Convert LMP to VMF

Understanding the lmp and vmf file formats

LMP files are typically associated with classic video games like Doom and Quake, where they store gameplay demo recordings or lightmap data for levels. On the other hand, VMF (Valve Map Format) files are text-based map files used by Valve's Source engine, commonly for games like Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike: Source. VMF files contain all the information needed to construct a 3D game level, including geometry, entities, and textures.

Is lmp to vmf conversion possible?

Direct conversion from LMP to VMF is not standard because these formats serve very different purposes: LMP files are not map files but rather demo or lightmap data, while VMF files are editable map sources. However, if your LMP file contains lightmap data from a Quake map, and you wish to use this information in a Source engine map, you would need to extract the map geometry (usually from a BSP or MAP file) and then convert or recreate it in VMF format. There is no direct, automated tool for converting LMP to VMF, but you can use a combination of tools to achieve a similar result.

Recommended workflow and software

• Extract map geometry: Use a tool like TrenchBroom or QuArK to open the original Quake map (MAP or BSP file).
• Export to MAP format: In TrenchBroom, use File → Export → MAP to save the map in MAP format.
• Convert MAP to VMF: Use a converter like map2vmf (available on GitHub) to convert the MAP file to VMF format.
• Import into Hammer Editor: Open the resulting VMF file in Valve's Hammer Editor for further editing and compiling for Source engine games.

Note: LMP files containing only demo or lightmap data cannot be directly converted to VMF. You must have access to the original map file (MAP or BSP) for conversion.

Best software for the process

• TrenchBroom – Free, cross-platform level editor for Quake engine games.
• map2vmf – Open-source MAP to VMF converter (search on GitHub).
• Valve Hammer Editor – Official Source engine map editor.

Summary

While direct LMP to VMF conversion is not possible, you can extract map data from Quake engine formats and convert it to VMF using the recommended tools above. This process is best suited for users familiar with game modding and level design.