For players, "Data Files" usually refers to the Server Data folder. This is a dedicated directory where FiveM stores the specific assets (maps, cars, clothing, scripts) required to play on a specific server.
Every resource must declare its files and dependencies. Example:
fx_version 'cerulean' game 'gta5'author 'Your Name' description 'Custom vehicle pack' version '1.0.0' fivem data files
files 'data/**/.meta', 'stream/.ytd' data_file 'HANDLING_FILE' 'data/handling.meta' client_script 'client.lua' server_script 'server.lua'
fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'gta5'
author 'YourName'
description 'Example resource'
version '1.0.0'
shared_scripts
'config.lua'
server_scripts
'server/main.lua'
client_scripts
'client/main.lua'
files
'html/*',
'stream/**'
ui_page 'html/index.html'
If you want, I can convert this into a formal PDF-ready report, expand any section (e.g., security checklist, CI pipeline example, or asset packaging steps), or produce a one-page executive brief.
(Invoking related search terms per guidance.) For players, "Data Files" usually refers to the
To truly master FiveM data files, you need to recognize the extensions you will encounter:
| File Extension | Purpose | Common Location |
| --- | --- | --- |
| .lua | Script logic (client/server) | resources/[local]/ |
| .rpf | Rockstar archive (encrypted asset pack) | cache/game/ |
| .ytd | Texture dictionary (vehicle paint, UI) | Downloaded via stream |
| .ytyp | Map placement data | stream/ folder |
| .meta | Handling, vehicle, weapon metadata | data/ folder (server-side) |
| .sql | Database structure (for vRP/ESX) | server-data/ |
| .cfg | Configuration (server.cfg) | Root server directory | If you want, I can convert this into
Developer Note: Never share your
server.cfgor.sqlfiles publicly. They contain database passwords and private API keys.