> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dungeondraft-encyclopaedia.gitbook.io/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dungeondraft-encyclopaedia.gitbook.io/guide/introduction/first-look/assets-menu.md).

# ASSETS MENU

This menu is where you can add and enable/disable custom assets packs that [you can find on the Internet](/guide/custom-assets-and-mods/custom-asset-creators.md) or [that you’ve created yourself](/guide/custom-assets-and-mods/importing-assets/packing-your-assets.md).

{% hint style="success" %}
You will find a list of many asset creators [here](/guide/custom-assets-and-mods/custom-asset-creators.md).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
On slower computers, large asset packs may take a long time to load, or may fail to load and cause dungeondraft to hang or crash. Some packs like Forgotten Adventures have so many assets that slow computers or laptops may have 10-30 minute loading times depending on your hardware.
{% endhint %}

### **Adding Asset Packs to Dungeondraft**

1. Grab one or several asset packs meant for Dungeondraft from any creator you want, for example on Cartography Assets or on asset creators' Patreon. 

{% hint style="warning" %}
The packs must be in **`.dungeondraft_pack`** format. \
Any other format, like .zip/.rar or raw images .png/.jpg/.webp will not work, this is very important. 

A **`.dungeondraft_pack`** file is basically a compressed file containing a folder structure, image files and a few data files. This is very similar to how a zip file operates but is in itself a different format.
{% endhint %}

2. Somewhere on your computer **that is not in the install folder or on a cloud drive,** you need to create a folder for assets, in which you will place all of your **.dungeondraft\_pack** asset packs. \
   \
   Place only the asset packs in this folder and not stray images, save files, etc. \
   \
   You can also include subfolders you want.

<figure><img src="/files/EVNGm58opNwtX4PZdEis" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. In Dungeondraft, click on the <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Assets**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd> button at the top.

<figure><img src="/files/U8BgX6HiwMjG726KDond" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. In the pop-up window, select the folder where your packs are located by clicking on <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Browse**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd>.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/tuUK0DKkvzkrsttmNR6H" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
*At this step, Dungeondraft won't see the packs yet, so just select the folder even if it looks empty.*
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/MZq4bkX8MUSArLVWWLoo" alt=""><figcaption><p>Please excuse my French browser, I'm sure you'll understand it anyway</p></figcaption></figure>

5. Check all the packs you need in the refreshed list and click on <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Accept**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd>.

<figure><img src="/files/iFe1HAciOp25dlw4JXlD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Create a new map and enjoy!

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Make sure of the following:**

* Your packs and your directories don't contain any special character (accents, cyrillic, greek letters...)
* Your assets folder is not in the **installation folder** and not in a **cloud folder** either
  {% endhint %}

### Adding or Removing Packs on an Existing Map

{% hint style="info" %}
*Make sure you have read the first part of this page first as the basic steps are the same.*
{% endhint %}

If you want to add packs to an existing map you will need to open the map first.

Then, use the **Asset** **Window** to check or uncheck the packs you need, then hit <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Accept**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd>.&#x20;

A popup window will appear stating that you need to save your map.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/0WJ9xU78eTVv5gtlVdom" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click on <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**OK**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd> then save your map. Once the save is complete, click on <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Open**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd> and load the same file you are in. You now should have the new asset packs loaded into your map.

{% hint style="danger" %}

* While it is possible to unload unused packs on a map doing so may crash Dungeondraft.
* Deleting an asset pack in your asset folder while it is currently loaded by Dungeondraft will cause your Dungeondraft to crash.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
*As stated in the* [*Good Practice*](/guide/introduction/before-you-start-warnings-and-good-practice.md#always-close-dungeondraft-between-two-maps) *section, it is advised to close Dungeondraft between maps if you're working with different asset packs enabled on each map, as keeping Dungeondraft open might cause unwanted behavior and future headaches.* \
\
*Same goes if you want to update a pack. If you don't close Dungeondraft after a pack has been updated, it won't be processed correctly and it might not even be recognized by the software, even if you reload your map.* \
\
\&#xNAN;***Always fully close and reopen Dungeondraft when you change something related to custom asset packs.***
{% endhint %}

***

### **Disabling Default Assets**

You can toggle the button at the bottom right to enable or disable the **Default Assets** that come with Dungeondraft if you want to use only the ones you’ve added yourself. This will require restarting the software.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/KsMtR9g2w945arIiFHt7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/0m3Z0LCH382dQdD2lqIN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/deNSDfvkunatoM9kJzFc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you're opening an existing map which stays stuck on the "loading default asset" message, you probably disabled default assets. Enable them again before loading your map.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
If you disable the Default Assets and do not have any custom assets which are used for a specific tool, that tool may not function. For instance if you load up a pack which does not use the Building Tool and disable Default Assets, then the Building Tool will not function due to no assets being available.
{% endhint %}

***

{% hint style="info" %}

## Related Mods

* [Essential Utils](/guide/custom-assets-and-mods/some-useful-mods/essential-utils.md) adds assets info and packs stats
  {% endhint %}