

When a string is less than 8 bytes long, it should be null-padded to the tight byte.

Only the characters A-Z (uppercase), 0-9, and - _ should be used in lump names (an exception has to be made for some of the Arch-Vile sprites, which use "\"). The structure of each entry is as follows:Īn integer holding a pointer to the start of the lump's data in the file.Īn integer representing the size of the lump in bytes.Īn ASCII string defining the lump's name. The length of the directory is determined by the number given in the WAD header. It consists of a number of entries, each with a length of 16 bytes. The directory associates names of lumps with the data that belong to them. Their values can never exceed 2 31-1, since Doom reads them as signed ints. Defines whether the WAD is an IWAD or a PWAD.Īn integer specifying the number of lumps in the WAD.Īn integer holding a pointer to the location of the directory.Īll integers are 4 bytes long in x86-style little-endian order. Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos.A WAD file always starts with a 12-byte header. If your WAD file isn’t compatible, it will only open in binary format. Although, some files may not be compatible with these programs. Programs like File Magic (Download) can open many different types of files, depending on the format. When all else fails, a universal file viewer is the best way to open a WAD file. Half Life Texture File (Sierra Entertainment Inc.) You can find the developers for the most common programs used to open WAD files in the list below.

Ask the DeveloperĬontacting the software developer is another easy way to get help opening a WAD file. Tip: If it’s the WAD file extension, it probably falls under the Game Files type, so any program used for Game Files should open your WAD file.
