> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs/setup-and-installation/windows_app.md).

# Windows App

**Maps4FS Standalone Application for Windows**

The Windows App provides the easiest way to run Maps4FS on Windows without Docker or Python setup. It's a portable, standalone executable that you can download and run immediately.

## 🚨 CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING

**⚠️ ONLY DOWNLOAD FROM THE OFFICIAL SOURCE**

### Official Download Location

[**https://maps4fs.xyz/download**](https://maps4fs.xyz/download)

### ⛔ Security Guidelines

* **Carefully verify** every character in your browser's address bar
* If there are **ANY differences** in the URL (even one character), **LEAVE IMMEDIATELY**
* **NEVER download** from:
  * Any other domain or website
  * IP addresses
  * File sharing services
  * Forums or community posts
  * Discord attachments
  * Third-party download sites

### 🔐 Why This Matters

This is an **executable file** (.exe). Downloading executables from unofficial sources can lead to **catastrophic consequences** including:

* Malware infection
* Data theft
* System compromise
* Financial loss

**Please take this seriously.** When in doubt, don't download.

***

## 📦 What Is It?

Maps4FS for Windows is a **standalone portable application** that includes everything you need to generate Farming Simulator maps:

* No Docker required
* No Python installation needed
* No complex setup process
* Just download and run

## ⚡ Quick Start

1. **Download** from <https://maps4fs.xyz/download>
2. **Run** `maps4fs-0.0.1.exe` (or other version number)
3. **Generate** your maps!

## 🎯 Available Features

The Windows App includes all major Maps4FS features:

* [**Presets**](/docs/additional-features/presets.md) - Store and manage complete map configurations
* [**Settings**](/docs/additional-features/settings.md) - Customize your generation preferences
* **All Map Components** - Fields, forests, roads, buildings, and more
* **Custom Resources** - Use your own [OSM files](/docs/advanced-topics/custom_osm.md) and [DEM data](/docs/advanced-topics/custom_dem.md)
* [**Localization**](/docs/setup-and-installation/localization.md) - Want to see the app in your language? Community-driven translations are welcome!

## 🤖 Automatic Mesh Conversion

The Windows App automatically downloads **i3dConverter** on first launch. When the converter is available, the following is handled for you with **no manual steps in Giants Editor**:

| Asset                  | What is automated                                                                                        |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Background Terrain** | Binary i3d conversion, material setup, correct in-map positioning                                        |
| **Water**              | Binary i3d conversion, ocean shader & normal map setup, collision/physics properties, in-map positioning |
| **Roads**              | Binary i3d conversion, material & collision properties, per-road in-map positioning                      |

Just import the generated `.i3d` files into Giants Editor — everything else is already configured.

## 🖼️ DDS Texture Conversion

The Windows App includes built-in DDS conversion powered by **texconv** (Microsoft DirectXTex), so you don't need external tools like GIMP or Paint.NET.

### Background Terrain — Fully Automatic

When generating a map with background terrain enabled, the satellite texture is automatically converted to DDS format:

* `assets/background/background_texture.dds` is created alongside the `.jpg` source
* The generated i3d file references the `.dds` texture directly — no extra steps needed

### Icon & Preview — One-Click in Map Editor

In the **Map Editor** tab you can convert `icon.png` and `preview.png` to proper DDS format with a single button click:

1. Open the **Map Editor** tab
2. Select your map directory
3. Click **Convert icon & preview to DDS**
4. `icon.dds` and `preview.dds` are written into the map root — ready for Farming Simulator

See [DDS Conversion Guide](/docs/advanced-topics/dds_conversion.md) for more details on DDS files and when they are needed.

## 📋 Requirements

### System Requirements

* **Operating System**: Windows 10 or Windows 11
* **RAM**: 8GB minimum (16GB+ recommended for large maps)
* **Disk Space**: 5GB minimum free space
* **Internet Connection**: Required for downloading map data

## ✅ Advantages

* **🛠️ No Complex Setup**: No Docker or Python required
* **📦 Portable**: Run from any folder, USB drive, or location
* **🚀 Quick Start**: Download and run in minutes
* **🎯 Beginner-Friendly**: Designed for users new to Maps4FS
* **💻 Windows Optimized**: Native performance on Windows

## ⚠️ Limitations

* **🪟 Windows Only**: Not available for Mac or Linux

## 📖 How to Use

After launching the app:

1. **Enter coordinates** or select a location
2. **Choose map size** and settings
3. **Configure features** you want to include
4. **Click Generate** and wait for processing
5. **Find your map** in the output directory

For detailed instructions on map generation settings, see:

* [Step by Step Guide](/docs/getting-started/step_by_step_guide.md)
* [Main Settings](/docs/understanding-the-basics/main_settings.md)
* [Generation Settings](/docs/understanding-the-basics/generation_settings.md)

## 🐛 Known Issues & Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

**Q: Antivirus flags the executable** A: This is normal for new executables. The file is safe when downloaded from the official source. You may need to add an exception in your antivirus.

**Q: App crashes on startup** A: Check Windows Event Viewer for details and report on GitHub with error logs

**Q: Generation fails** A: Ensure you have sufficient disk space and RAM. Try a smaller map size.

### Reporting Bugs

When reporting issues, please include:

* Windows version
* Error messages or crash logs
* Steps to reproduce
* Map size and settings used

Report issues at: [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs/issues)

## 🔄 Updates

The Windows App does not auto-update. To get the latest version:

1. Visit <https://maps4fs.xyz/download>
2. Download the latest version
3. Extract and replace the old files

## 🆚 Comparison with Other Options

| Feature                | Windows App | Web App     | Docker        |
| ---------------------- | ----------- | ----------- | ------------- |
| **Setup Time**         | 2 minutes   | 0 minutes   | 15-30 minutes |
| **Map Sizes**          | All sizes   | 2x2, 4x4 km | All sizes     |
| **Portability**        | ✅           | ✅           | ❌             |
| **Background Terrain** | ✅           | ❌           | ✅             |
| **Presets & Settings** | ✅           | ❌           | ✅             |

### When to Use Each Option

* **Windows App**: You're on Windows and want simplicity without Docker
* **Web App**: Testing or very small maps, no installation at all
* **Docker**: You need maximum stability, are comfortable with Docker, or use Mac/Linux

See [How to Launch](/docs/getting-started/how_to_launch.md) for detailed comparison.

## 🆘 Get Help

* **Documentation**: [maps4fs.xyz/docs](https://maps4fs.xyz/docs)
* **Discord**: [Join our community](https://discord.gg/wemVfUUFRA)
* **GitHub**: [Report issues](https://github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs/issues)
* **FAQ**: [Frequently Asked Questions](/docs/getting-started/faq.md)

***

**Remember**: Only download from <https://maps4fs.xyz/download> - your security depends on it!