MDLDecompiler

MDLDecompiler is a tool written by Cannonfodder for decompiling Source models back into their component parts; namely SMD, VTA and QC files.

You don't have to change anything in Hooch's fixed version, link at the bottom of page

Animations: Certain mdl's only have animations in them, but come with a .ani file. Same procedure: Change the .mdl's header to clear and the .ani's header to clear NOTE THE COMMAS

Some issues with the original Cannonfodder decompiler were fixed by Erix920 but some bugs still remain.

Note:MDLDecompiler is not 100% reliable and has some issues with certain MDL files. It also doesn't produce a "perfect" decompile and you may need to rework the QC file to be able to recompile a model properly.

Note:When browsing for the .mdl file you wish to decompile it might give an error and shut down the program. When it does this try deselecting the "Use Steam File Access" inside the mdldecompiler program at the bottom. Once deselected then you should be able to browse for the .mdl files.

Note:When using Orange Box, don't place the mdldecompiler in "sourcesdk/bin/orangebox/bin/", this does not work. You need to place the mdldecompiler.exe in "sourcesdk/bin/ep1/bin/" at all times.

Cannonfodder's other source engine tools

• Studiocompiler
• 3DSMax Tools
• DispGen
• WinBSPZip

See also

• Crowbar - A more up-to-date tool for decompiling models
• XBLAH's Modding Tool - Integrated model decompiling feature
• Studiocompiler
• Source model skin editor

External links

You can download working versions of the tools from the links below.

• Hooch's fixed version of MDL Decompiler (2013) (No need to change "IDST0" to "IDST," and no more AppId error)
• Cannonfodder's original MDLDecompiler (for an updated version use studiocompiler)
• Erik's fixed version of MDLDecompiler (internet archive / wayback machine)
• StudioCompiler (updated 2011) - the official website.
• Crowbar MDL Decompiler