# YMAP files in FiveM: placing props and maps

> What a .ymap actually holds, how to build one in CodeWalker, and how to ship it in FiveM: the stream folder, this_is_a_map, and the models it has to find.

Source: https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-ymap-guide · FAM Tools · published 2026-09-11 · updated 2026-09-11 · about 11 min

**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.

## Key points

- ymap = **placement** (what goes where); ytyp = **definition** (what an archetype is).
- Every entity references an archetype name that must exist (vanilla or streamed).
- **LOD distance** decides from how far a prop is drawn — too low and it pops in.
- CodeWalker is the standard editor for creating and editing ymaps.
- A ymap streamed in a map resource loads automatically; no script is needed.

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.

## 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](https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-custom-props) covers the full path.

## Creating a ymap in CodeWalker

1. Open CodeWalker with your GTA V folder and switch to edit mode.
2. Create a new project and add a new ymap to it.
3. Add entities: pick an archetype (for example a bench) and place it where you want it.
4. Adjust position and rotation; set a sensible LOD distance.
5. Use “Calculate extents” so the ymap knows its area, then save it.
6. 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](https://fam-tools.com/guides/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](https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-remove-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 |

## Questions

### What is a ymap file?

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.

## Related

- https://fam-tools.com/guides/codewalker-map-editing
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-remove-map-props
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-mlo-install
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-custom-props