.LIN File Extension

You can use Valve Hammer Editor to create custom level maps for various video games, such as Half-Life and Counter-Strike. The maps are saved as VMF files, which are working files that can be closed, re-opened, and edited. The files must be compiled to the Binary Space Partition (BSP) format before they can be loaded into BSP-based game engines.

The VBSP tool included with Valve Hammer Editor is used to compile VMF files. If the tool detects any points (leaks) where the black infinite area around the map makes contact with an entity in the map, it generates a LIN file in the same directory as the VMF file. You can then review the leak(s) in the file, fix them, then re-compile the map so it will work correctly in the game. If the leaks are fixed, the LIN file is deleted the next time VBSP runs.

The LIN file consists of a header and commands that define different aspects of the lines, such as the texture, size, scale, and direction (rounded or sharp corners).

You can open a LIN file by uploading it to Bridge Base Online. To do this, log in to Bridge Base Online, click the "Account" tab, select "Deal archive," choose the folder you want to import the LIN file to, then click Import LIN file.

Since LIN files are saved in plain text, you can also open and edit LIN files with a plain text editor. Keep in mind that LIN files opened in a text editor will not be displayed the same as if they were opened in Bridge Base Online.