Build a Custom Track in FPVSIM

What this tutorial covers

This guide walks through a complete FPVSIM custom-track build: cloning a starting track, learning the editor controls, placing gates and checkpoints, defining the route, test-flying it, and publishing it for other pilots.

Before you start

• Sign in to FPVSIM so the cloned track can be saved to your account.
• Start from a track and scene that are close to the environment you want to build.
• Use a mouse with left, right, and middle buttons if possible; it makes editor navigation much easier.
• Plan a short first version. You can add scenery and technical sections after the lap completes correctly.

Build the track

1. Clone a starting track

   Open the track menu, choose Clone, and then use the pencil edit control to enter the track editor. Cloning preserves the original while giving you an editable copy.

2. Rename and save the copy

   Give the track a recognizable name, save it, and mark it as a favorite if you want quick access while iterating.

3. Clear elements you do not need

   Select old objects and delete them until you have a useful starting area. Keep anything that helps establish scale or the intended route.

4. Learn the camera and object controls

   Drag with the left mouse button to rotate the view, the right button to pan, and the middle button or wheel to zoom. Select an object and use G to move, R to rotate, S to scale, and D to duplicate it.

5. Place a start gate

   Add the start gate and orient it so the direction indicator points along the first leg of the course. A regular gate includes its own checkpoint.

6. Add special obstacles and checkpoints

   Dive gates and similar visual obstacles do not automatically define a scoring checkpoint. Add a separate checkpoint and resize it to cover the intended valid flight path.

7. Build multi-part features carefully

   A ladder or stacked feature may need more than one checkpoint. Duplicate, move, rotate, and scale the parts, then confirm that every required passage is represented in the checkpoint list.

8. Add panels and visual blockers

   Panels can prevent pilots from taking an unintended shortcut and can make the intended line easier to read. Keep their collision and sight lines in mind while placing them.

9. Put checkpoints in lap order

   The checkpoint list defines the route sequence. Reorder items so the first checkpoint follows the start and every later item matches the line a pilot should fly.

10. Review and test-fly

    Inspect the whole route from the editor, save, and fly a lap. Return to the editor to fix gates that are hard to see, checkpoints that are too small, or lines that invite an accidental cut.

11. Publish when the route is ready

    Open the track's three-dot menu and choose the publish action. Confirm that it appears in the Public area and remains playable from a fresh launch.

Practical editing tips

• Use Undo and Redo immediately after an accidental move or deletion rather than trying to reconstruct the old placement by eye.
• Make each checkpoint large enough to recognize a legitimate line, but not so large that it accepts a shortcut around the obstacle.
• Save before switching from editing to flying and again before publishing.
• Test with the same camera and vehicle settings your intended pilots are likely to use.
• Add visual detail only after the start, checkpoint order, and finish behavior are reliable.