# Data Files

We recommend editing data files with [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/).

## vehicle.meta

Template: 

{% file src="/files/UvvSSP5jLIAkWZyge8gh" %}

The vehicles.meta file in GTA V is an XML-format file which, as with previous versions of the game, defines vehicles and some of their properties. This file is found in ..\common\data\levels\gta5 and can be edited with any text editor.

The main things you need to change are:

* <mark style="color:red;">modelName</mark> - Name of the model file without extension.
* <mark style="color:red;">txdName</mark> - Name of the texture dictionary without extension.
* <mark style="color:red;">handlingId</mark> - Name of handling file without extension (However we generally keep as `POLICE` unless you have made your own handling file)
* <mark style="color:red;">gameName</mark> - Name of vehicle (Doesn't have to match modelName) which can consist of uppercase letters & numbers. No more than 14 characters.

For example:

```xml
    <Item>
      <modelName>bx21ayt</modelName>
      <txdName>bx21ayt</txdName>
      <handlingId>POLICE</handlingId>
      <gameName>Ford Active</gameName>
```

However other sections of this file can be changed to best suit your vehicle.

> For more information see: <https://gtamods.com/wiki/Vehicles.meta>

## carvariations.meta

Template:

{% file src="/files/YAczlYVIS6qFfjJ6uo3G" %}

The carvariations.meta file is used assigning colors, kits, lights, etc to vehicles in GTA V.

The main things you need to change are:

* modelName - Name of the model file without extension.
* sirenSettings - Random 5 digit number coresponding to the `id value` in your carcols.meta file.
  * Eg. 38265

```xml
    <Item> 
      <modelName>bx21ayt</modelName>
```

```xml
      <lightSettings value="1"/>
      <sirenSettings value="82036"/>
```

> For more information see: <https://gtamods.com/wiki/Carvariations.ymt>

## handling.meta

Here at BNT Modding we use Handing IDs from base GTA. This is because customers tend to own servers with differently balanced vehicle handling in terms of speed etc.

> However for more information see: <https://gtamods.com/wiki/Handling.meta>

## carcols.meta

See [carcols.meta (Non-ELS Only)](/development-guide/data-files/carcols.meta-non-els-only.md)

> For more information see: <https://gtamods.com/wiki/Carcols.ymt>


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