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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hammer}} | |||
{{src topicon}} | |||
{{LanguageBar}} | |||
[[File:Hammer splash.png|thumb|right|Hammer 4.x splash screen.]] | |||
[[File:Hammer screen.jpg|thumb|right|Main view of Hammer 4.1.]] | |||
'''Hammer 4.x''' is [[Valve]]'s in-house level editor for {{src|1}} titles, included in the [[Source SDK]]. It is a further evolution of [[Valve Hammer Editor|Hammer 3.x]]. Many of its core concepts, features, and UI elements still match those of 3.x, as does the underlying mapping theory: building [[Leak|sealed]] levels with [[Brush|brushes]] and compiling them into [[BSP]] maps. | |||
---- | While in many ways improved, its core is stiil tied to ancient software architecture, and, being a product of its time, it often stuggles under the load of designing modern-looking levels. | ||
Despite that, {{hl2|1.bold}} and every other Source title was built with it. Its relative ease of entry and gradual learning curve attract modders to this day. | |||
{{ModernImportant|There are several community-made updates to Hammer (unfortunately, none are open-source, as the source code for Hammer has never been officially released, only either leaked, or available to licensees who kept it closed).<br>They are not essential for creating Source levels, but include bugfixes, QoL and extended features. '''They are [[User:Cvoxalury/Sandbox#Community fixes|listed further below]]'''.}} | |||
== Installing and launching == | |||
Older versions of Hammer are shipped in their respective [[Source SDK]] packages, and are intended to be launched via the Source SDK Launcher. | |||
Since the [[Steampipe]] update, Hammer is installed automatically with the games, and is available in the {{path|<nowiki>/bin/</nowiki>}} folder of a particular game ({{path|<nowiki>Half-Life 2/bin</nowiki>}}, {{path|<nowiki>Portal/bin</nowiki>}}, etc). However, in some cases, such as with {{p2|1.bold}} and {{l4d|1.bold}}, their '''Authoring Tools''' need to be installed and launched to access '''Hammer'''. | |||
Some of these sub-versions are interchangeable, such as between HL2, [[Episode 1|both]] of its [[Episode 2|Episodes]], Portal, {{css|1.bold}} and {{src13|1.bold}}. Others, such as Portal 2's and {{csgo|1.bold}}, have certain exclusive features ({{w|icon=0|Maya}} integration for P2, [[Sprinkle]] Tool for CS:GO) and may not be fully compatible with other titles. | |||
For further information on setting up Hammer for Source, see [[Your First Map]], [[Getting Started]] and its following articles. | |||
See also [[:Category:Hammer]] for more links to Hammer documentation. | |||
== Features overview == | |||
{{stub}} | |||
Compared to Hammer 3.x, the most notable new features include [[Displacements]], [[I/O]] system, and using Source's own materialsystem for rendering textures and models. Later versions expanded on the user interface, adding the particle browser (since ASW), improved Model Browser, [[Instance|instances]] and other extra tools. | |||
== Community fixes == | |||
* {{slamminsrc|1.bold}} addresses performance and bug issues, adds convenience options and fextures, and comes with extended compilers: '''[[Slammin' Source Map Tools|Slammin' Compile Tools]]'''; | |||
* {{hammer++|1.bold}} further updates Hammer with additional tools and modernised workflow, realtime in-editor lighting preview, in-editor physics and more. It is based on the no longer available [https://web.archive.org/web/20201006134116/https://github.com/Gocnak/sdk-2013-hammer "SDK 2013 Hammer"] project, which closed off access after its developers started working with an engine license. | |||
* {{TeamSpen's Hammer Addons|1.bold}} is a set of enhancements for working with Hammer, which don't directly modify the editor. | |||
Revision as of 12:25, 19 July 2024
Hammer 4.x is Valve's in-house level editor for Source titles, included in the Source SDK. It is a further evolution of Hammer 3.x. Many of its core concepts, features, and UI elements still match those of 3.x, as does the underlying mapping theory: building sealed levels with brushes and compiling them into BSP maps.
While in many ways improved, its core is stiil tied to ancient software architecture, and, being a product of its time, it often stuggles under the load of designing modern-looking levels.
Despite that, Half-Life 2 and every other Source title was built with it. Its relative ease of entry and gradual learning curve attract modders to this day.
Important:There are several community-made updates to Hammer (unfortunately, none are open-source, as the source code for Hammer has never been officially released, only either leaked, or available to licensees who kept it closed).They are not essential for creating Source levels, but include bugfixes, QoL and extended features. They are listed further below.
Installing and launching
Older versions of Hammer are shipped in their respective Source SDK packages, and are intended to be launched via the Source SDK Launcher.
Since the Steampipe update, Hammer is installed automatically with the games, and is available in the 
/bin/ folder of a particular game (Half-Life 2/bin, Portal/bin, etc). However, in some cases, such as with Portal 2 and Left 4 Dead, their Authoring Tools need to be installed and launched to access Hammer.
Some of these sub-versions are interchangeable, such as between HL2, both of its Episodes, Portal, Counter-Strike: Source and Source 2013. Others, such as Portal 2's and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, have certain exclusive features (Maya integration for P2, Sprinkle Tool for CS:GO) and may not be fully compatible with other titles.
For further information on setting up Hammer for Source, see Your First Map, Getting Started and its following articles.
See also Category:Hammer for more links to Hammer documentation.
Features overview
Compared to Hammer 3.x, the most notable new features include Displacements, I/O system, and using Source's own materialsystem for rendering textures and models. Later versions expanded on the user interface, adding the particle browser (since ASW), improved Model Browser, instances and other extra tools.
Community fixes
- Slammin' Source Map Tools addresses performance and bug issues, adds convenience options and fextures, and comes with extended compilers: Slammin' Compile Tools;
- Hammer++ further updates Hammer with additional tools and modernised workflow, realtime in-editor lighting preview, in-editor physics and more. It is based on the no longer available "SDK 2013 Hammer" project, which closed off access after its developers started working with an engine license.
- TeamSpen's Hammer Addons is a set of enhancements for working with Hammer, which don't directly modify the editor.