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Vehicle Modding Setup

Set up your development environment for FiveM vehicle modding.

Prerequisites​

  • FiveM installed and running
  • A code editor (VSCode recommended)
  • OpenIV or similar tools for viewing game files
  • Basic understanding of file structures
  • 3D Modeling Software (See section below)

Essential Tools​

3D Modeling & Bone Editing Software​

To properly edit vehicle models and seating bones, you need one of the following solutions:

ZModeler 3 (Paid - Recommended for Beginners)​

  • Cost: Paid license
  • Difficulty: Easier to learn and master
  • Best for: Vehicle modding, bone editing, model rigging
  • Features:
    • Native GTA V format support (YFT/YTD)
    • Intuitive bone editing interface
    • Real-time preview
    • Excellent for seating bone positioning
  • Download: ZModeler3.com

Solumz/Blender (Free - Advanced)​

  • Cost: Free (open-source)
  • Difficulty: More challenging learning curve
  • Best for: Complex modeling, advanced customization
  • Features:
    • Full 3D modeling capabilities
    • Solumz plugin for GTA V support
    • Flexible rigging and bone control
    • Better for large-scale modifications
  • Download: Blender.org + Solumz plugin
note

While Blender/Solumz is free, ZModeler 3's paid license often pays for itself in time saved for vehicle modding tasks. Choose based on your budget and modeling experience.

OpenIV​

Download from OpenIV.com. Use it to:

  • Browse GTA5 game files
  • Extract original vehicle files as reference
  • View 3D models and textures

CodeWalker​

Download from GTA5-Mods.com. Use it to:

  • View and edit GTA V world data
  • Preview vehicle models in 3D
  • Inspect vehicle properties and bone structure
  • Extract and manage vehicle files
tip

For the latest development builds, check the CodeWalker Discord server for updates beyond the public release.

Code Editor​

Install Visual Studio Code:

  • XML extensions for syntax highlighting
  • Better file organization

FiveM Resource Folder​

Create a resources folder structure:

resources/
├── [vehicles]
│   └── my-custom-cars/
│       ├── stream/
│       │   └── vehicles.ytd (textures)
│       ├── vehicles.meta
│       ├── carcols.xml
│       ├── carvariations.xml
│       ├── handling.meta
│       └── fxmanifest.lua

Understanding File Types​

  • .meta - Binary XML files containing vehicle data
  • .xml - Plain text XML configuration files
  • .ytd - Texture dictionary files
  • .yft - 3D model files

Best Practices​

  1. Always backup original game files
  2. Create resource folders for organization
  3. Use meaningful names for vehicles
  4. Test changes in single-player first
  5. Version your work with git or backups

Next Steps​

Proceed to the Vehicle Files Overview to understand the different file types used in vehicle modding.