FiveM Updated April 27, 2026

Streaming Custom Maps and Assets

How to stream custom maps, models, and textures to FiveM clients using a resource's stream folder.

FiveMStreamingCustom MapsAssetsYMAPYTD

Overview

FiveM's streaming system allows the server to push custom game assets — maps, models, textures, and more — to connecting clients. Assets are placed inside a resource's stream/ folder and declared in fxmanifest.lua. Clients download them automatically on first connection and cache them for subsequent sessions.

Supported Asset Types

Extension	Type	Purpose
`.ymap`	Map data	Adds or modifies world map placements (props, buildings, lights)
`.ytyp`	Archetype definition	Defines object types referenced by `.ymap` files
`.ytd`	Texture dictionary	Replaces or adds textures for models
`.ydr`	Drawable model	Single-LOD 3D model
`.ydd`	Drawable dictionary	Multiple models in one file
`.yft`	Fragment	Destructible or animated object model
`.ybn`	Collision	Collision mesh for custom geometry

Directory Structure

Place all stream assets inside the resource's stream/ subfolder:

resources/
  [maps]/
    my-custom-map/
      fxmanifest.lua
      stream/
        custom_map.ymap
        custom_map.ytyp
        custom_textures.ytd

fxmanifest.lua Configuration

Declare streamed files in the manifest using the files key. File declarations are required for the client to receive the assets:

fx_version 'cerulean'
games { 'gta5' }

author 'YourName'
description 'Custom map resource'
version '1.0.0'

files {
    'stream/*.ymap',
    'stream/*.ytyp',
    'stream/*.ytd',
    'stream/*.ydr',
    'stream/*.ydd'
}

data_file 'DLC_ITYP_REQUEST' 'stream/*.ytyp'

The data_file directive registers .ytyp files with the game engine so archetypes are available when the .ymap is loaded. Without it, .ymap placements referencing custom archetype names will be invisible or replaced with default objects.

Enabling the Resource

Add an ensure line in server.cfg:

ensure my-custom-map

Start or restart the server. Clients will download the stream files when they next connect.

Verifying Streaming Works

Connect a test client and check:

The FiveM loading screen shows the resource download progress.
In-game, navigate to the map coordinates where custom content should appear.
Open the FiveM console (F8) and run resmon to confirm the resource is running.

If assets are invisible, check the txAdmin console for streaming errors. A common cause is a missing data_file declaration for .ytyp files.

File Size Considerations

FiveM streams assets to every connecting client. Large asset bundles increase:

Client connection time (assets must download before the player spawns)
Server bandwidth consumption
Client disk usage in the FiveM cache folder

Keep individual .ytd files under 16 MB where possible. Split large map releases into multiple resources grouped by zone rather than one monolithic resource.

Replacing Existing GTA Textures

To replace a vanilla texture dictionary, name your .ytd file to match the original (e.g., hospitalinterior.ytd). FiveM's streaming system gives resource-loaded assets priority over the base game files for clients connected to your server. This only applies to connected players — the base game files on the client's machine are never modified.

Using Map Editor Exports

If you build maps in tools like CodeWalker or the FiveM Map Editor:

Export to .ymap format.
If custom archetypes are used, export the .ytyp as well.
Place both in the stream/ folder.
Add both extensions to the files block and add a data_file for .ytyp.

Back to Knowledgebase

Need help? Submit a Ticket →