i found a detailed guide but isn't there an easier option?

Easier than what?
The normal way to publish is to use
...\Steam\SteamApps\common\portal 2\bin\p2map_publish.exe

oh

didn't know that, thanks!

Originally posted by Čolibri:

Easier than what?
The normal way to publish is to use
...\Steam\SteamApps\common\portal 2\bin\p2map_publish.exe

Yeah, but there's a ton more stuff that has to be done before a map can should be published.

Like learn how to use the Hammer editor, and all of the map assets that Valve has created, and how to put all that together to make a map that works, looks good, is solvable without cheese, and is enjoyable.

We're talking months of study, effort, and a lots of trial-and-error.

It ain't that easy.

well i was asking if there was an easier way,
but i didn't know there is a mention of how to publish hammer made maps if you cant publish while not playing the game
i didn't know there is just a file in the game folder that literally has "map_publish" in its name (i haven't tried it) because i hadn't made any map in hammer or bee2

thank you greatly for help

i was asking in general how did they publish those maps if they didn't make them in Portal 2

Originally posted by Rooke:

Yeah, but there's a ton more stuff that has to be done before a map can should be published.

Like learn how to use the Hammer editor, and all of the map assets that Valve has created, and how to put all that together to make a map that works, looks good, is solvable without cheese, and is enjoyable.

if you feel like posting a link to a guide on just how to do that, i wouldn't mind

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/P2map_publish