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Crowbar

Crowbar is a free modding tool for working with GoldSource and Source models and game packages.

Place
#11 of 24
Score
6.0
Crowbar's website

What Crowbar is

Crowbar is a free modding tool for working with GoldSource and Source models and game packages. It decompiles MDL and related files into QC, SMD, and other related files. Model compiling requires the game’s authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s studiomdl.exe; viewing models also requires the authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s hlmv.exe. Crowbar can unpack, view, and search Valve VPK, Garry’s Mod GMA, Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX, and Fairy Tale Busters APK files, as well as pack folders into VPK and GMA packages. Batch extraction is supported. Workshop functions include downloading items and publishing to supported games. Game setups can specify a game folder and its compiler, viewer, and package tools. On Windows, file associations and drag-and-drop can open VPK, QC, MDL, and folder inputs. The requirements page lists .NET Framework 4 and Windows XP or later, or Linux or Mac OS with a way to run a .NET Framework program. The group offers a 7Z download and points users to guides, tutorials, discussions, and Discord for help.

Good

  • Decompiles MDL files into related formats
  • Unpacks and searches several game package types
  • Packs folders into VPK and GMA
  • Supports batch extraction and Workshop tasks

Watch out

  • Compiling requires game tools or SDK
  • Viewing requires game tools or SDK
  • Requires .NET Framework 4

Who it suits

Crowbar suits modders working with GoldSource or Source models and game archives. It is most useful to users who can provide the related game authoring tools or SDK for model compiling and viewing.

Verdict

Crowbar combines model conversion with archive handling and Workshop functions for supported games. Model compiling and viewing depend on additional game tools, so users should check those requirements before relying on those functions.

Plans and prices

From Crowbar's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
CrowbarFreeNo paid plans stated; donations are optional

The facts

Each one read from Crowbar's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Compilation requirement
Model compiling requires the game's authoring tools or SDK and its own studiomdl.exe.checked 7 Oct 2026
Distribution
The group links to a 7Z download and says to unzip it with 7-Zip.checked 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.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
Model viewing requirement
Model viewing requires the game's authoring tools or SDK and its own hlmv.exe.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
Packing
It can pack folders into Valve VPK and Garry's Mod GMA package files.checked 7 Oct 2026
Purpose
Crowbar is a modding tool for decompiling, compiling, and viewing GoldSource and Source models.checked 7 Oct 2026
Source code
The requirements and features page says source code has been available since version 0.19.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
Workshop
It can download items from Workshop and publish items to the Workshop of several games.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026

Where it runs

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.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026

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