TF2 HUD Editing Guide

Getting Started

This section of the guide details how to setup for editing a HUD. Theres software to make life easier, but most of all you need to put the HUD files in the right place.

There are also some things you can do to TF2, so that the editing process is easier.

Software

GCFScape - This program can extract files from Valve Pack Files (.vpk). TF2s default HUD files are stored in a .vpk, so if you're starting your HUD from scratch, you will need this. The program is free at Nem's Tools.

Any Text Editor - The files you will be editing are Resource Files (.res), which are a plain text format. You will need a text editor to edit them. Most operating systems come with a text editor program. I recommend installing Notepad++ for Windows.

Steam and TF2 - You will definitly need these, for testing and editing.

Starting From Scratch

You'll need to extract the default hud files and create a folder for your new hud inside TF2's custom folder. This will give you a base point to start editing from.

1. Install and open GFCScape
2. Open tf2_misc_dir.vpk from your Steam/steamapps/common/team fortress 2/tf directory with GFCScape (pic)
3. Inside GFCScape Extract the resource and scripts folders (right click > extract) (pic)
4. Navigate to your Steam/steamapps/common/team fortress 2/tf/custom - create a folder in here for your HUD
5. Move the extracted resource and scripts folders to your newly created HUD folder (pic)

Most of the files in the scripts folder you don't need. So delete all but hudlayout.res and hudanimations_tf.txt

The resource folder contains all files that define the TF2 HUD. You probably dont want to change the entire HUD, so you should delete the files you dont want. The Resource List details all the files and what they do.

Starting From another HUD

It may be the case you want to use an existing HUD, but want to make your own changes to it.

1. Follow the Instructions of the HUD you would like to use
• HUD makers will often have a set of instructions with their releases to install it.
• If they don't, the HUD should end up in this hierachy: pic

It will be helpful to keep a record of the files you edited yourself. In the case the HUD you're using releases an update, you will want to avoid overwriting the files you've edited, OR re-edit the new files.

resource and scripts Folders

The resource and scripts folders are part of the source engine hierachy, and in particular, contain every file that defines the HUD.

resource - This folder contains nearly all HUD files. Mainly resource files.

scripts - This folder contains only two files that we're interested in; hudanimations_tf.txt and hudlayout.res - The rest can be deleted.

Setting up TF2

There are a few things you can do to run TF2 in a way that makes editing easier.

Running TF2 in no-border window mode: TF2 will run the full size of your screen but will be in window mode, and without the standard window frame. This allows you to switch between windows (with alt+tab) quickly, such as TF2 and your text editor.

1. Open up Steam
2. Click on your Library
3. Right Click TF2
4. Click Set Launch Options
5. Add the following to your Launch Options

-windowed -noborder

hud_reloadscheme Console Command: The hud_reloadscheme command reloads all the resource files for the ingame hud (but none of the main menu resource files). With this command you can edit files and see their effects without having to re-launch TF2.

1. Launch TF2
2. Open Console (how to enable console)
3. Enter the following Command

bind "F2" "hud_reloadscheme"

Change "F2" to whatever Key you wish to use. Now pressing the key you selected will execute the hud_reloadscheme command.