A GTA V placement file that lists objects (by model name) with their position, rotation and LOD distance, plus extras like car generators and occlusion.

How do I add a ymap to my FiveM server?

Put the .ymap in the stream folder of a resource whose manifest includes this_is_a_map 'yes', and ensure that resource.

What is the difference between ymap and ytyp?

A ytyp defines what an archetype is; a ymap places instances of archetypes in the world.

Why do my ymap props pop in late?

Their LOD distance is too low. Increase it for larger objects in CodeWalker.

What program edits ymaps?

CodeWalker is the standard free tool for creating and editing ymaps.

FiveM YMAP Guide: What ymap Files Are and How to Use Them

A ymap is GTA V’s placement file: a list of objects and where they sit in the world. Every custom map, every extra bench and street light, and every MLO’s position is a ymap. Once you know what is inside one, you can add props to a street without writing a single script — and understand why some map edits never show up.

Short answer: A .ymap lists entities — each an archetype (model) name with a position, rotation and LOD distance — plus optional extras such as car generators and occlusion. Create or edit one in CodeWalker, put it in a resource’s stream folder with this_is_a_map 'yes' in the manifest, and FiveM loads it. The models it references must exist, either in the game or streamed alongside.

#What is inside a ymap

Part	Purpose
Entities	Placed objects: archetype name, position, rotation, flags, LOD distance
Car generators	Spots where parked cars spawn
Occlusion	Boxes that tell the engine what is hidden behind what
LOD lights	Distant light effects for night-time
Extents	The area the ymap covers, used to decide when to load it

A ymap does not contain models — only references to them by name. The model itself comes from the game or from .ydr/.ytyp files streamed by some resource.

#ymap vs ytyp

A .ytyp defines archetypes: the model name, bounding box, texture dictionary, LOD settings and, for interiors, rooms and portals. A .ymap then places instances of those archetypes. Adding a vanilla prop needs only a ymap; adding a brand-new custom prop needs its model, its ytyp and a ymap that places it. Custom props covers the full path.

#Creating a ymap in CodeWalker

Open CodeWalker with your GTA V folder and switch to edit mode.
Create a new project and add a new ymap to it.
Add entities: pick an archetype (for example a bench) and place it where you want it.
Adjust position and rotation; set a sensible LOD distance.
Use “Calculate extents” so the ymap knows its area, then save it.
Put the saved .ymap in a resource’s stream folder with this_is_a_map 'yes' in the manifest.

The CodeWalker workflow in more depth, including editing existing map files safely, is in CodeWalker map editing.

#LOD distance and pop-in

Each entity’s LOD distance is how far away it starts drawing. Too low and props appear suddenly as you approach; too high and the client draws hundreds of small props it cannot even see, costing frames. Match it to the size of the object: a bench might use a short distance, a building a long one.

#Removing vanilla objects

A ymap can add objects, but removing existing ones is different: you either edit the original map file that places them (risky, and conflicts with other map packs) or hide the model at a location from a script. Both approaches are compared in removing map props.

#When a ymap does not show

Symptom	Cause
Nothing appears	Resource not started, or `this_is_a_map` missing
Some props missing	Their archetype does not exist (custom model not streamed)
Props appear only up close	LOD distance too low
Props flicker	Another map places objects in the same spot
Props appear, then vanish at distance	Extents not calculated, so the ymap unloads early

YMAP files in FiveM: placing props and maps