NetRadiant-Custom

NetRadiant-Custom is a free, open-source level editor for games built on id Tech. Its main focus is Quake, Quake 3 and Quake Live, while releases include configurations for additional games. The editor runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and ready-to-use packages are available from the project's Releases section. In the 3D view, users can create and edit brushes and entities. Geometry tools include vertex editing, brush-face extrusion, patch thickening and a CSG shell modifier. Texture tools support UV alignment, drag painting, copying textures between brush faces and patches, and locking textures during vertex or edge editing. Users can adjust keyboard shortcuts, interface themes and fonts. Viewport rendering options include anisotropic texture filtering and optional MSAA. With region mode enabled, working compilations build only the map portion within the region. Bundled Q3Map2 tools include automatic map packaging and BSP import and export as JSON; its Assimp model-loading library supports more than 40 formats. Supported formats include .map, .bsp, .pk3, .dpk and .dpkdir, along with several definition and brush formats.

NetRadiant-Custom provides a broad set of level-editing and texture tools, plus project configurations for multiple games. Users can choose among packages for Windows, macOS and Linux.

NetRadiant-Custom suits people creating or editing levels for Quake and other id Tech-based games. It is available across Windows, macOS and Linux.

Overview

NetRadiant-Custom is a free, open-source desktop editor for building levels in id Tech games. It suits Quake-focused modders and designers who want geometry, texture, packaging, and compilation work in one tool. Its depth is concentrated rather than broad: choose it for id Tech projects, not as a general-purpose editor for unrelated engines.

Key features

The 3D workspace handles both brush and entity creation and their subsequent manipulation. Vertex editing, brush-face extrusion, patch thickening, and a CSG shell modifier give designers several distinct approaches to constructing and refining map geometry. That makes it practical for detailed blockouts and adjustments, although the strongest fit remains projects using the editor's game configurations.

Texture work is unusually well covered for a free level editor. A UV tool aligns textures, drag painting applies them quickly, and texture paste moves assignments between brush faces and patches. Texture locking keeps placements stable while vertices or edges are changed, reducing rework during shape adjustments. Viewports can use anisotropic filtering and optional MSAA, while editable keyboard shortcuts, themes, and fonts let users tailor the interface to their workflow.

Compilation tools address iteration as well as final output. With region mode enabled, a working compile processes only the selected map area, so testing a section does not require rebuilding the entire level. The bundled Q3Map2 feature set adds automatic map packaging and BSP import/export through JSON. Assimp model loading covers more than 40 formats, extending the editor's usefulness when projects bring in varied model assets. Archive extraction, mod packaging, and script editing are also supported.

NetRadiant-Custom follows the NetRadiant project and the earlier GtkRadiant 1.4, rewrite, 1.5, and NetRadiant lineage. Its primary configurations target Quake, Quake 3, and Quake Live, with releases also providing setups for many other games. Supported work includes .map, .bsp, .pk3, .dpk, .dpkdir, Valve 220, brush primitives, axial projection, .def, .ent, and .fgd formats.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing. It includes the open-source level editor and ready-to-use packages distributed through Releases. There is no free trial because the software itself is already free, and no seat, usage, or renewal charge is stated. Users who want a no-cost editor with downloadable builds get the complete published plan rather than a reduced trial tier.

Platforms

Packages support Windows, macOS, and Linux. The project directs users to its Releases section for ready-to-use downloads; the Releases page identifies a Latest Build released on January 14 and shows four assets. That spread makes it a practical choice for teams or individuals working across the three desktop operating systems.

Who it's for

Quake, Quake 3, and Quake Live level designers are the clearest audience, especially those who need geometry editing, texture control, and map compilation together. Mod authors can also benefit from archive extraction, packaging, script editing, and the range of supported map and definition formats. It is less appropriate for creators whose projects do not use id Tech conventions or require tools centered on another engine.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Purpose-built id Tech workflow: Quake-oriented configurations, Q3Map2 integration, and familiar map formats keep core tasks in one application.
• Strong geometry and texture toolkit: Vertex, extrusion, patch, CSG, UV, painting, paste, and locking functions cover both construction and finishing work.
• Useful iteration and packaging features: Region compilation, automatic map packaging, JSON BSP exchange, archive extraction, and mod packaging support a complete modding cycle.
• Broad desktop reach: Windows, macOS, and Linux packages avoid locking users to one operating system.

Cons

• Narrow engine focus: Its strengths are tied to id Tech and its listed game configurations, so other engine ecosystems may be better served elsewhere.
• Release-driven distribution: Users obtain ready-to-use packages through Releases, which is less streamlined than a platform-specific store installation.

Alternatives

Minecraft Launcher is the better choice for Minecraft players who need a free launcher across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows; game access still requires ownership or a time-limited demo.

FModel fits Windows users seeking a free, open-code asset tool rather than an id Tech level editor.

UAssetGUI is a sensible free option for Linux and Windows work with its MIT-licensed software.

OpenMW-CS should be considered when the target is the OpenMW engine and a construction set is more relevant than Quake tooling.

QuickBMS is a free, open-source multiplatform utility for users focused on archive and game-file operations.

WolvenKit suits Linux and Windows projects needing a no-cost GPL-3.0 tool for research and educational use.

xEdit is a free Windows alternative when that ecosystem is the priority and no stated price or usage limits matter more than id Tech support.

Arma 3 Tools is the relevant free Windows choice for Arma work, subject to its non-commercial restriction and BI Tools EULA.

For a wider catalog of modding utilities, browse Game Modding Tools.

Verdict

Choose NetRadiant-Custom if you are making Quake-family or other id Tech maps and want a free editor that combines precise geometry, texture handling, compilation, and mod packaging. Its main reason to look elsewhere is the same specialization that makes it effective: projects built around different engines will find a closer match in an engine-specific alternative.