How do I install downloaded scenery in X-Plane 12?

To install downloaded scenery in X-Plane 12, extract the archive, place each actual scenery package folder in X-Plane 12/Custom Scenery, then start and close X-Plane so it updates scenery_packs.ini. Check that custom airports sit above Global Airports and that overlays sit above orthophoto or mesh scenery.

Install downloaded X-Plane 12 scenery step by step

The crucial check is to copy the package root, not an outer download wrapper containing another identically named folder.

Conventional packages from our downloadable X-Plane scenery collection generally use the following method. Package-specific instructions take priority, especially when a download contains separate airport, overlay and mesh folders.

1. Find the active X-Plane installation. X-Plane can be installed almost anywhere. Use the folder containing the X-Plane application alongside directories such as Aircraft, Resources and Custom Scenery. This prevents scenery being copied into an old installation or demo.
2. Extract the download completely. Do not place the ZIP, RAR or 7z archive directly in Custom Scenery. Open the extracted folder and check whether it contains one scenery package or several components.
3. Identify the package root. A conventional airport package normally has Earth nav data directly inside its main folder. Libraries commonly have library.txt, while photographic scenery may also contain terrain and texture directories.
4. Copy each package into Custom Scenery. The resulting path should resemble X-Plane 12/Custom Scenery/Example Airport/Earth nav data. Do not copy it into Resources, Aircraft or the default Global Scenery folders.
5. Install required libraries separately. Read the included documentation for dependency names. If it calls for OpenSceneryX, our guide to library folder and dependency setup explains the correct package level and the common double-folder problem.
6. Let X-Plane register the package. Start X-Plane 12 and allow it to reach its main screen, then close it. New folders should be added to Custom Scenery/scenery_packs.ini.
7. Test the affected location. Load the airport or region named by the download. If you manually change scenery_packs.ini, do so while X-Plane is closed and restart the simulator afterwards.

What should an X-Plane scenery folder contain?

The correct folder is usually the first level containing Earth nav data or library.txt, rather than the outer folder created during extraction.

A path such as Custom Scenery/Example v1/Example/Earth nav data is usually one level too deep. Move the inner Example folder into Custom Scenery, unless the package documentation specifies a different structure.

How should scenery_packs.ini be ordered?

X-Plane reads scenery_packs.ini from top to bottom, with higher entries taking priority where packages overlap.

A practical general order is:

1. Custom airports and local scenery that must override default airports.
2. The Global Airports entry.
3. Regional, city and orthophoto overlay packages.
4. Orthophoto tiles and other base meshes.

Libraries can generally remain where X-Plane places them. For competing base meshes covering the same tile, keep all meshes below overlays, then place the mesh you want to see above the alternative mesh. Multi-part packages may require a more specific internal order.

Photographic packages need extra care because an incorrectly placed base mesh can suppress scenery beneath it. Use our separate orthophoto installation and ordering guide for downloaded photo tiles.

Edit the file only while X-Plane is closed and keep a backup first. A normal active entry begins with SCENERY_PACK; one beginning with SCENERY_PACK_DISABLED will not load. Folder prefixes such as z are only naming conventions—the order recorded in scenery_packs.ini is what matters after the file exists.

Why is downloaded scenery not showing in X-Plane 12?

Missing scenery is usually caused by a nested folder, incorrect package priority, an absent library or installation into the wrong copy of X-Plane.

• Nothing changes at the airport: confirm the package covers the airport identifier or coordinates you loaded, then place its entry above Global Airports.
• X-Plane reports missing objects: install every library named by the package documentation. Installing one popular library does not satisfy unrelated dependencies.
• The package is not listed: check that it was extracted, that the package root is directly inside Custom Scenery, and that its entry is not disabled.
• Terrain or orthophotos are absent: another higher-priority base mesh may be winning for that tile. Reorder the competing mesh entries.
• Only some components appear: multi-folder downloads may require separate airport, overlay and mesh directories. Copying only the first folder leaves the installation incomplete.

After an unsuccessful load, inspect Log.txt in the main X-Plane 12 directory. Search near the end for the package name and messages about resources, objects, facades, DSF files or libraries; these usually identify the missing dependency or malformed path.

Can I delete scenery_packs.ini and let X-Plane rebuild it?

X-Plane can rebuild scenery_packs.ini, but this should be a recovery step rather than part of every installation.

Close X-Plane, rename the existing file as a backup, then restart the simulator. It will generate a replacement from the folders it finds, but you must inspect the rebuilt order because custom airports, overlays and meshes may no longer have the priority you intended.

Can X-Plane 11 scenery work in X-Plane 12?

Many object-based X-Plane 11 airports load in X-Plane 12, but compatibility is not guaranteed.

Older ground textures, vegetation, lighting, mesh or package-specific plugins may be missing or look wrong under X-Plane 12. Keep third-party scenery inside Custom Scenery, never overwrite default simulator files, and remove the package if Log.txt reports persistent compatibility errors.