> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://2yeet.gitbook.io/anvilcsg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://2yeet.gitbook.io/anvilcsg/readme.md).

# Anvil CSG

Anvil CSG is a level editor for brushes and terrain that runs inside the Unity Editor.

This manual explains Anvil's tools, settings, and complete map-making workflow. Use the [feature guide](/anvilcsg/reference/feature-guide.md) to find a tool by what you want to do, or follow the chapters from your first brush to a playable map.

You build a map from convex brushes and mesh terrain, edit it in four views, paint materials, place decals, prefabs and lights, then build a separate map asset for the game.

Anvil keeps two parts of the workflow separate:

1. **Editable map**

   Brushes, groups, terrains, decals, prefabs, lights, and probes stay in the Unity scene. This is the version you continue editing.
2. **Built map**

   **Build Map** creates combined render meshes, collision, UV2, decals, terrain with LOD and scatter, probes, and optional baked lighting. This output is disposable and can be rebuilt from the editable map.

Ordinary Light components remain in the source scene and take part in a light bake. Project prefabs are included in the generated map as rebuildable snapshots. Reflection probes and Anvil light-probe volumes are also included.

![The Anvil workspace with Top, Front, Side and Perspective views](https://2035739146-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fn70agtGVtiTAPmiQszoY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-38368a15d9cc8b3599debe39560d2fdd3f855405%2Fworkspace-overview.png?alt=media)

## Start here

If this is your first time using Anvil:

1. [Install and open Anvil](/anvilcsg/getting-started/installation.md)
2. [Build a first room](/anvilcsg/getting-started/first-map.md)
3. [Learn the workspace](/anvilcsg/workspace/overview.md)
4. [Read the controls](/anvilcsg/workspace/navigation.md)

## Main parts of Anvil

* **Workspace:** [overview](/anvilcsg/workspace/overview.md), [navigation](/anvilcsg/workspace/navigation.md), [workspace tools](/anvilcsg/workspace/tools.md), [Brush and Terrain Inspector](/anvilcsg/workspace/brush-inspector.md), [Anvil Settings](/anvilcsg/workspace/anvil-settings.md), [working with large maps](/anvilcsg/workspace/large-maps.md)
* **Geometry:** [creating brushes](/anvilcsg/geometry/primitives.md), [generated shapes](/anvilcsg/geometry/generated-shapes.md), [selection and transform](/anvilcsg/geometry/selection-and-transform.md), [face, edge, and vertex editing](/anvilcsg/geometry/face-edge-vertex.md), [Clip, Carve, Hollow, and Bevel](/anvilcsg/geometry/csg.md), [reusable brush prefabs](/anvilcsg/geometry/reusable-prefabs.md)
* **Surfaces:** [Material Paint](/anvilcsg/surfaces-and-content/material-paint.md), [dev materials](/anvilcsg/surfaces-and-content/dev-materials.md), [UV alignment](/anvilcsg/surfaces-and-content/uv-alignment.md), [decals](/anvilcsg/surfaces-and-content/decals.md)
* **Terrain:** [sculpt, paint, and scatter mesh terrain](/anvilcsg/surfaces-and-content/terrain.md)
* **Content:** [entities, lights, and probes](/anvilcsg/surfaces-and-content/entities-lights-and-probes.md), [triggers and gameplay scripts](/anvilcsg/surfaces-and-content/gameplay-scripts.md)
* **Organization:** [groups, Build Sections, View Filters, and flags](/anvilcsg/organization/organization.md)
* **Validation and build:** [Check Map and Recovery](/anvilcsg/validation-and-build/check-map-and-recovery.md), [Local Build Area](/anvilcsg/validation-and-build/local-build-area.md), [Build Map](/anvilcsg/validation-and-build/build-map.md), [lighting and UV2](/anvilcsg/validation-and-build/lighting-and-uv2.md), [Bakery workflow](/anvilcsg/validation-and-build/bakery.md), [using a baked map](/anvilcsg/validation-and-build/using-a-baked-map.md), [API Safeguard](/anvilcsg/validation-and-build/api-safeguard.md)
* **Reference:** [shortcuts](/anvilcsg/reference/shortcuts.md), [right-click menus](/anvilcsg/reference/right-click-menus.md), [glossary](/anvilcsg/reference/glossary.md), [troubleshooting](/anvilcsg/reference/troubleshooting.md)

## Source map and generated output

Edit the source map, not the generated output.

The generated objects are meant for testing and for the game. If the source changes, update the baked map and rebuild its generated output.

## Current support

Anvil runs on Unity 6.0 to 6.7. It includes authoring shaders for the Universal Render Pipeline and the Built-in Render Pipeline. HDRP is not currently a supported target.

See [Current limitations](/anvilcsg/reference/current-limitations.md) before starting a production map.