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SPECIFICTION
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TrenchBroom

trenchbroom.github.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit trenchbroom.github.io
Spec score 7.3 #19 of 25 in Game Modding Tools

What it is

TrenchBroom is a free level editor for brush-based engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2. It provides a 3D workspace alongside up to three 2D views. Brush editing includes vertex changes, clipping, scaling, shearing, and constructive solid geometry operations for merging, subtracting, or hollowing shapes. A UV view handles textures and supports multiple material collections. The entity browser accepts drag-and-drop placement and definitions from FGD, ENT, and DEF files, while model display includes mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm formats. An issue browser filters map problems, helps resolve them, and offers automatic quick fixes. TrenchBroom can call external compilers and launch game engines, but those compilation tools are separate. It supports several Quake, Valve, Hexen 2, and package formats. The 2026.2 requirements list Windows 10 1903+, Linux with glibc 2.33+, or macOS 13+, with OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware.

Spec sheet

Purpose
TrenchBroom is a level editor for brush-based game engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Intended users
The manual is intended to teach use of the editor, not mapping itself; it directs mapping and game-specific technical questions to other mappers and communities.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Support
The project points users to its Discord and says feature requests can be submitted through the TrenchBroom issue tracker.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
3D and 2D editing
It supports editing in 3D and in up to three 2D views.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Brush tools
Brush editing includes vertex editing, clipping, scaling, shearing, and merge, subtract, and hollow CSG operations.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Build and launch workflow
TrenchBroom can run external compilers and launch game engines; compilation tools are not included and must be installed separately.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Current release requirements
The 2026.2 release lists Windows 10 1903 or later (x64), Linux with glibc 2.33 or higher, and macOS 13 or higher, with OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware requirements.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Entities
The entity browser supports drag and drop, and entity definitions can use FGD, ENT, and DEF files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Map checks
Its issue browser can show, filter, and resolve map issues, and includes automatic quick fixes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Models
The editor displays entity models in formats including mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Textures
A UV view supports texture manipulation, and the editor supports multiple material collections.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
Update privacy
The manual says TrenchBroom collects no user data and sends no private user or computer information during update checks; update requests go to GitHub over HTTPS.Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io

Plans and prices

TrenchBroom Free Free (GPLv3+) Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io

Every TrenchBroom plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free GPLv3+ editor
  • 3D view plus up to three 2D views
  • Automatic map-issue quick fixes
  • Multiple map and package formats
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux support

Limits

  • External compilation tools must be installed separately
  • Current release requires specified operating-system versions
  • No free trial is offered

Who it suits

TrenchBroom suits mappers creating levels for supported brush-based engines. The manual teaches editor use and directs game-specific mapping questions to other communities.

Verdict

TrenchBroom provides focused brush, texture, entity, and map-checking tools for classic engine workflows. Its free license and broad format support are balanced by separate compiler installation and stated system requirements.

Where Specifiction places it

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