Prefab
A Premade Fabrication, or Prefab, is a separately saved object, usually consisting of multiple parts, either brushes, props, or entity elements. The prefab system allows you to easily store pieces from your levels that can be used repeatedly. Examples of useful prefabs include hallways, pillars, special entity setups, etc.
Prefabs are simply small map (.VMF) files that contain only your prefab. These files are stored in a particular prefab folder, generally \sourcesdk\bin\prefabs, so that Hammer can find them and allow you to easily insert them into your levels. Prefabs can be organized into their own heirarchy in the /prefabs directory - Using a folder of prefabs for each map, mod, etcetera, as determined by the user.
How to create a prefab:
- Select the objects you wish to include in your prefab (using <Shift>-click).
- It is generally advisable to centre the selected objects at the origin (0,0,0) of your map.
- If this prefab is intended to interact with named objects inside itself, such as a button that triggers a door to open, place "_&i" at the end of each object's name so that the prefab can be used several times within a map without the individual prefabs activating each other.
- Either click the Create Prefab button in the New Objects toolbar, or select the Create Prefab command from the Tools menu. (Shortcut key: <Ctrl>-R)
- A Save As... dialog will open, displaying the Hammer prefabs directory. Type in the filename to save your prefab as and click the Save button.
- The new prefab will now be available for insertion in the New Objects toolbar.
For information on how to place prefabs in a map, see Inserting Prefabs.
External links
Various sites that host custom made prefabs and models: