SLADE
SLADE is a modern level and resource editor for classic DOOM-engine games, including DOOM II, Heretic, Hexen, and Strife.
It is one of the most widely used tools in the modding community, allowing creators to design maps, edit textures, organize WAD and PK3 files, and manage game resources through a single unified interface.
Origins
SLADE was created by Simon Judd, better known by his online alias “SlayeR.”
Development began in the early 2000s as an update and improvement over earlier editors like DeePsea and XWE.
The name SLADE is short for SlayeR’s Level And Data Editor.
The first versions were focused on level creation, but over time the program expanded into a powerful all-purpose tool for handling any data format used in DOOM and its derivatives.
Features
SLADE allows creators to edit nearly every element of a DOOM-style game.
It supports both WAD and PK3 structures and provides built-in editors for maps, graphics, sounds, and scripts.
Key features include:
Map Editor: Fully integrated 2D and 3D modes for editing geometry and textures.
Texture Management: Importing, converting, and organizing graphic resources.
Script Editing: Built-in syntax highlighting for ACS and DECORATE scripting.
Archive Manager: Handles WADs, PK3s, and ZIP-based resource archives.
Palette and Color Tools: Built-in conversion for color formats across engines.
The program runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with an open-source codebase hosted on GitHub.
Use in the Modding Community
SLADE is considered the standard tool for modern DOOM mod development.
From simple texture swaps to total conversions like Brutal Doom or Ashes 2063, most modern mods rely on SLADE at some point in their workflow.
It is particularly valued for its precision, reliability, and visual editing tools that make it easier to polish projects before exporting to GZDoom or other ports.
Development Philosophy
Simon Judd developed SLADE with a focus on accessibility and control.
It should be simple enough for new modders, yet deep enough for professionals, he once explained.
The project continues to receive community feedback and updates that keep it compatible with new ZDoom features and custom mod structures.
Legacy
Over the years, SLADE has replaced older tools and become the modern descendant of the original DOOM editing scene.
Its importance is comparable to how DEU once defined the early days of modding.
Through decades of fan dedication, SLADE ensures that DOOM modding remains alive and evolving, bridging the gap between the classic WAD format and the flexible modern mod systems used today.