Hammer++ vs PixLab Tilemap Editor
Hammer++
ficool2.github.ioPixLab Tilemap Editor
tilemap.pixlab.ioSide by side
| Figure | Hammer++ | PixLab Tilemap Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Level Editors | 8.5 (#5) | 7.3 (#20) |
| Integrations | The download page says HLMV++ is bundled with downloads and can be optionally installed. | The maker says JSON exports can be used as a starting point for custom game engine pipelines and names Unity and Godot as examples. |
| Purpose | Hammer++ is a free modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for the Source engine, intended to be more stable and up to date, with bug fixes and improvements. | PixLab Tilemap Editor creates and edits tile based maps for 2D games in a browser. |
| Support | The maker directs users to the official Discord to discuss Hammer++. | The product page links to PixLab support channels and a community forum. |
Plans
In their own words
Hammer++
Hammer++ is a free Windows modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for creating maps in the Source engine. It aims to improve stability and keep the editor current through fixes and changes. It can simulate Source lighting inside the editor, with adjustable quality and speed and dynamic updates, and preview particles, fog, skyboxes, rope physics, render effects, and material proxies. Mapping tools include a 3D gizmo, polygon and sprinkle tools, multiple cordons, brush merging, and object placement on floors or ceilings. If the editor crashes, it shows a detailed error message and autosaves open VMF files. Saved VMFs retain precise vertex data while also storing less precise data for compilers and compatibility with other Hammer versions. Downloads bundle HLMV++, which can be installed optionally. The download page lists build 8871, last updated April 14, 2026. The maker directs users to its official Discord for discussion and says the project is not affiliated with Valve. It also notes antivirus software sometimes flags downloads and advises allowing them or adding an exception. The old Source 2013 Multiplayer version is unsupported, and CS:GO support is frozen on build 8864.
PixLab Tilemap Editor
PixLab Tilemap Editor has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.