Im sort of new to mapping, and im just wondering where do i import map props to my map? thanks.

No, you can't use props in your map, everything is brush and sprite based, sorry

I'm talking about prop_statics or dynamics. thank you but i don't need that sort of attitude. I am just wondering how do i import a custom prop into my map.. if you didn't get the question right.

Relax, there was no attitude.

http://www.snarkpit.net/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL2&type=models

:)

lol, attitude. We're just a bunch of mappers speaking in a very direct fashion, don't take it wrong. You should be glad you had the question answered without any deviations (i think, you may try to, etc etc)

Closely associated with mapping and importing, is my query. How exactly do you open stock maps (.bsp's) in hammer editor, is there another way to do it?

Eh, a rough start for me in the forums heh, I checked all four of the tutorials on the snarkpit link, couldn't find my answer there, and to answer your question Jules, I think you need to use a Program to decompile the map and turn it into a VMF file. FGD i think the program is called, or something else. (correct me if i am wrong with the VMF file)

Haha, i was being sarcastic, didn't mean to come off as rude

Of course you can import models into hammer . . .

If you just want to use stock models place a prop_static and under it's "model" peram click the brown button (button under the field with the dots) and select a model you want

If you want to use a model with Animations or want to place trees that cast dynamic foliage shadows use a prop_dynamic

To import models that you made yourself is a bit more intense of a process but there are millions of tuts on it, just use "teh gooehl"