Color Tool Guide
Complete guide to the Color tool in Garry's Mod - change prop colors, transparency, render modes, and effects
Last updated: 1 February 2026
Color Tool
The Color tool (Colour in UK English) changes the color, transparency, render mode, and visual effects of props.
Basic Controls
| Action | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Left-click | Apply color to prop |
| Right-click | Copy color from prop |
| Reload (R) | Reset prop to default (white, solid) |
Color Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| R (Red) | Red channel (0-255) |
| G (Green) | Green channel (0-255) |
| B (Blue) | Blue channel (0-255) |
| A (Alpha) | Transparency (0 = invisible, 255 = solid) |
Render Modes
Choose how the prop renders:
| Mode | Effect |
|---|---|
| Normal | Standard solid appearance |
| Trans Color | Colored transparency |
| Trans Texture | Texture-based transparency |
| Glow | Prop glows |
| Trans Alpha | Proper alpha transparency |
| Trans Add | Additive blending (bright) |
| Trans Alpha Add | Combined alpha and additive |
| World Glow | Glow visible through walls |
Transparency Tip
For proper see-through effects, use Trans Alpha mode with low Alpha value.
Render FX (Effects)
Add animated visual effects:
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| None | No effect |
| Pulse Slow/Fast | Slow/fast pulsing |
| Pulse Wide | Wide pulsing effect |
| Fade Slow/Fast | Fading in/out |
| Strobe Slow/Fast | Blinking effect |
| Flicker Slow/Fast | Random flickering |
| Distort | Wavy distortion |
| Hologram | Holographic look |
Common Uses
Making Props Invisible
Set Alpha to 0 for completely invisible props:
- Invisible barriers
- Hidden mechanisms
- Aesthetic tricks
Still Solid
Invisible props still have collision. Use NoCollide if you need to walk through them.
Semi-Transparent Glass
- Set Alpha between 100-200
- Use Trans Alpha render mode
Glowing Props
- Set Glow or World Glow render mode
- Add Pulse effect for animated glow
Quick Reference
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Apply color | Left-click |
| Copy color | Right-click |
| Reset color | Reload (R) |
| Invisible | Alpha = 0 |
| Solid | Alpha = 255 |
| Transparency | Trans Alpha mode + low Alpha |
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