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How to Make a Custom Car Skin in Iracing

Answers to how to make a custom car skin in iRacing for drivers: quick, practical steps to create and install skins and fix common issues fast. Fix in minutes.

If you want to know how to make a custom car skin in iRacing, the short answer is: edit the official car template with a layer-capable image editor, export in the same format and resolution, drop the file into Documents\iRacing\paint<car folder>, then select it in-game. You’re in the right place to get that working fast.

Quick Answer — how to make a custom car skin in iracing

Download or open the car’s official paint template (found in Documents\iRacing\paint<car>). Edit it with Photoshop, GIMP or Krita using layers. Export the final file in the same format and resolution (.tga or .png). Put the exported file into the same paint folder, start iRacing, then choose your paint in the Garage or car selection.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing uses a template image per car that tells the sim where numbers, sponsors and decals sit on the 3D model. When you save a file in the right format and place it in the paint folder, iRacing reads that texture and applies it to the car. If the skin doesn’t show, it’s usually because the file name, file format, location, or resolution doesn’t match the template iRacing expects.

Step-by-Step Fix

Locate the template: Open Documents\iRacing\paint<CarName>. Look for a template file (often .tga or .png). If none, download the official template from the iRacing forums or the car’s community page.
Open the template in an editor: Use Photoshop, GIMP, or Krita so you can work with layers and preserve the template layer. Keep the template layer locked.
Design on new layers: Place colors, logos and numbers on separate layers above the template. Keep numbers inside the guide areas. Save a working PSD or XCF for edits.
Export correctly: Export the final image in the same file format and resolution as the template (usually .tga or .png). Do not change resolution or color depth.
Install the skin: Put the exported file in Documents\iRacing\paint<CarName>. If the template had suggested filename conventions, use those; otherwise keep the same filename pattern you found.
Load in iRacing: Start iRacing (or restart it). In the Garage or car selection screen pick your car, open the “Paint” or “Skins” list and select your new paint. If it doesn’t appear, restart the sim and double-check the file format and folder.

Extra Tips / Checklist

Always keep a layered source file (PSD/XCF). It makes edits quick.
Match the template format and resolution exactly to avoid transparency or stretch issues.
If logos are copyrighted, use permission or personal artwork for public sharing.
If the skin looks wrong in-game, verify alpha/transparent areas: the exporter must preserve transparency.
When sharing publicly, export a flattened version for others and keep your layered file private.

FAQs

Q: What file format should I export?
A: Export in the same format as the template (usually .tga or .png). Match resolution and preserve transparency.

Q: Where exactly do I put the skin file?
A: Place it in Documents\iRacing\paint<CarName> — that’s the folder iRacing reads for each car’s skins.

Q: My skin doesn’t show in the sim. What next?
A: Restart iRacing, confirm filename/format/resolution match the template, and make sure the file has correct transparency and is in the right folder.

Q: Can other people see my custom skin?
A: Locally, only you will see skins installed in your paint folder. To share publicly, upload the skin to community sites or submit it per iRacing sharing rules.

Short Wrap-Up

Making a custom skin is editing the official template, exporting in the right format, and placing the file in Documents\iRacing\paint<car>. Keep a layered master file and match the template’s format — that fixes most problems quickly. Try one simple change first (color or number) to confirm the process before doing a full design.