Left 4 Dead/Authoring Tools

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

Installing the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools

To install the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools:

1. Open the Steam window.
2. Click on the Tools tab.
3. Double-click on the Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools Beta entry.
4. The Left 4 Dead Authoring Tools will download to your computer via Steam.
5. 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 studiomdl 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?

• 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.