Freedom251 › Game Modding Tools
TrenchBroom
What TrenchBroom is
TrenchBroom is a free level editor for brush-based game engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with editing available in a 3D view and up to three 2D views. Brush tools include vertex editing, clipping, scaling, shearing, and operations to merge, subtract, or hollow shapes. A UV view supports texture work, and multiple material collections are supported. The entity browser allows drag-and-drop use and reads definitions in FGD, ENT, and DEF formats. The editor displays models in formats including mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm. Its issue browser can filter and resolve map problems and offers automatic quick fixes. TrenchBroom can run external compilers and launch game engines, but those compilation tools need to be installed separately. The listed 2026.2 release requires Windows 10 1903 or later, Linux with glibc 2.33 or higher, or macOS 13 or later, along with OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware support.
Who it suits
It suits mappers working with brush-based engines, especially those needing both 3D and 2D editing views and built-in map issue tools. Users looking for game-specific mapping instruction may need to consult other mappers or communities, as the manual focuses on using the editor.
What it does well
- Free and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Supports 3D editing and up to three 2D views.
- Brush tools include clipping, shearing, and CSG operations.
- Issue browser offers filtering and automatic quick fixes.
- Supports multiple Quake, Valve, and package formats.
What to know first
- External compilation tools must be installed separately.
- 2026.2 requires macOS 13 or later.
- Linux requirement includes glibc 2.33 or higher.
- Hardware requires OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2.
Limits
TrenchBroom does not include compilation tools, which must be installed separately. The 2026.2 release requires Windows 10 1903 or later, Linux with glibc 2.33 or higher, or macOS 13 or higher, plus OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware support.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TrenchBroom | Free (GPLv3+) | Free |
As trenchbroom.github.io lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open trenchbroom.github.io to access the project.
- Choose the build for Windows, macOS, or Linux that meets the listed release requirements.
- Install TrenchBroom under the free GPLv3+ plan.
- Use the manual to learn the editor interface and tools.
- Install compilation tools separately if you want to run external compilers.
Verdict
TrenchBroom provides a broad set of editing, texture, entity, and map-checking tools at no cost. Factor in its release requirements and the need to supply compilers separately when planning a setup.
Questions
Does TrenchBroom cost anything?
The TrenchBroom plan is free and is Free (GPLv3+).
Which operating systems are supported?
TrenchBroom supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. The 2026.2 release lists Windows 10 1903 or later, macOS 13 or later, or Linux with glibc 2.33 or higher.
What graphics hardware does the 2026.2 release require?
It lists OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware requirements.
Does TrenchBroom include compilers?
No. It can run external compilers and launch game engines, but compilation tools must be installed separately.
Which map and package formats does it support?
Supported formats include Standard Quake map, Valve map, Quake2, Quake2 (Valve), Quake3 (legacy), Quake3 (Valve), Hexen2, idpak, dkpak, and zip/pk3.
Where can I get help or request a feature?
The project points users to its Discord and accepts feature requests through the TrenchBroom issue tracker. Its manual teaches use of the editor and directs mapping and game-specific technical questions to other mappers and communities.
Facts from TrenchBroom's own pages
- 3D and 2D editing
- It supports editing in 3D and in up to three 2D views. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- Brush tools
- Brush editing includes vertex editing, clipping, scaling, shearing, and merge, subtract, and hollow CSG operations. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- Build and launch workflow
- TrenchBroom can run external compilers and launch game engines; compilation tools are not included and must be installed separately. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- 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. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Entities
- The entity browser supports drag and drop, and entity definitions can use FGD, ENT, and DEF files. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- 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. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- Map checks
- Its issue browser can show, filter, and resolve map issues, and includes automatic quick fixes. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- Models
- The editor displays entity models in formats including mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- TrenchBroom is a level editor for brush-based game engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project points users to its Discord and says feature requests can be submitted through the TrenchBroom issue tracker. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- Textures
- A UV view supports texture manipulation, and the editor supports multiple material collections. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
- 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. · trenchbroom.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
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