Left 4 Dead/Authoring Tools: Difference between revisions
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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.
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{{construction-notice|'''Note''': The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools are currently in '''Open Beta Testing'''.<br>Content on this page refers to features that are in a '''Beta Testing''' cycle and are subject to change without notice.}} | |||
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]]. | 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]]. | ||
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== 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 current in '''Open Beta Testing''' and are freely available on Steam to all owners of the PC version of Left 4 Dead. | ||
== Downloading and installation == | == Downloading and installation == | ||
[[Image:l4D_Tools_install.png|thumb|500px|right|Installing the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools]] | |||
To install the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools: | To install the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools: | ||
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# Open the '''Steam '''window. | # Open the '''Steam '''window. | ||
# Click on the '''Tools '''tab. | # Click on the '''Tools '''tab. | ||
# Double-click on the '''Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools''' entry. | # Double-click on the '''Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools Beta''' entry. | ||
# 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 '''tab). | ||
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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. | 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.}} | {{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}} | ||
== What's included? == | |||
The package includes: | |||
* Updated Hammer, the Source level editor | |||
* Suite of command line compiling utilities, such as <code>studiomdl</code> and map compiling tools | |||
* Updated Particle editor | |||
* Updated Faceposer | |||
* VPK editor, for packaging your content | |||
* Example maps | |||
* Example models: common Infected, a breakable prop, and explosives | |||
* A set of example particle effects | |||
== 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. | * 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. | ||
* If you want to learn about how to create content for the Source Engine in general, the main page of the [[ | * Another good way to start creating your own levels is using the [[SketchUp Source Tools]]. | ||
* You may also visit the [[Left 4 Dead Level Creation|Left 4 Dead Level Creation]] page for tutorials and tips specific to making levels for Left 4 Dead. | * If you want to learn about how to create content for the Source Engine in general, the main page of the [[SDK Docs|Source SDK documentation]] is a good place to start. | ||
* You may also visit the [[Left 4 Dead Level Creation|Left 4 Dead Level Creation]] page for further tutorials and tips specific to making levels for Left 4 Dead. | |||
== Bugs and issues == | == Bugs and issues == | ||
Revision as of 15:29, 14 May 2009
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.
Availability
The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools are current in Open Beta Testing and are freely available on Steam to all owners of the PC version of Left 4 Dead.
Downloading and installation
To install the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools:
- Open the Steam window.
- Click on the Tools tab.
- Double-click on the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools Beta entry.
- 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).
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.What's included?
The package includes:
- Updated Hammer, the Source level editor
- Suite of command line compiling utilities, such as
studiomdland map compiling tools - Updated Particle editor
- Updated Faceposer
- VPK editor, for packaging your content
- Example maps
- Example models: common Infected, a breakable prop, and explosives
- A set of example particle effects
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.
Bugs and issues
- See the Source SDK FAQ for answers to general SDK questions.
- For level design and Hammer editor issues, see the Level Design FAQ.
- Visit the Source SDK Development Forums on Steampowered.com.