How to Make a GMOD Map

By Tiesha Whatley

Updated September 22, 2017

Garry's Mod — or GMod as it is commonly called — is a physics game that gives the player the power to experiment with physics and object manipulation. GMod is a sandbox game, so it requires the Steam source engine, along with another Steam game, in order to run. You can use the GMod tools to create a map to be used in the game. The source SDK for GMod provides you with all of the tools necessary for creating your own map.

Double-click on the Steam icon to open it. Click on the "Tools" tab.

Double-click on "Source SDK" and then "Garry's Mod." This brings up the Hammer Map Editor. Click on "File" and then "New" to start a new map. The screen is broken down into four views; side view, top view, front view and code view.

Look at the toolbox on the left-hand side and get familiar with the tools.The Selection Tool allows you to select different objects you place on the screen. Use the Magnify Tool to zoom in and out of an object after selecting it. Click on the "Camera Tool" to change the camera to a 3D perspective to get a realistic view of your map while creating it. Use the "Entity Tool" to place entities on your map. Click on the "Creation Tool" to add the actual elements to your map. After you have created elements on your map, use the "Texture Application Tool" to add textures to your map elements.

Click on the "Box Tool," choose a texture from the right-hand property window and draw the elements of your map. Draw elements by click and dragging your mouse button. Draw any rooms, doorways, walls, floors and ceilings for your map. Choose a different texture before adding the windows and doors.

Add a player spawn to seal off a room after you are finish drawing it. Click on the "Entity Tool" and then click on "info_player_start" from the list of available entities. Right-click on a spot on your map and then click on "Create Object."

Add design elements to your map. Right-click on different objects on your map and then click on "Properties." Change the color of the object by clicking on "Brightness." Change other settings in the "Properties" window until you are satisfied with your map.

Click on "File" and then "Run Map" to run your map. Click "OK" in the pop-up window to compile your map to be used in your GMod game.

Tips

When creating rooms for your map, start with the basics. Since every room usually have four walls, a floor and a ceiling, draw them first. Entities control how the players interact with the map.

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