Crowbar

Free plan Windows

What Crowbar is

Crowbar is a free modding tool for GoldSource and Source game models and package files. It can decompile MDL models and related files into QC, SMD, and other related files, and supports a stated range of MDL versions. Compiling requires the game’s authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s own studiomdl.exe; model viewing likewise needs the game tools and hlmv.exe. For archives, Crowbar can unpack, view, and search Valve VPK, Garry’s Mod GMA, Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX, and Fairy Tale Busters APK files. It can also pack folders into VPK and GMA packages and extract files in batches. Workshop features support downloading and publishing items for several games. Users can configure game folders and associated model and package tools. On Windows, file associations and drag-and-drop can open VPK, QC, MDL, and folder inputs. The requirements list .NET Framework 4 and Windows XP or later, or Linux or Mac OS with a way to run a .NET Framework program.

Who it suits

Crowbar suits people working with GoldSource or Source game models and archives, especially those who need to unpack or repack game files or use Workshop items. Model compiling and viewing require the relevant game authoring tools or SDK.

What it does well

Free plan; no paid plans are stated.
Unpacks, views, and searches several game archive formats.
Supports batch extraction and archive repacking.
Can download and publish Workshop items for several games.
Windows file associations and drag-and-drop are supported.

What to know first

Model compiling requires game authoring tools or an SDK.
Model viewing also requires game authoring tools or an SDK.
Requires .NET Framework 4.
Windows XP or later is listed; other systems need a way to run .NET Framework.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Crowbar	No paid plans stated; donations are optional	Free

As steamcommunity.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the Crowbar group page.
Download the 7Z package linked by the group.
Unzip the package with 7-Zip.
Use Windows XP or later, or Linux or Mac OS with a way to run a .NET Framework program; .NET Framework 4 is listed as a requirement.
Set up a game folder and its compiler, viewer, or package tools as needed.

Verdict

Crowbar combines model decompiling with archive and Workshop tools for GoldSource and Source projects. Check the tool requirements first if you need to compile or view models.

Questions

Does Crowbar cost anything?

Crowbar is free, and donations are optional. No paid plans are stated.

Which systems can run Crowbar?

The requirements list Windows XP or later, or Linux or Mac OS with a way to run a .NET Framework program. .NET Framework 4 is also required.

What model formats does it support?

The listed model formats are MDL, SMD, VTA, VRD, and QC. Decompiling MDL and related files produces QC, SMD, and related files.

Can Crowbar compile and view models on its own?

Compiling requires the game’s authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s studiomdl.exe. Viewing requires the authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s hlmv.exe.

Which package formats can it work with?

Crowbar can unpack, view, and search Valve VPK, Garry’s Mod GMA, Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX, and Fairy Tale Busters APK files. It can pack folders into Valve VPK and Garry’s Mod GMA files.

Where can I get help or the source code?

The group points users to its guides, tutorials, discussions, and Dead4Mods Discord. Its requirements and features page says source code has been available since version 0.19.

Facts from Crowbar's own pages

Compilation requirement: Model compiling requires the game's authoring tools or SDK and its own studiomdl.exe. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Distribution: The group links to a 7Z download and says to unzip it with 7-Zip. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Game tools integration: Game setups can specify a game's folder and its model compiler, model viewer, and package packer or unpacker. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Model decompiling: It decompiles MDL and related files into QC, SMD, and related files, with support for a stated range of MDL versions. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Model viewing requirement: Model viewing requires the game's authoring tools or SDK and its own hlmv.exe. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Package files: It can unpack, view, and search Valve VPK, Garry's Mod GMA, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX, and Fairy Tale Busters APK files. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Packing: It can pack folders into Valve VPK and Garry's Mod GMA package files. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Platform requirements: The requirements page lists Windows XP or later, or Linux or Mac OS with a way to run a .NET Framework program, plus .NET Framework 4. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Purpose: Crowbar is a modding tool for decompiling, compiling, and viewing GoldSource and Source models. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Source code: The requirements and features page says source code has been available since version 0.19. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Support: The group directs users to its guides, tutorials, discussions, and Dead4Mods Discord for help with using the tool and discussing its development. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Windows integration: Crowbar can be configured to open VPK, QC, MDL, and folder inputs through Windows file associations and drag-and-drop. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Workshop: It can download items from Workshop and publish items to the Workshop of several games. · steamcommunity.com, 7 Oct 2026
Workshop support: Release 0.74 added Workshop publishing support for Codename CURE, Entropy: Zero 2, FIREFIGHT RELOADED, Hunt Down The Freeman, JBMod, Military Conflict: Vietnam, and Wilson Chronicles. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026

Where Crowbar stands on Freedom251

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