How to extract GMod-Files

This will show you how to extract Garry’s Mod Addon-Files (gma-files) for using them in 3D tools.

Definition

The GMA file format is a package format. It contains the Garrys Mod game content (materials and models). You get this file when you subscribe an addon from Garry’s Mod.

Location of GMA-Files

You'll find this files by default in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\GarrysMod\garrysmod\addons

Tool for extracting a GMA-File

First – you don’t need a thirdparty tool to unpack a GMA file. The extraction tool is a part of the Garry’s Mod game installation: gmad.exe

Create a shortcut to the tool gmad.exe, found (by default) in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\GarrysMod\bin

Unpack a GMA-File

Step 1:
Create a new folder

Step 2:
Find the addon you want to extract and copy the gma-file in your folder

Step 3:
Drag the gma file on your gmad.exe shortcut.

A command prompt run and the selected addon file should be extracted in a new folder, with the name of the extracted workshop addon.

Modding

Now you can decompile the model-files (found in the folder ‚models‘) and import them in a 3D-tool of your choice.