Side by side
TrenchBroom vs Ultimate Doom Builder
Both stand on game level editors. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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.
Visit TrenchBroomChoose Ultimate Doom Builder if you need a free editor for maps in Doom, Heretic, Hexen, or Strife-based games, with 2D/3D editing and terrain and entity tools. Its broadest fit is with ZDoom-family ports. Look elsewhere if you need dependable Linux support, since Linux building is experimental and may require unsupported troubleshooting.
Visit Ultimate Doom BuilderThe facts
| TrenchBroom | Ultimate Doom Builder | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | trenchbroom.github.io | ultimatedoombuilder.github.io |
| On game level editors | #22 of 28 | #26 of 28 |
TrenchBroom: 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.
Ultimate Doom Builder: what it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Edits maps in both 2D and 3D.
- Includes terrain tools and entity placement.
- Supports ZDoom-family ports and classic engines.
- Offers x64 and x86 builds.
What to know first
- Linux building is experimental.
- Linux users may need to troubleshoot without developer support.
- Windows requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 and OpenGL 3.2 support.
- The 32-bit build has more project-size limits than x64.
Alternatives to TrenchBroom Alternatives to Ultimate Doom Builder The whole list