4 Dead levels using the Hammer level editor.
  • Another good way to start creating your own levels is using the SketchUp Source Tools.
  • If you want to learn about how to create content for the Source Engine in general, the main page of the Source SDK documentation is a good place to start.
  • You may also visit the Left 4 Dead Level Creation page for further tutorials and tips specific to making levels for Left 4 Dead.
  • Once you're ready to distribute your campaigns, you can use the vpk packager to create your own Add-ons. See L4D Campaign Add-on Tutorial for instructions.

Bugs and issues

See also

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