Custom sprays (logos) in Half-Life let you leave your personal mark on walls in-game. This guide explains how to make colourful sprays by preparing an image, converting it to the correct .wad format, and applying it in-game.

Step 1: Prepare Your Image

1. Choose an image:
   • Use a square image (logos are displayed square).
   • Max resolution: 256×256 px. Recommended: 128×128 for compatibility.
2. Edit the image:
   • Use Photoshop, GIMP, Paint.NET, or similar.
   • Crop/resize to square. Avoid too much detail—sprays are low-res.
   • Transparency isn’t supported → use a solid background colour.
3. Optimise the colour palette:
   • Half-Life sprays use a 256-colour indexed palette.
   • Convert your image to indexed colour in your editor.
   • Save as .bmp.
   

Step 2: Convert the Image to .WAD

Sprays in Half-Life are stored in tempdecal.wad. You can convert your BMP using one of the following tools:

Option A: Using Wally

1. Download Wally: Wally Tool
2. Create your logo:
   • Open Wally → create a new .wad.
   • Import your BMP image.
   • Apply the Half-Life palette (Wally can remap if needed).
   • Save your new logo WAD.

Option B: Using HL Logo Creator

1. Download: HL Logo Creator
2. Convert the image:
   • Load your BMP into HL Logo Creator.
   • The tool resizes and converts automatically.
   • Save the result as tempdecal.wad.

Step 3: Place the Logo in the Game

1. Locate your Half-Life folder:
   C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life\valve
2. Copy the file: Replace tempdecal.wad with your new one.
3. Lock it: Set the file to Read-Only (to stop the game overwriting it).

Step 4: Test In-Game

1. Launch Half-Life or a mod (e.g. Counter-Strike).
2. Go to Multiplayer → Options → select your spray logo.
3. Join a server or start a local game.
4. Press the spray key (T by default) to test your spray on a wall.

Examples

Hi Pikachu!

Oh, Hey Rick!

Banksy - Girl with Balloon

Downloads

• Pikachu Logo
• Rick Logo
• Banksy Logo