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TrenchBroom

TrenchBroom is a free level editor for brush-based game engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2.

Place
#11 of 25
Score
6.1
TrenchBroom's website

What TrenchBroom is

TrenchBroom is a free level editor for brush-based game engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with editing available in 3D and in 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 the editor can use multiple material collections. The entity browser supports drag and drop, and entity definitions can come from FGD, ENT, and DEF files. The editor displays entity models in formats including mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm. Its issue browser can show and filter map issues, help resolve them, and apply automatic quick fixes. TrenchBroom can run external compilers and launch game engines, but compilation tools are not included and must be installed separately. Requirements for release 2026.2 include Windows 10 1903 or later, Linux with glibc 2.33 or higher, or macOS 13 or higher, plus OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware support. The project offers a manual, Discord, and an issue tracker for feature requests.

Good

  • Free and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports 3D and up to three 2D views
  • Includes automatic quick fixes for map issues
  • Supports multiple material collections

Watch out

  • External compilation tools must be installed separately
  • Release 2026.2 requires macOS 13 or higher
  • Requires OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware support

Who it suits

TrenchBroom suits mappers working with brush-based engines such as Quake, Quake 2, or Hexen 2. Its manual teaches how to use the editor, while mapping and game-specific technical questions are directed to other mappers and communities.

Verdict

TrenchBroom provides brush editing, texture and entity tools, and map issue checks for supported game engines. Plan to install compilation tools separately if they are part of your workflow.

Plans and prices

From TrenchBroom's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
TrenchBroomFreeFree (GPLv3+)

The facts

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

What it does

3D and 2D editing
It supports editing in 3D and in up to three 2D views.checked 8 Oct 2026
Brush tools
Brush editing includes vertex editing, clipping, scaling, shearing, and merge, subtract, and hollow CSG operations.checked 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.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
Entities
The entity browser supports drag and drop, and entity definitions can use FGD, ENT, and DEF files.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
Map checks
Its issue browser can show, filter, and resolve map issues, and includes automatic quick fixes.checked 8 Oct 2026
Models
The editor displays entity models in formats including mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm.checked 8 Oct 2026
Purpose
TrenchBroom is a level editor for brush-based game engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2.checked 8 Oct 2026
Support
The project points users to its Discord and says feature requests can be submitted through the TrenchBroom issue tracker.checked 8 Oct 2026
Textures
A UV view supports texture manipulation, and the editor supports multiple material collections.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026

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