How to Use GTA Map Editor

Launch Map Editor and click "Add" on the installation screen. Name your installation whatever you want and click "Browse." Choose a folder in the GTA directory and click "OK." Click on the new installation you just named to load it.

In the left-hand window, click the "Scene" tab. Choose a file beginning with "DATA/MAPS," check the box next to it, and click "Render." This will create a basic map appearing in the window. When the map loads, click on the map and hold down the mouse button. As you move the mouse, it will move the camera. Press "S" and "W" on the keyboard to move back and forward. Use "A" and "D" to move left and right.

Move the camera around the map to the location to which you want to add an object. At the left side of the screen, click on the "IPL" tab. Select the same map file you chose in Step 2 and click "New." Open a directory in the "Item Chooser" window and select an item that you want to add. These items range from hills and terrain to shops, other buildings and vehicles. Click "OK" to add this to the map.

Adjust the values in the "Position X," "Position Y" and "Position Z" sliders to the left of the screen. As you do this, you will notice the object moving. Move the object to the exact position you want and lower it into place, rotating it if necessary. Then click "OK."

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to add more objects to your map. Click the "IPL" tab again, select the directory in which you saved your initial changes, and then click "Save" to preserve any changes. Exit the map editor and load the GTA game to be able to load your newly created map.