# model.cfg<no value>

{{< image-center
    src="images/2_DevMode/simobject_editor/cfg/cfg_tab_16_model.png"
    alt="The Model Tab In The SimObject Editor" >}}

The `model.cfg` file is a critical file when it comes to defining anything 3D within the sim world, and it would go in the "`model`" folder in the root directory for the object (along with the `texture`, `sound`, etc... folders). It describes which models to use for the interior and exterior of an aircraft, or which model to use for the scenery SimObj being created. When being used for an aircraft, typically the interior is what is shown when in cockpit view, and the exterior in all other cases.

 

Model behaviors are defined in accompanying `*.XML` files. For {{< glossterm >}}gltf{{< /glossterm >}}, these behaviors are not integrated with the models and must be referenced by the `model.cfg` in the `[Models]` section (explained below). The model behavior file is in turn referencing the model's {{< glossterm >}}lod{{< /glossterm >}}s. Model behaviors describe how the model animations interact with the simulation, and must be specified for the interior and exterior separately (when creating an aircraft SimObj). They are shared between all LODs. For more information, please [see here](model-xml-properties/).

 

Below you can find information on the different sections used in the `model.cfg` file as well as what parameters and values are expected within them. Note that all file paths in the `model.cfg` are relative to the directory the config file resides in.

 

For an explanation of how this file should be used, please see:

-   [SimObject Model XML and CFG Setup](simobject-model-files-setup/)
-   [Scenery Model XML And CFG Setup](scenery-model-files-setup/)

 

 

### [model.options]

This section permits you to define some options for the model when the model is for an aircraft. The available parameters are:

 

Parameter

Description

Type

Required

`withExterior_showInterior`

If `true` (1), when showing the exterior, the interior model will also be visible. Default is `false` (0).

Bool

No

`withExterior_showInterior_hideFirstLod`

If `withExterior_showInterior` is `true` (1), when showing the exterior, never show the interior's first lod (`interior.lod.0`).

Note that modular simobjects will hide their first interior LOD *recursively* if this option is set to `true` (1), and models with a single LOD **with no vertices** (often used as simply an attach point for attachments) will keep their LOD0 to ensure that attachments work.

Default is `false` (0).

`withInterior_forceFirstLod`

If `true` (1), when showing the interior, only the first lod will ever be visible (`interior.lod.0`). Default is `true` (1).

`withInterior_showExterior`

If `true` (1), when showing the interior, the exterior model will also be visible. Note that if `true` (1), any attachments (such as lights) that found a node to attach to will stay attached to the exterior model even when switching to cockpit view. Default is `false` (0).

 

 

### [models]

This section is where you define the models to be used by the item being defined and is mandatory for all models, regardless of whether it is an aircraft or some other SimObject.

 

The available parameters are:

 

Parameter

Description

Type

Required

`normal` / `exterior`

Defines the model XML file to use for the exterior, or the model XML file to use for a generic SimObject.

String

Yes

`interior`

Defines the XML model file to use for the interior.

No