Add-on vehicles: the complete process

Add-on vehicles are the most common customization on FiveM servers. This is the definitive guide - not just "put files in a folder," but understanding every file type, every data_file line, and why each one matters. After this lesson you can add any vehicle from any source.

You'll build: A fully working add-on vehicle resource with model files, handling, vehicles.meta, carcols, and a spawn command.
Time: ~30 minutes
You need: A local FiveM server, a downloaded add-on vehicle (car folder with .yft/.ytd/.meta files).
You'll learn: The complete add-on vehicle pipeline: file types, folder structure, data_file lines in fxmanifest, handling.meta and vehicles.meta integration, spawning, and troubleshooting invisible vehicles.

BEFORE YOU START

Build it

Prepare the folder structure

Every file is in the right place.

code

resources/my_addon_car/
fxmanifest.lua
data/
handling.meta
vehicles.meta
carcols.meta
carvariations.meta
stream/
modelname.yft        <- vehicle 3D model
modelname_hi.yft     <- high-detail interior
modelname.ytd        <- textures
modelname+hi.ytd     <- high-detail textures

Most add-on car downloads already have this structure. Verify before proceeding.

Write the fxmanifest

FiveM knows how to load every file.

code

Add-on vehicles: the complete process

Build it

Prepare the folder structure

Write the fxmanifest

Verify the model name in vehicles.meta

Spawn and test

Keep reading the full lesson