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J.A.C.K.

Freemium#9 of 25 in Game Modding ToolsGame Level Editors

J.A.C.K.: A focused editor for building, scripting, compiling and managing Quake-style maps. Ranked #9 of 25 in Game Modding Tools by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for multi-platform Quake-style mapping.

8.1/10Editor score
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At a glance

  • Editor score
    8.1 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Multi-platform Quake-style mapping
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Archive extraction
    Yes
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
J.A.C.K. screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Supports Quake-style BSP editing, curved surfaces and large maps
    • Loads PAK and PK3 archives and supports broad map and resource formats
    • Includes shader editing, plugins, autosave and in-editor compilation

  • Where it doesn't

    • The free download is distributed as donationware
    • Official downloads cover Windows and Linux
    • Steam-specific features require the Steam edition

Our verdict on J.A.C.K.

J.A.C.K. is a desktop level editor for modders and level designers working with games built around Quake-style BSP architecture. It targets projects connected to Half-Life, Quake, Quake II, Quake III, Hexen II and related games. Its core workflow combines brush-based map creation with resource handling, format support, scripting, compilation and tools for working on larger environments. Windows, macOS and Linux are supported across the product’s distribution options, with official downloads available for Windows and Linux and a Steam edition listing requirements for all three platforms.

The editor’s strongest area is the depth of its mapping workflow. It supports MAP, RMF and VMF map formats, loads resources from PAK and PK3 archives, and works with additional formats including WAD2, WAD3, MDL, MD2, SPR, SP2, FGD, JMF, PRT, P0-P3 and Quake III shader files. An embedded shader editor adds syntax highlighting and autocomplete, while plugin extensibility allows game configurations and resource formats to be extended. In-editor compilation, texture tools, curved surfaces and large-map editing keep key parts of the workflow together.

J.A.C.K. suits creators who want a specialized Quake-family editor with broad format coverage and a free donationware distribution. The separate Steam edition adds Steam distribution, Steam Cloud and Steam achievements, while autosave is available as part of the editing experience. Buyers focused on modern engines, general-purpose 3D design or workflows outside Quake-style BSP games should look elsewhere. For classic game modding, however, its combination of map editing, archive loading, shader scripting, plugins and compilation gives it a clear, narrow focus.

Your product? Our editors can test J.A.C.K. in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

J.A.C.K. pricing

Plans Free planFreemium A usable free plan; paid tiers unlock the limits above. Prices checked 20 Sep 2026.
See plans on jack.hlfx.ru

All 2 J.A.C.K. plans and prices →

J.A.C.K. fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNot verified
Archive extractionYes
Mod packagingNot verified
Plugin editingNot verified
Script editingYes
Supported formatsPAK, PK3, WAD2, WAD3, MDL, MD2, SPR, SP2, MAP, RMF, VMF, FGD, JMF, PRT, P0-P3, Quake III shader files
Supported platformsWindows, Linux, macOS
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan (source)
Websitejack.hlfx.ru
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

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Also Ranked In

J.A.C.K. is ranked in 2 of our directories.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — J.A.C.K. 8.1/10

J.A.C.K. is listed in our Game Modding Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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