Welcome to the GameMaker user manual! This document is divided into three parts with the aim of getting you introduced to the interface and basic workings of GameMaker and general programming, before going on to more advanced usage and the functions available through our proprietary programming language GML (GameMaker Language).
To ease you into things we have created a handy Quick Start Guide, and even if you are familiar with other game creation tools we recommend that you start there to get an overview of the way that GameMaker works. You'll find GameMaker to be easy and intuitive to use and that, whatever your skill level, you will soon be making those games you've always dreamed of.
NOTE Due to the modular nature of GameMaker there are certain things that are not included in this user manual, in particular those aspects of setting up and connecting the different devices that can be supported. For up-to-date information and troubleshooting hints and tips related to the different target platforms, please see the GameMaker Help Center.
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This section is the obligatory first stop for using GameMaker and getting to grips with the contents of the IDE and how it works. You'll find that GameMaker is intuitive and simple to use, and even if you've never used any tools like this before you shouldn't have any problems getting started and making games after reading through the Introduction and completing the Quick Start Guide (below). Once you have got to grips with the basics you can then move on to the more in-depth look at the components of GameMaker in the IDE sections below.
Introduction to GameMakerIntroduction to GameMaker
Quick Start GuideQuick Start Guide
Setting Up And Version InformationSetting Up And Version Information
In this section we cover each part of the GameMaker IDE, explaining in detail what each and every window, button and menu does and how it should be used.
IDE Preferences & FeaturesIDE Preferences & Features
GameMaker RunnerGameMaker Runner
Additional IDE ToolsAdditional IDE Tools
GameMaker LanguageGameMaker Language
This section covers an overview to GameMaker Language, and its two programming methods: Visual and Code.
Additional InformationAdditional Information
We also have a few extra pages with information on certain aspects of programming and using the GameMaker Language:
