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Head-to-head · Game Level Editors

TrenchBroom vs GtkRadiant

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score TrenchBroom #5 in Game Level Editors 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit TrenchBroom
GtkRadiant #6 in Game Level Editors 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit GtkRadiant

TrenchBroom leads on 0 checks, GtkRadiant on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreTrenchBroom · 8.7/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresGtkRadiant · 2 of 5

TrenchBroom scores higher on our rubric for game level editors: 8.7 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

TrenchBroom is the better fit for free 3D Quake-family level editing. GtkRadiant is the better fit for id Tech game level construction.

  • TrenchBroom fits best

    Free 3D Quake-family level editing

  • GtkRadiant fits best

    Id Tech game level construction

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Side by side

Feature TrenchBroom 8.7/10 Visit ↗ GtkRadiant 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 8.6
Ranking #5 in Game Level Editors #6 in Game Level Editors
Best for Free 3D Quake-family level editing Id Tech game level construction
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features TrenchBroom 0/5 · GtkRadiant 2/5
Tilemap tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Terrain tools Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Entity placement Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Prefab or template tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Visual scripting Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Level dimensions Not checked yet 3d
Our review
Pros
  • Deep 3D brush, CSG, texture, UV, and entity editing tools
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and multiple Quake-related formats
  • Includes issue quick fixes, external compilers, backups, and unlimited undo
  • Free, open-source editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Combines brushes, curve patches, terrain, entities, and shaders
  • Includes the Q3Map2 map compiler and gamepack support
Cons
  • Its focus is brush-based Quake-engine and related game formats
  • External compiler and game-engine launching require configured tools
  • The workflow centers on desktop platforms rather than web editing
  • Its focus is limited to games powered by id Tech engines
  • Some games require separately installed gamepacks
  • Community volunteer maintenance may mean a less centralized workflow
Our verdict

TrenchBroom is a free, GPLv3+-licensed level editor for brush-based Quake-engine games. It is aimed at creators working on Quake, Quake 2, Quake 3, Hexen 2, Daikatana, and custom engines through game configurations. The editor combines a…

Read the review →

GtkRadiant is an open-source desktop editor for constructing levels in games powered by id Tech engines. It is aimed at individual modders and commercial development teams working on 3D maps, with tools for brushes, curve patches,…

Read the review →
  1. TrenchBroomGame Level Editors 8.7Free plan
  2. GtkRadiantGame Level Editors 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • TrenchBroom — where it wins

    • Deep 3D brush, CSG, texture, UV, and entity editing tools
    • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and multiple Quake-related formats
    • Includes issue quick fixes, external compilers, backups, and unlimited undo

    Where it doesn't

    • Its focus is brush-based Quake-engine and related game formats
    • External compiler and game-engine launching require configured tools
    • The workflow centers on desktop platforms rather than web editing

  • GtkRadiant — where it wins

    • Free, open-source editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Combines brushes, curve patches, terrain, entities, and shaders
    • Includes the Q3Map2 map compiler and gamepack support

    Where it doesn't

    • Its focus is limited to games powered by id Tech engines
    • Some games require separately installed gamepacks
    • Community volunteer maintenance may mean a less centralized workflow

More comparisons

All game level editors comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update