Mapmaker mini-FAQ revision
White Raven
NOTE: ocf.unt.edu seems to be down at the moment, it is not allowing
anonymous FTP. Hopefully this will be fixed soon, since all the good
newer stuff was on there.
---[Cut here]---
> > D O O M < <
> Mapeditors Mini-FAQ <
> Revision 0.91a <
I assume I'm not the only one who's getting a bit tired of people asking
what the best map editor is, whether they work for DOS or Windows, what
they look/feel like, does THIS one save NODES, etc...
See info at the bottom for how to give me info/contact me, etc.
If there is enough demand, this will eventually expand into a list of ALL
DOOM editors, including Map editors, Savegame editors, Sound editors, Music
editors (come on, SOMEONE has to be able to figure out this format!),
Graphics Editors, and so on. Then I guess I won't be able to call it
a mini-FAQ any more. <grin>
-------
Explanation of record in list:
Mapmaker name - self explanatory
Filename - name of the current version in archive, minus extensions.
Comments - The meat of the record
Comments has a checklist at the top, then it has my own comments/opinion of
the editor if I have used it.
These are the checklist items:
Windows - Program requires Windows to run
DOS - Guess what this program runs under?
OS/2 - This program uses OS/2 [Note: I know of none yet, this is for the
future...as I do not use OS/2, someone else will have to test these]
Tested - I have tried out this program.
Untested- I have NOT tried out this program.
GUI - This program has toolbars or pulldowns or buttons or stuff.
(i.e. Windows-style)
Things - This program can edit the THINGS part of a map.
Build - This program lets you 'build' structures, e.g. make new rooms.
Texture - This program lets you view the textures while editing
Cost - If the program is commercial, this is the cost of the registered
version.
I've recieved suggestions to add things like Sound Editors and Graphics
Editors to the FAQ - I will, but not until I have the Map Editors section
accurate and I feel it is at a 1.0 revision.
---- THE LIST! ----
[In no particular order]
Mapmaker Name Filename Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEWDEU newdeu43 [ ] Windows Program requires Windows to run
[*] DOS Runs under DOS
[ ] OS/2 Runs under OS/2
[*] Tested [ ] Untested [ ] GUI
[*] Things [*] Build [ ] Texture
--- DESC ---
My >personal< favorite. While it doesn't have
all the bells and whistles that some editors do
(i.e. bitmaps for the items, toolbars, etc)
but the interface is fairly intuitive and once
you get used to it, VERY powerful. Allows in-depth
editing of all objects (except auto-generated ones
like SSECTORS and NODES).
Current release: v4.31
NOTE: Next version will be released as DEU, not
NEWDEU.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEU BETA!!!! [ ] Windows Program requires Windows to run
[*] DOS Runs under DOS
[ ] OS/2 Runs under OS/2
[*] Tested [ ] Untested [ ] GUI
[*] Things [*] Build [*] Texture
--- DESC ---
This is the BETA version of DEU 5.0. It is like
NEWDEU 4.31 in many ways (it IS the next version of
the program) but in addition, you can create a level
from scratch, view the wall/floor/ceiling textures of
any object while editing it, view all the sprites,
and extract any item from the IWAD to a PWAD.
In addition, the editor will generate and save the
Blockmap, Segs, Ssectors, and Nodes for you.
Nodes is STILL a little buggy, don't go flooding
asking for the editor. When it's done, it'll be out.
NOTE: This is my editor of choice. If I seem a bit
enthusiastic about it, that's the reason.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DMAPEDIT dmaped11 [ ] Windows Program requires Windows to run
[*] DOS Runs under DOS
[ ] OS/2 Runs under OS/2
[*] Tested [ ] Untested [ ] GUI [ ] Things
[*] Things [*] Build [ ] Texture
--- DESC ---
Very nice interface as pertains to items: it
displays the bitmap of the item to mark its position
on the level. The newest version allows generating
maps from scratch and making sectors/linedefs (though
I couldn't seem to make it define a sector, and had
to save to a PWAD and run over to NEWDEU). The next
version supposedly will have a working NODEs routine.
Current release: v1.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOOMVB doomvb30 [*] Windows Program requires Windows to run
[ ] DOS Runs under DOS
[ ] OS/2 Runs under OS/2
[*] Tested [ ] Untested [*] GUI
[*] Things [ ] Build [ ] Texture
--- DESC ---
This editor is the best one for Windows I have seen,
and it earns points for a fairly simple interface.
I didn't have to look at the docs to use this one!
However, it does NOT allow building of structures from
scratch, nor does it allow moving anything other than
THINGs. If v4.0 is as good as the previews show and
the author claims <grin> - it'll definitely be worth
the download. [And this coming from a person who
pretty much refuses to use Windows for DOOM editors]
Current release: v3.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RG Doom Edit rgdme10 [*] Windows Program requires Windows to run
[ ] DOS Runs under DOS
[ ] OS/2 Runs under OS/2
[*] Tested [ ] Untested [*] GUI
[*] Things [C] Build [C] Texture
[*] Cost: $20
--- DESC ---
This appears to be a fully-featured DOOM editor, but
I cannot say for sure, since you can only edit the
things on a level using the shareware version. If
anyone out there has paid Renegade Graphics the $20
to get a commercial registered copy, give me info on
how well/if it works.
NOTE: I do not like using Windows for DOOM editors,
all those I have seen so far have failed to impress
me. Bear this in mind. :)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
VERDA verda020 [ ] Windows Program requires Windows to run
[*] DOS Runs under DOS
[ ] OS/2 Runs under OS/2
[*] Tested [ ] Untested [*] GUI
[*] Things [ ] Build [ ] Texture
--- DESC ---
VERDA allows you to edit not only the things on
a DOOM map, but lets you change values for
Lines and Sectors. You can also view Nodes.
This basically is a way to change the appearance
of a level, if not the layout.
VERDAs interface is fairly easy to use, but I had a
few minor complaints - when using the Nodes view mode,
it has a tendancy to wipe the map off the screen if
the Nodelines overlap Linedefs. This gets messy.
But if you're looking for an easy editor to change
the things on and appearance of a level, this one is
not bad.
Current release: v0.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOOMED doomed21 [ ] Windows Program requires Windows to run
[ ] DOS Runs under DOS
[ ] OS/2 Runs under OS/2
[ ] Tested [*] Untested [ ] GUI
[ ] Things [ ] Build [ ] Texture
--- DESC ---
This was a disappointment. I went to four sites
trying to download this. I tried using BINARY and
TENEX modes to download. The files were all
corrupt. So I tried FSP. Still corrupt. Then I
tried using a FTP mail-server. STILL corrupt.
If anyone has a GOOD version, send me. Then I'll
review it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFO ON REVISIONS/INFO:
* How can I get you to add/revise this list?
I >know< there are other editors out there (and more to come, I'm sure) but
until I test them fully or get enough information on them, I will >not< add
any editor to the file.
In addition, if you wish me to revise the info for a file, please either
give me the file, or tell me where to get it, since I >must< confirm things
before I add them. (I don't want someone telling me their editor can do
EVERYTHING, only to discover that it only edits the THINGS. I want
ACCURACY!)
If you want me to add an editor, send me the editor, or the place I can
get it, and the following info (not required, but preferable)
What does it edit?
What version is it?
What are it's 'Special Features' (what makes it different from the rest)?
In addition, if YOU are the author, and want your e-mail address included
in here, tell me. I >WILL NOT< assume that any author wants their email
address included in here. I don't want to deal with irate mail from them
when/if their mailboxes overflow.
Also, if you are the author and wish me to update the FAQ immediately
on release of a new version, mail me the info! I'm happy to keep the list
updated! I >DO< have other things to do besides wander around FTP sites
looking for the newest versions of each editor. :)
DO NOT POST ADDITIONS/REVISIONS TO ALT.GAMES.DOOM
This newsgroup is overloaded as it is. Comments MUST be given via
email.
* Can I get these files from you?
Regardless of what some of my friends may think, I am >NOT< an FTP site.
Nor am I a mail-server for DOOM binaries. If I recieve any requests via
e-mail for these files, I will not only immediately delete them, I will
return a letter bomb (in the form of a very very large core dump). <grin>
These files CAN be found via FTP on either:
ocf.unt.edu:/pub/doom
wuarchive.wustl.edu:/pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/games/doomstuff
* If I make the coolest WAD file ever, can I uuencode it and mail it to you?
Yes. <grin> As long as it's not bigger than about 200k.
* Can I ask you for further info on any editor?
NO. The only editor I use with any consistency is NEWDEU (actually, the
DEU 5.0 beta). I consider it the best editor out there. I >am< happy to
give help on NEWDEU if anyone gets really stuck, but keep in mind that you
SHOULD read the TXT and MANUAL.DOC files first. I am glad to trade tips
and tricks with others.
* Does "help" include the DEU 5.0 beta?
NO. The author has asked us NOT to distribute the editor until all insects
in his code are killed. [Akk! Termites!]
* Can I ask you general DOOM questions?
NO. I want my mailbox to remain relatively free. There are other people
who DO allow you to do so, find THEM.
* Will you forward messages to the editor authors?
NO. I will not include their e-mail addresses in this FAQ unless they
specifically ask me to, either.
* Are you done with these INFO things yet?
Yes. Let's move along.
--- EMAIL ADDRESS ---
wra...@helser51.res.iastate.edu
--- NOTES ---
Well, in one day after posting this file, I got a >LOT< of responses.
I guess people want this file expanded. :) I also had several inaccuracies
pointed out to me (version # of DMAPEDIT, etc) and I have fixed these.
I have several editors lying around that I will look at, and I will add them
into here when I have played with them (I don't do 'quicky overviews' - I try
to spend the time using it to get a feel for it).
--- DISCLAIMER ---
The users of this mini-FAQ (such as it is) agree not to hold the author
responsible for any damage to the WAD file brought about by the editors listed
above (go after the PROGRAMMERS for that! <grin>). In addition, they agree not
to hold the author of this mini-FAQ responsible for any loss of hair, sanity,
peace of mind, or jobs brought on by the increased playing of DOOM when using
new, customized levels. If you break this agreement, I get $1,000, any hardware
parts you have that are better than what I have (hey, I can USE a Pentium) and
your firstborn child.
This list is intended to be objective where possible. If I am somewhat
biased in my view of an editor, I will try to mention that in the comment.
(For example, the editor I personally use is NEWDEU/DEU, so I am somewhat
biased there. Also, I hate using Windows for editors, so that usually biases
me there.)
Have a nice day!
--- DOOM FTP Sites ---
Just in case you missed them the first time, the DOOM FTP sites are:
ocf.unt.edu /pub/doom
wuarchive.wustl.edu /pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/games/doomstuff
--- Revision ---
v0.91a
Cleaned up inaccuracies, added more editors, added more info to each,
reorganized the miniFAQ. Thanks for suggestions - keep sending 'em.
v0.90a
First posted version - inaccuracies abound!