VMT Color Converter ($color to $color2)

A simple Python GUI tool to convert Source Engine $color (used on brushes) to $color2 (used on models), using perceptual brightness correction to visually match the in-game appearance between shaders. A reverse calculation is also available under 'advanced'.

Web version: https://halfpeeps.github.io/VMT-Color-Converter/

Garry's Mod addon version: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3456942097

Interface Overview

• R / G / B fields: Enter brush color values (0–255)
• Output Line: $color2 value ready to paste into a VMT
• VMT Snippet: Full VertexLitGeneric VMT block
• Preview Swatch: Shows final color as it will appear on models
• Advanced Mode: Allows you to edit the boost factor (affects brightness for converting between shaders)

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Current versions

Desktop: 0.0.7 | Web: 0.0.5-web

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Requirements (for building desktop version)

• Python 3.10–3.12 (PyInstaller compatible)
• Tkinter (comes with Python)
• Run with:

pyinstaller --onefile --windowed --icon=vmt_color_converter.ico ^
    --add-data "vmt_color_converter.ico;." vmt_color_converter.py