OpenMW-CS
OpenMW-CS: A free, open-source editor for deep OpenMW mod and game authoring. Ranked #3 of 25 in Game Modding Tools by our editors (9.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for deep, cross-platform OpenMW mod authoring.
At a glance
- Editor score9.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDeep, cross-platform OpenMW mod authoring
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2008
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Edits world, terrain, records, dialogue, scripts, and assets
- Supports ESM, ESP, .omwgame, and .omwaddon files
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux
Where it doesn't
- Focused on OpenMW content rather than general mod development
- No AI-assisted features
- Documented as software in development
Our verdict on OpenMW-CS
OpenMW-CS is the content editor included with the OpenMW open-source game engine. It is designed for modders and developers creating Morrowind-compatible modifications or original games based on OpenMW. The editor supports Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux, and provides free, open-source tooling for creating and editing game content. Its scope covers both new OpenMW projects and legacy Morrowind content, making it suited to authors who need detailed control over a game world rather than a narrow utility for one asset type.
Its strongest area is breadth within the OpenMW ecosystem. Authors can create .omwgame and .omwaddon files, open and edit ESM and ESP files, and work with world cells, objects, instances, land, terrain, and pathgrids. Record editing extends to spells, enchantments, game settings, characters, factions, races, dialogues, and journals. Scripts and start scripts are supported, while asset references can cover sounds, meshes, icons, music, textures, and videos. Configurable record filters, grid snapping, and reference snapping add practical controls for navigating and manipulating content.
OpenMW-CS is a strong fit for creators building substantial OpenMW mods or original games who value cross-platform access and an open-source workflow. It is less suitable for authors seeking a general-purpose editor outside the OpenMW ecosystem, or for buyers prioritizing AI-assisted creation. The software is documented as being in development, so it suits users comfortable working with a project that continues to evolve. For OpenMW-focused world, plugin, script, dialogue, and asset authoring, its wide editing surface is the central reason to choose it.
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OpenMW-CS pricing
OpenMW-CS fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Archive extraction | Not verified |
| Mod packaging | Yes |
| Plugin editing | Yes |
| Script editing | Yes |
| Supported formats | ESM, ESP, .omwgame, .omwaddon |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs, Tickets |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | openmw.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to OpenMW-CS
- StarCraft II EditorA broad free toolkit for building, scripting, testing, and publishing StarCraft II content.9.4
- Dota 2 Workshop ToolsA complete free toolkit for building, testing, and publishing Dota 2 mods.9.2
- Warcraft III World EditorA focused Windows editor for building, scripting, testing, and sharing Warcraft III content.8.7
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OpenMW-CS vs the competition
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Also Ranked In
OpenMW-CS is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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