shared_scripts 'config.lua'
FiveM has revolutionized the Grand Theft Auto V multiplayer experience, offering a platform where custom servers, scripts, vehicles, and maps transform the base game into almost anything imaginable. Whether you are a regular player looking for smoother performance or a new server owner trying to optimize, understanding is crucial.
| File Extension | Purpose | Common Location | | --- | --- | --- | | .lua | Script logic (client/server) | resources/[local]/ | | .rpf | Rockstar archive (encrypted asset pack) | cache/game/ | | .ytd | Texture dictionary (vehicle paint, UI) | Downloaded via stream | | .ytyp | Map placement data | stream/ folder | | .meta | Handling, vehicle, weapon metadata | data/ folder (server-side) | | .sql | Database structure (for vRP/ESX) | server-data/ | | .cfg | Configuration (server.cfg) | Root server directory | fivem data files
: This is where you place client-side visual mods like custom car sounds or graphics packs.
: Stores temporary data from servers you visit. Deleting this is a common fix for performance issues or "glitched" textures. shared_scripts 'config
FiveM does not modify original GTA V game files but instead uses a redirection and overlay system. User-generated and server-specific data are stored in separate directories. Understanding these files is critical for troubleshooting, backing up, and optimizing a FiveM server or client installation.
| Filename | Purpose | | :--- | :--- | | vehicles.meta | Defines vehicle handling, spawning names, and model IDs. | | handling.meta | Alters physics (weight, drive force, steering) for specific vehicles. | | carcols.meta | Defines vehicle colors and modification kits (tuning parts). | | carvariations.meta | Links specific colors to specific vehicle models. | | pedpersonality.ymt | Used for custom character models (NPCs/Players). | : Stores temporary data from servers you visit
fx_version 'cerulean' game 'gta5' author 'Server Developer' description 'Custom Vehicle Resource' version '1.0.0' -- Declaring the files to be loaded into memory files 'data/vehicles.meta', 'data/handling.meta', 'data/carvariations.meta' -- Instructing the engine how to utilize these data files data_file 'VEHICLE_METADATA_FILE' 'data/vehicles.meta' data_file 'HANDLING_FILE' 'data/handling.meta' data_file 'VEHICLE_VARIATION_FILE' 'data/carvariations.meta' Use code with caution. 3. Data Files in Major Server Frameworks
2. The Core Components: Understanding Manifests and Meta Files
your-resource-name/ ├── fxmanifest.lua ├── client/ │ ├── main.lua │ └── events.lua ├── server/ │ └── main.lua ├── shared/ │ └── config.lua ├── stream/ │ ├── vehicle1.yft │ ├── vehicle1.ytd │ └── vehicle1_hi.yft └── data/ ├── handling.meta ├── vehicles.meta └── carcols.meta