SLADE3 is a cross-platform editor for Doom-engine games and source ports. It can open and edit WAD and ZIP/PK3 archives, work with game resources such as graphics and textures, and edit Doom, Hexen, and UDMF maps. The project’s latest release announcement surfaced here is for v3.3.0 Beta 3, dated October 7, 2026—not a confirmed final 3.3.0 release.
What is SLADE3 used for?
SLADE3 is more than a map editor. The project describes it as software for viewing, modifying, writing, and converting formats used by Doom-engine games and source ports. It brings archive and resource editing together with map, text, graphics, and texture workflows. (SLADE project)
For modding, that means you can inspect a game archive, change or add resources, and work on a map within the same application. The project says multiple archives can remain open in tabs, allowing entries to be copied and pasted between them. Archive tools include creating, opening, saving, importing, exporting, reordering, renaming, and converting entries.
Can SLADE3 edit WAD and PK3 files?
Yes. The project lists Doom WAD and ZIP/PK3 among its supported archive formats. SLADE can open and save archives and work with their entries; it also supports conversion between some game-specific and generic formats, including PNG. The published format list is explicitly not exhaustive. (SLADE formats and features)
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| Format or format family | Examples listed by the project |
|---|---|
| Doom-engine archives | WAD, ZIP/PK3 |
| Quake archives | PAK, WAD2 |
| Build engine | GRP archives and ART images |
| Shadowcaster | DAT/LIB archives and image formats |
| Amulets & Armor | RES-related formats |
Support for a format does not mean every game-specific feature or every possible file variant is supported; consult the project’s current format and download information for the build you plan to use.
Can it edit Doom, Hexen, and UDMF maps?
The map editor documentation lists Doom, Hexen, and UDMF map support. It describes drawing lines and shapes with automatic sector generation, plus a 3D editing mode for advanced source-port features. Because map editing is integrated with resource editing, changes to resources such as textures can be reflected in the map editor. (SLADE feature documentation)
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What else can it edit?
Graphics and palettes
SLADE can view and convert supported graphic formats and perform palette-related operations. This makes it useful for inspecting and changing visual assets in addition to map geometry. The project also lists support for editing Doom composite textures.
Textures
The project documents tools for Doom composite textures and ZDoom TEXTURES definitions. These workflows are distinct from simply viewing an image: they let a modder work with texture definitions and related resources in the project.
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Text and definitions
The text editor includes syntax highlighting, calltips, autocomplete, autoindent, and find/replace. These features support editing game and source-port text resources without requiring a separate plain-text editor for every task.
Which operating systems does SLADE3 support?
The official project page names Windows, Linux, and Mac OS/X. Check the project’s current downloads for an available build that matches your operating system; do not assume that every release has identical packaging across platforms. (SLADE project downloads and overview)
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Is SLADE3 v3.3.0 stable or still in beta?
The project news announcement dated October 7, 2026 identifies the release as SLADE v3.3.0 Beta 3. It highlights a reworked texture-editor interface and bug fixes, including a fix for saving Doom-format maps with entries in the wrong order. The announcement says the author hopes it will be the final beta before the official 3.3.0 release; that expectation is not confirmation that a final release has shipped. (SLADE project news)
The announcement warns users to save frequently when using beta releases. Before downloading, check the project’s current downloads and news: the beta status described here is tied to the October 7, 2026 announcement and may not reflect a later release.
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Is SLADE3 the right editor for your project?
- Choose it if you want one application for archive inspection, resource editing, graphics and textures, text definitions, and Doom-family map work.
- Check compatibility first if your project depends on a particular source-port feature or an uncommon game format; the project’s format list is not exhaustive, and general support does not guarantee support for every variation.
- Be cautious with beta builds if you need a dependable workflow for important files; save frequently and verify the latest release status on the project’s news page.
The project welcomes optional donations and code contributions, but neither is required to use the software. (SLADE project)
