How do I save and use custom cockpit camera views in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
To save a custom cockpit camera view in Microsoft Flight Simulator, switch to the cockpit, move the pilot viewpoint where you want it, then use the sim’s Save Custom Camera command for a numbered slot. Later, use the matching Load Custom Camera command to recall that exact view instantly.
How to save a custom cockpit view in Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Enter the cockpit view
Make sure you are in the normal cockpit camera, not the drone camera or an external view. Custom cockpit views are meant for pilot-seat and instrument-panel positions inside the aircraft.
- Move the camera to the position you want
Use your camera look and cockpit translation controls to shift the viewpoint left, right, up, down, forward or back. We usually set the eye point first, then fine-tune the angle so the glareshield, runway and primary instruments sit naturally on screen.
- Adjust the zoom
If you want a dedicated instrument view, zoom in before saving. A good custom camera is not just the right angle; it is also the right distance and field of view for the job.
- Save the view to a numbered slot
Use the sim’s save command for a custom camera slot. In many default profiles this is typically Ctrl + Alt + a number, but bindings can vary by version, update or control profile, so check your settings rather than assuming.
- Recall the saved view
Use the matching load command for that slot. In many default profiles this is often Alt + the same number. If it loads the wrong view or does nothing, the binding is either different or conflicting with another command.
- Repeat for several working views
We suggest saving a few practical positions rather than just one: a normal pilot view, a slightly raised landing view, a close FMC or MCDU view, an overhead panel view, and a radios or centre pedestal view.
What shortcut saves custom camera views?
The usual idea is simple: one command saves a camera into a numbered slot, and another loads that same slot. On many setups, the default pattern is:
- Save custom camera: usually Ctrl + Alt + number
- Load custom camera: usually Alt + number
That said, we would not rely on memory alone. Open Controls Options, search for custom camera, and confirm the exact bindings in your active keyboard or controller profile. On some rigs the number row, numpad and function-layer keys can behave differently.
Where do I find the custom camera bindings?
- Open Controls Options
Do this from the main menu or pause menu, depending on where you are making changes.
- Select the device you actually use
If you fly with keyboard and mouse, check the keyboard profile first. If you use a yoke, HOTAS or controller for camera movement, inspect that profile too.
- Search for camera commands
Use terms like custom camera, save custom camera, load custom camera, cockpit camera or just camera. Microsoft Flight Simulator exposes the functions as individual commands, so searching is much quicker than browsing every category manually.
- Bind clean, memorable shortcuts
If the defaults clash with another command, reassign them. We prefer simple, dedicated bindings that are easy to hit without taking a hand fully off the controls.
- Apply and test in the aircraft
Load a flight, save a view, move away from it, then recall it. If it works once but not consistently, a duplicate binding is usually the cause.
Custom cockpit views vs quickviews vs drone camera
| View type | What it does | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Custom cockpit view | Saves a specific internal camera position, angle and usually zoom to a numbered slot | Landing sight picture, FMC, overhead, pedestal, instrument close-ups |
| Quickview | Temporary glance left, right, up or at preset directions | Scanning, looking at wing roots, checking runway alignment |
| Drone camera | Free-moving external camera independent of the aircraft seating position | Screenshots, inspection, cinematic views |
| External/chase view | Outside view following the aircraft | Taxi checks, replays, general awareness outside the cockpit |
This distinction matters because a lot of people try to save a view while they are actually in drone mode. That will not give you a usable cockpit preset.
What is the best way to set up useful cockpit camera presets?
We get the best results by thinking in terms of tasks, not just angles. Save views you will genuinely use during a flight.
- Main pilot view: your normal cruise and take-off position
- Landing view: slightly higher or further back if the nose blocks the runway
- Primary instrument view: PFD, six-pack or main flight instruments
- FMS/MCDU/GPS view: close enough to read and operate without over-zooming
- Overhead panel view: especially useful in airliners and complex turboprops
- Centre pedestal or radio stack view: for COM/NAV tuning or engine management
If you fly multiple aircraft types, build a small set for each one. A view that works in a Cessna will not necessarily be useful in an Airbus or a business jet, because the seating position, panel height and visibility are completely different.
Do custom cockpit views save separately for each aircraft?
Usually, yes in practical use: custom cockpit views tend to make sense on an aircraft-by-aircraft basis, and a saved viewpoint in one cockpit should not be expected to line up neatly in another. The exact way the sim stores them can vary, especially between major versions and after updates, so we would treat them as aircraft-specific presets rather than global universal cameras.
If you switch to a different aircraft and the saved slot does not look right, that is normal. Just create a new set for that aircraft.
Why won’t my custom camera view save or load?
You are not in the cockpit camera
If you are in drone view, showcase view or an external camera, the custom cockpit command will not behave the way you expect. Return to the normal cockpit first.
Your key bindings are different
The internet is full of shortcut lists, but control profiles change. If Alt + number or Ctrl + Alt + number does nothing, inspect your bindings directly.
The key conflicts with another command
This is common on shared profiles, especially with add-on hardware. One button may be trying to trigger camera recall and something else at the same time.
The wrong number keys are being used
On some keyboards, the number row and the numpad are treated differently. Laptops can add another wrinkle with function layers and compact layouts.
The view was never overwritten properly
If an old camera keeps coming back, save the slot again deliberately, then move the camera somewhere obvious and test the load command. That confirms whether the save actually took.
A controller profile changed after an update
Sometimes a sim update or a new peripheral profile resets camera assignments. If a setup suddenly stops working, check that the correct profile is still active.
Are custom cockpit camera views different in MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024?
The workflow is broadly the same in both: position the cockpit camera, save it to a numbered slot, then recall it later. What can differ is the menu layout, the naming of some camera options, and whether your imported or custom control profiles carried across cleanly.
If you move between both sims, we recommend checking bindings in each one separately instead of assuming they match.
Practical tips for better custom cockpit views
- Do not over-zoom. It makes panels readable but can distort perspective and hurt situational awareness.
- Save a slightly higher landing view in taildraggers or aircraft with poor forward visibility.
- Use consistent slot numbers across aircraft, such as 1 for main view, 2 for landing, 3 for FMC, 4 for overhead.
- Test views in motion, not just parked on the ramp. A camera that looks fine while static may be awkward in turbulence, on final, or during taxi turns.
- Keep one neutral default view so you can always return to a sensible seat position if you get lost in the cockpit.
If you want the shortest possible answer
Set the cockpit camera where you want it, save it to a numbered custom camera slot, then recall that slot whenever needed. If it does not work, check Controls Options for the exact Save Custom Camera and Load Custom Camera bindings in your active profile.