Join the Discord! →

Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.


How to Change Helmet Design in Iracing

Learn how to change helmet design in iRacing with clear steps for drivers. Follow the official template, place files in the right folder, and fix this fast before your next session.

If you’re asking how to change helmet design in iracing, the short answer is: create or download a helmet using iRacing’s helmet template, put the exported file in your Documents\iRacing\paint\helmet<your name> folder, then select it in the garage. You’re in the right place — below are plain-language steps to fix this quickly.

Quick Answer: how to change helmet design in iracing

Create a helmet image from the official iRacing helmet template, export it in the same file format the template uses (usually .tga), put it in Documents\iRacing\paint\helmet<YourUsername>, restart iRacing (or refresh), then choose the new helmet from the Helmet selector in the garage.

What’s really going on

iRacing doesn’t let you pick any random image from your PC during a race. Helmets must follow iRacing’s template and live in the simulator’s paint folder so the game can list them in the garage. If your helmet doesn’t appear, either the file is in the wrong place, the format is wrong, or the game hasn’t reloaded the paint folder.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Download the official iRacing helmet template from the iRacing membersite paint kit page. Open it in Photoshop, GIMP, or another editor.
  2. Design your helmet on the template, keeping critical areas (visor, seams) as guides. Save/export using the same file type as the template (usually .tga).
  3. Create the correct folder: Documents\iRacing\paint\helmet<YourUsername>\ if it doesn’t already exist. Put your helmet file there and give it a clear name (e.g., MyHelmet.tga).
  4. Close iRacing if it’s open, then restart it. If iRacing was closed when you installed the file, just start the sim. The game scans the paint folders on startup.
  5. In the garage before a session, open the Helmet (or Appearance) selector and choose your new helmet. Save changes and load the session.
  6. If the helmet still won’t show, confirm file type and file name, and try a different name or re-export from your editor.

Extra tips / checklist

  • Use the exact template from iRacing to avoid misaligned graphics.
  • Keep backups of your .psd or layered file so you can tweak colors later.
  • If your helmet looks wrong in-game, check alpha channel and export settings (match the template’s channels).
  • For quick testing, download a pre-made helmet that’s known to work and place it in your folder to confirm the path is right.
  • If you use a helmet-sharing site or paint shop, make sure their file format matches iRacing’s requirements.

FAQs

Q: Where do I find the iRacing helmet template?
A: On the iRacing membersite under the Paint Kit or Support section. Download the official helmet template for the current season.

Q: My helmet file is in the folder but not showing — why?
A: Common causes: wrong file format, wrong folder, or iRacing needs a restart to refresh paint files. Re-check format and restart the sim.

Q: Can I use PNG or JPG for helmets?
A: Use the same format the official template uses (typically .tga). JPG may lose alpha/transparency and is not recommended.

Q: Do I need special software to edit the template?
A: No — any image editor that can handle layers and export the template’s file type (like Photoshop or GIMP) will work.

Short wrap-up

Changing your helmet is quick once you use the official template and place the file in Documents\iRacing\paint\helmet<YourUsername>. If it still fails, re-export using the template’s file type and restart iRacing. Next session, focus on driving — your new lid will be visible.