How to Add Custom Peds (Character Models) to FiveM
· 6 min read
Peds are the character models in FiveM — both playable appearances and the NPCs that fill the world. Adding custom ones lets your community look unique instead of like a stock GTA lobby. Here's the rundown.
Two kinds of ped use
- Player peds — appearances players can select as their character.
- NPC peds — models used for AI characters and scenes.
1. Install the ped resource
Streamed ped models go in a resource's stream folder, registered in the manifest — the same anatomy as a custom car. Drop it in resources and ensure it.
2. Make it selectable
For players to use a ped, your appearance/character script needs to list the model. Add the ped's name to that script's config so it shows in the selector.
3. Use for NPCs and jobs
Spawn custom peds in scripts for shopkeepers, mission characters and job NPCs to give interactions personality.
4. Troubleshoot the classics
- Invisible or T-posing ped → model failed to stream or is the wrong format.
- Missing textures → a misnamed
.ytd, just like vehicles.
Custom peds pair perfectly with custom clothing and EUP to give every role — civilian and service alike — a distinct look.
