Creating a Custom Chat System on a Garry's Mod Server

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create a custom chat system for your Garry's Mod server using the VolticHost Game Panel. Enhance player communication with a personalized chat window that displays messages in a unique style. 🚀

📌 Prerequisites

• A Garry's Mod server purchased at VolticHost.com

• Access to the VolticHost Game Panel

• Basic knowledge of Lua scripting and VGUI elements

• Familiarity with client-side script editing

1️⃣ First Step - Uploading the Custom Chat System Script

1. Log in to VolticHost Game Panel.

2. Navigate to the File Manager from the main dashboard.

3. Go to the /garrysmod/lua/autorun/client/ directory.

4. Create a new file named custom_chat.lua.

5. Open custom_chat.lua for editing and paste the following script:

   if CLIENT then
       local function OpenCustomChat()
           local frame = vgui.Create("DFrame")
           frame:SetTitle("Custom Chat")
           frame:SetSize(400, 300)
           frame:Center()
           frame:MakePopup()
   
           local chatBox = vgui.Create("DListView", frame)
           chatBox:Dock(FILL)
           chatBox:AddColumn("Chat Message")
   
           local chatEntry = vgui.Create("DTextEntry", frame)
           chatEntry:Dock(BOTTOM)
           chatEntry:SetPlaceholderText("Type your message here...")
           chatEntry.OnEnter = function(self)
               local text = self:GetValue()
               if text ~= "" then
                   RunConsoleCommand("say", text)
                   self:SetValue("")
               end
           end
   
           hook.Add("OnPlayerChat", "UpdateCustomChat", function(ply, text, teamChat, isDead)
               local message = ply:Nick() .. ": " .. text
               chatBox:AddLine(message)
               return true
           end)
       end
   
       concommand.Add("open_customchat", OpenCustomChat)
   end
   

6. Save the file after editing.

7. Restart your server from the VolticHost Game Panel to load the new client-side script.

✅ Custom chat system script uploaded and loaded successfully!

2️⃣ Next Step - Testing and Refining Your Custom Chat System

1. Join your server and open the in-game console.

2. Type the command:

   open_customchat
   

   This should open your custom chat window with a chat box and text entry field.

3. Test sending a message by typing text into the entry field and pressing Enter.

4. Verify that the message appears in the custom chat window and that messages from other players are displayed.

5. If adjustments are needed (such as window size, font, or color), re-open custom_chat.lua in the File Manager, edit the script accordingly, and restart your server to apply the changes.

✅ Custom chat system tested and refined successfully!

🎉 Conclusion

You have now successfully created a custom chat system on your Garry's Mod server using the VolticHost Game Panel! Enhance player communication and add a unique visual style to your server's chat interface. 🚀

For more assistance, contact VolticHost Support.