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TrenchBroom
What it is
TrenchBroom is a level editor for brush-based game engines, including Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2. It lets users edit 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 manipulation, and multiple material collections are supported. The entity browser uses drag-and-drop and can work with FGD, ENT, and DEF definitions; the editor displays models in formats such as mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm. Its issue browser can show and filter map problems, help resolve them, and apply automatic quick fixes. TrenchBroom can run external compilers and launch game engines, but those compilation tools must be installed separately. It supports several Quake, Valve, and Hexen 2 map and package formats. The free editor runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The 2026.2 requirements include Windows 10 1903 or later, Linux with glibc 2.33 or later, or macOS 13 or later, plus OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware support.
For and against
For
- Edit maps in 3D and up to three 2D views.
- Brush tools include clipping, scaling, and CSG operations.
- Issue browser offers filtering and automatic quick fixes.
- Supports multiple map, model, and package formats.
- Free software for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Against
- External compilation tools must be installed separately.
- Hardware must support OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2.
- Current release lists minimum operating-system versions.
The verdict
TrenchBroom offers map editing, texture tools, entity handling, and map-issue fixes for several brush-based engines. Users need to provide their own compilation tools and meet the listed system requirements.
Who it suits
TrenchBroom is aimed at people creating maps for brush-based game engines. Its manual covers editor use, while mapping and game-specific technical questions are directed to other mappers and communities.
Plans and prices
TrenchBroom
Free (GPLv3+)
Read 8 Oct 2026 · trenchbroom.github.io
On the record
- 3D and 2D editing
- It supports editing in 3D and in up to three 2D views.trenchbroom.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Brush tools
- Brush editing includes vertex editing, clipping, scaling, shearing, and merge, subtract, and hollow CSG operations.trenchbroom.github.io · read 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 · read 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 · read 8 Oct 2026
- Entities
- The entity browser supports drag and drop, and entity definitions can use FGD, ENT, and DEF files.trenchbroom.github.io · read 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 · read 8 Oct 2026
- Map checks
- Its issue browser can show, filter, and resolve map issues, and includes automatic quick fixes.trenchbroom.github.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Models
- The editor displays entity models in formats including mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm.trenchbroom.github.io · read 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 · read 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 · read 8 Oct 2026
- Textures
- A UV view supports texture manipulation, and the editor supports multiple material collections.trenchbroom.github.io · read 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 · read 8 Oct 2026
