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Crowbar
What it is
Crowbar is a free Windows modding tool for decompiling, compiling, and viewing GoldSource and Source models, as well as handling game packages. It can unpack, inspect, and search Valve VPK, Garry's Mod GMA, Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX, and Fairy Tale Busters APK files; folders can be packed into VPK and GMA packages. Model decompiling converts MDL and related files into QC, SMD, and related files, with support for a stated range of MDL versions. Compiling and viewing models require the game's authoring tools or SDK plus Crowbar's own compiler or viewer executable. Workshop features support downloads and publishing for several games, and release 0.74 added publishing for a listed group of titles. Game setups can connect a game folder with its model and package tools. Windows file associations and drag-and-drop can open VPK, QC, MDL, and folder inputs. The group distributes a 7Z download and points users to guides, tutorials, discussions, and Discord for help.
For and against
For
- Decompiles MDL files into QC, SMD, and related files.
- Unpacks, views, and searches several game archive types.
- Packs folders into VPK and GMA packages.
- Supports batch extraction and Workshop functions.
- Source code has been available since version 0.19.
Against
- Model compiling requires game authoring tools or an SDK.
- Model viewing requires game authoring tools or an SDK.
- Requires .NET Framework 4.
- Distribution is a 7Z download to unzip.
The verdict
Crowbar brings model and package workflows together for GoldSource and Source modding, with file handling and Workshop features. Check the authoring-tool requirements before relying on its model compiling or viewing functions.
Who it suits
Crowbar suits Windows users modding GoldSource or Source games who need to inspect models or work with supported game packages. Model compilation and viewing require the relevant game's authoring tools or SDK.
Plans and prices
Crowbar
No paid plans stated; donations are optional
Read 7 Oct 2026 · steamcommunity.com
On the record
- Compilation requirement
- Model compiling requires the game's authoring tools or SDK and its own studiomdl.exe.steamcommunity.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The group links to a 7Z download and says to unzip it with 7-Zip.steamcommunity.com · read 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 · read 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 · read 7 Oct 2026
- Model viewing requirement
- Model viewing requires the game's authoring tools or SDK and its own hlmv.exe.steamcommunity.com · read 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 · read 7 Oct 2026
- Packing
- It can pack folders into Valve VPK and Garry's Mod GMA package files.steamcommunity.com · read 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 · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Crowbar is a modding tool for decompiling, compiling, and viewing GoldSource and Source models.steamcommunity.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Source code
- The requirements and features page says source code has been available since version 0.19.steamcommunity.com · read 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 · read 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 · read 7 Oct 2026
- Workshop
- It can download items from Workshop and publish items to the Workshop of several games.steamcommunity.com · read 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 · read 7 Oct 2026
