How to Use ZModeler3 for FiveM Vehicle Modding

How to Use ZModeler3 for FiveM Vehicle Modding

How to Use ZModeler3 for FiveM Vehicle Modding

Learn how to import, edit, and export GTA V vehicle models with ZModeler3 to create custom FiveM add‑on cars in this step‑by‑step guide—no prior 3D modeling experience required!

1. Install and Configure ZModeler3

  • Download the latest ZModeler3 installer from the official site and run the setup.
  • Launch ZModeler3 and go to Options → Settings.
  • Set your GTA V game folder path.
  • Under Plugins, enable the GTA V (FiveM) exporter.

2. Importing GTA V Vehicle Models

  1. Click File → Import and select the vehicle’s .yft file from:
    %GTA V%\update\x64\dlcpacks\[vehicle_name]\dlc.rpf\x64\levels\gta5\vehicles\
  2. Also import related .ytd (textures) and _hi.yft (collision/LOD) files when prompted.
  3. Verify the hierarchy: body mesh, LOD meshes, collision mesh, skeleton.

3. Basic Editing Workflow

  • Rescale: Use the Scale tool (press R) to adjust vehicle size.
  • Materials & Textures:
    • Open the Material Editor and reassign textures from .ytd files.
    • Import custom liveries by adding new .ytd sheets.
  • Collisions:
    • Switch to the collision mesh (_hi model).
    • Use Edit Mesh → Separate Elements to isolate and fix stray faces.
    • Clean up stray vertices and flipped normals.

4. Exporting for FiveM

  1. Go to File → Export and choose the GTA V (FiveM) Add-on preset.
  2. In the export dialog, check Export Geometry, Export Materials, and Export Bones. Enable Generate LOD if needed.
  3. Save the folder structure as shown below:
    [customcar]
    ├── stream
    │   ├── customcar.yft
    │   ├── customcar_hi.yft
    │   └── customcar.ytd
    ├── data
    │   ├── vehicles.meta
    │   ├── handling.meta
    │   └── carvariations.meta
    └── fxmanifest.lua
              

5. Testing and Troubleshooting

  • Upload the folder to your resources directory and add ensure customcar to server.cfg.
  • Spawn the vehicle in‑game using your preferred spawn tool.
  • Common Issues:
    • Missing Textures: Reopen in ZModeler and verify texture paths.
    • Physics Errors: Adjust the collision mesh to remove overlapping faces.
    • LOD Pop‑in: Regenerate or tweak LOD export settings.

Excerpt

Learn how to import, edit, and export GTA V cars with ZModeler3 for FiveM. This guide covers installation, basic edits, collision fixes, and testing your add‑on vehicles.

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