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Output Formats

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Melancholy Sky edited this page Jun 8, 2026 · 1 revision

Output Formats

TF2autoswap can output mods in two formats. The format is chosen automatically based on where you save the file.

VPK file

A single .vpk file — the portable format.

When it is used: when saving to the output folder or any path outside the preloader.

File name format:

<Target> replacement mod (<Source>)_TF2autoswap.vpk

Example:

A Head Full of Hot Air replacement mod (The Bubble Pipe)_TF2autoswap.vpk

Where it is saved: inside the output/ folder in the tool folder by default.

How to use it: drag it onto the Casual Preloader window, tick it in the Addons tab, and click Install.

Preloader addon folder

A folder containing the extracted model files and a mod.json manifest — the preloader's native installed format.

When it is used: when saving to the preloader addons folder, using --to-preloader, or pointing a custom path inside the preloader folder.

What it looks like:

addon_name/
  models/
    player/
      items/
        ...model files...
  mod.json

How to use it: it appears ready to enable in the preloader's Addons tab with no manual import step needed.

Warning: writing directly to the preloader folder will show a confirmation prompt. The tool asks you to type yes before proceeding. Saving as a VPK and importing manually is the safer option if you are unsure.

Custom output path

You can specify any folder as the output location. The filename is added automatically if you give a folder path rather than a full file path.

python3 tf2autoswap.py source target --out ~/Desktop/my_mods/

If the path is not writable, the tool falls back to the default output folder and tells you.

Managing built mods

Use option 3 from the main menu, or --list-mods from the command line, to view and remove mods you have built.

The mod manager scans the output/ folder including any subfolders, with subfolder mods shown separately.

Installing a mod in the Casual Preloader

  1. Open the Casual Preloader
    • Linux: run ./scripts/run.sh
    • Windows: run RUNME.bat
  2. Drag your .vpk file onto the preloader window
  3. In the Addons tab, tick your mod. Untick any other mod that uses the same slot.
  4. Click Install
  5. Launch TF2

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