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SPECIFICTION
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QuArK

quark.sourceforge.io

Free plan WindowsLinux
Visit quark.sourceforge.io
Spec score 7.5 #17 of 28 in Game Level Editors

What it is

QuArK is a free editor for maps and, to a limited extent, models used with Quake-based or similar game engines. It imports, exports and converts sounds, textures and other assets, and can modify .pak and .pk3 files. Compiled BSP maps can be opened so their entities can be inspected and changed. Map-building features include duplicators and shape builders for structures such as stairs and arches; edits to an original duplicator’s texture update its copies. Documented output formats include Classic Quake, QuArK etp, Valve 220 and Brush Primitives. The project lists 3D preview through software, OpenGL, Direct3D and 3Dfx Glide, plus Python plugin support with more than 60 plugins bundled in the installer. QuArK Explorer gathers assets into a .QRK file and links files from earlier projects. Support listings mention 31 games in the FAQ and 41 games plus five generic engines on SourceForge. Windows binaries are available, while the Linux guide uses Wine.

Spec sheet

Purpose
QuArK edits maps and, to a limited extent, models for games using engines based on or similar to the Quake engine.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Intended users
The FAQ describes QuArK as useful to people creating total conversions or editing resources for their games.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Platforms
The project page lists Windows; the FAQ says QuArK can be made to run on Linux.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Asset tools
It can import, export, and convert sounds, textures, and other game assets, and modify .pak and .pk3 files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Compiled maps
QuArK can import compiled BSP files to inspect and change their entities.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Distribution contents
The documented Windows installer includes QuArK binaries, a bundled Python micro-distribution, and the Infobase; source and help archives are also listed as distribution files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Known map-format limitation
The maker warns that floating-point coordinates in QuArK maps can cause problems with build tools that cannot read them.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Linux setup
The maker’s Linux guide describes running QuArK through Wine, a compatibility layer for Windows binaries.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Map editing
The FAQ describes duplicators and shape builders for making structures such as stairs and arches, with texture changes to an original duplicator item updating its copies.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Map formats
Documented output map formats include Classic Quake, QuArK etp, Valve 220, and Brush Primitives.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Project organization
QuArK Explorer can collect game assets into a single .QRK file and link files from past projects into future projects.Read 8 Oct 2026 · quark.sourceforge.io
Python plugins
The SourceForge project page says QuArK is extendable with Python plugins and that over 60 are bundled with the installer.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Rendering
The SourceForge project page lists 3D preview using software, OpenGL, Direct3D, and 3Dfx Glide rendering.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Supported games
The maker’s FAQ says QuArK had expanded to 31 games at the time that page was written; the SourceForge project page lists support for 41 games and 5 generic game engines.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Plans and prices

QuArK Free GNU GPL v2 · Windows binaries available Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Every QuArK plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Edits maps and limited model content
  • Imports and converts varied game assets
  • Provides duplicators and shape builders
  • Supports Python plugins
  • Free under GNU GPL v2

Limits

  • Model editing is limited
  • Floating-point map coordinates can break some build tools
  • Linux setup uses Wine
  • Game-support counts differ between listings

Who it suits

It is aimed at people creating total conversions or editing game resources. It suits users working with Quake-family engines on Windows or through Wine on Linux.

Verdict

QuArK combines map construction, asset conversion and plugin extensibility for Quake-derived projects. Its documented format limitation and Wine-based Linux setup are important considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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