[Guide] How to idle in TF2 - 110% legit, 0% CPU stress

No, you can just be a spectator and you will get items.

This is cool, but i play to get items

Or, instead of a bat file, you could just simply make a new steam shortcut, and put the parameters in the target location of that.

You can just into TF2 properties -> Set launch Options and write this: -textmode -nosound -noipx -novid -nopreload -nojoy -sw

Idle programs are illegal. You can get a ban if you use it.

Go instead ingame and play vs. bots. This is my way to idle.

right click it on steam and paste ur thing, or this (since I use it so im sure it works):
-applaunch 440 -textmode -nosound -window -nopreload -novid +map ctf_2fort
You dont really need the batch file : P

What is the point of being idle?

Idling is completely useless due to the weekly cap.

It really sucks because I play TF2 so much.

+sv_lan is also useful since you don't get connection errors (like me, due to crap internet)

You don't need to connect to a remote server at all. :|
This is what I use.
"C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 440 -textmode -nosound -nopix -novid -nopreload -sw +map_background "itemtest"
And why bother with a batch file? Just make a desktop shortcut. (Or, you can do what I did and add a "non-steam game" to your library and change the details to the above so I can still launch it from my Steam Library.)
All the details are on the official TF2 Wiki anyway http://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Idling

Can i create a local match and just idle there using these commands?

And, once its done, do i have to enter the game again to redeem the items, or just leave the game and check the inventory later?

This is why I have a halo hat and you don't.

-textmode -novid -nosound -noipx -nojoy -nopreload -sw -width 640 -height 480 +map itemtest

This is what I've been using for quite a while now (shortcut):
Steam.exe -applaunch 440 -textmode -nosound -noipx -novid -nopreload -nojoy -sw -maxplayers 2 +sv_lan 1 +map "itemtest"

Also, before you go into text mode run the game normally and change all the settings (mainly video) to lowest. It does help and frees up around 100MB of RAM.
And itemtest map is probably the least resource heavy map.

-textmode -nosound -noipx -novid -nopreload -nojoy -sw -maxplayers 2 +sv_lan 1 +map "itemtest"

Works perfectly.