Hammer Editor Documentation
The Valve Hammer Editor is a 3D design tool used for creating levels for Source engine games.
The Hammer editor can be used for:
- Creating level architecture -- geometry, texturing, and lighting.
- Placing models (props) created in 3D modeling packages, such as XSI.
- Placing entities for gameplay.
- Scripting gameplay entities with Inputs and Outputs.
- Adding AI navigation information.
- Compiling and running game levels.
Getting Started
Introduction to Editing - A introduction to the basic principles of editing with the Hammer Editor.
What's New - New features of the Valve Hammer Editor for Source.
Your First Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Room - How to create and run a simple room for Half-Life 2: Deathmatch.
Hammer Reference
Menus - Reference guide to the menus and their contents.
Dialogs - Reference guide to various dialog boxes.
Toolbars - Description of the toolbars and their icons.
Hotkey Reference - Listing of all keyboard shortcuts.
See Also
Source Mapping Conversion - For users familiar with the Half-Life 1 Map Editing Tools.
Source SDK FAQ - Information to help solve some common problems.
SDK Release Notes - Find out about current known issues in the Source SDK.