Help and answers.
Installation, license keys and the problems people run into most. If something is not covered here, ask on Discord.
License activation
- Install the plugin (see Installation) and open it from Scripts → SFM Collab in SFM.
- Paste your key into the key field and press Activate.
- Follow the Discord step: join the Multi-SFM Discord server and post the short code the plugin shows in the channel it names. This links your account once.
- Choose a nickname. From then on the plugin remembers your key.
A key is activated on one computer. Each person needs their own key; every purchase includes two, so you can give the second one to a friend.
Check a key's format
Troubleshooting
The plugin is not in the Scripts menu
- Check the path:
game\platform\scripts\sfm\mainmenu\SFM Collab\sfm_collab.py. - The file must end in
.py(Windows sometimes hides extensions and adds.txt). - Restart SFM completely after copying the file.
"This version is out of date"
A newer plugin is required. Download the current version and replace the old file (see Updating), then restart SFM completely.
"Can't reach the server"
- Check your internet connection.
- If a firewall or antivirus asks about Source Filmmaker, allow it.
- School and work networks sometimes block it; try another network.
"This key is already activated on another computer"
Keys are tied to one computer. If you changed computers or reinstalled Windows, ask on Discord to move the key (possible once a month).
"This key has run out" or "has been deactivated"
A monthly key stops at the end of the paid period; renew to continue. Your projects are not affected. If you think a key was stopped by mistake, ask on Discord.
"Today's free time is used up"
The free version and Basic have a daily amount of party time. It renews every day at midnight UTC. Pro and Creator have no daily limit.
"The free version can't be used through a VPN"
Turn the VPN off, or use a license key.
Models show up as errors for someone
When a model's files are missing, the plugin asks before downloading them. Accept the download, and make sure the host has not turned file sharing off for the party.
SFM warns about memory, or a big scene does not open
SFM is a 32-bit program with about 4 GB of memory in total. Save your work and restart SFM. Very large sessions may need to be split up.
Sending a log
When reporting a problem, a log helps a lot. In the plugin, open Settings and choose Open the log file, or find it here:
C:\Users\<your Windows user>\sfm_collab_log.txtSend it on Discord together with what you did and what happened. If two people are involved (for example a model that did not arrive), send both logs.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone need the same scene file?
No. When you join, the host's scene comes to you. If you have a different session open, it is saved first and the party's scene opens instead.
Does everyone need to own the same custom models?
No. Missing models, materials, particles and sounds can be transferred from the player who has them. Each player is asked before anything is downloaded.
Can others see my IP address?
No. Everyone connects to the Multi-SFM server, never directly to each other.
Do guests need the same plan as the host?
No. The host's plan sets the party size and features. Each guest needs a valid key of any plan, or the free version.
Why is it called SFM Collab inside SFM?
That is the plugin's original name, still used for its menu entry and window. It is the same product as Multi-SFM.
Is Multi-SFM made by Valve?
No. Multi-SFM is an independent project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Valve.
Contact
Support, bug reports and questions go through the Multi-SFM Discord server. Never share your license key in public channels, and never send passwords to anyone, including people who say they are staff.