GMod mapping resources

A working collection for getting started with Hammer Editor and mapping for Garry's Mod. Some of these we use ourselves, others we found via Sod-ers' excellent GMod-Resources bookmarks on GitHub. If something useful is missing, ping us on Discord and we'll add it.

Video tutorials

TopHATTwaffle

Long-form Hammer tutorials covering everything from brushwork basics to optimisation. Best starting point if you've never opened Hammer before.

3kliksphilip

Shorter, focused mapping tutorials. Less hand-holding, more concrete techniques.

Scott and Jennifer Myers

Broader Source engine tutorials covering mapping plus surrounding workflow.

UEAKCrash

Practical Hammer techniques aimed at level designers shipping real maps.

Sod-ers' tutorial bookmarks

Community-curated index of mapping tutorials worth watching.

Documentation & references

Valve Developer Wiki

The canonical reference for Source engine entities, brushwork, and tools.

Hammer addon catalogue (Sod-ers)

Curated index of FGD enhancements and editor tools.

Hammer keyboard shortcuts (Sod-ers)

Every shortcut worth memorising.

Console commands reference (Sod-ers)

Useful commands for testing and debugging.

Test map config (Sod-ers)

Drop-in config for fast iteration when testing.

Asset creation (Blender, Substance Painter)

Blender tutorials, addons, and settings

What to install, how to set Blender up for Source workflow.

Blender for Source engine

Specifically the Source-engine workflow piece.

Substance Painter tutorials

Texturing workflow for Source assets.

Programs we recommend

The programs we actually use day to day:

Hammer++ - Improved fork of Hammer with a much better UX. Recommended over stock Hammer.
Darker++ theme for Hammer++ - Easier on the eyes for long sessions. hammerfy
Blender - Modelling and asset creation.
Crowbar - Extracting and compiling Source models.
MareTF - Additional model tooling.
VPKEdit - Working with VPK archives directly.
GCFScape - Extracting assets from Source games.
gmpublisher or GWTool - Workshop uploading.
GIMP with PhotoGIMP and Photoshop2 theme - Texturing if you don't have Photoshop.
Inkscape - Vector work (logos, UI mockups).
Substance Painter - Texturing workflow if you have access.

Essential programs (Sod-ers)

Full list with notes from someone who's been doing this longer than us.

More tools on the Valve Developer Wiki

Broader catalogue of third-party tooling.

Sod-ers' deeper notes

Deeper rabbit hole if you want it.

Free assets

Sod-ers' free assets list

Texture packs, model packs, and reference content. Free is the only word that matters.

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