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How to Copy Settings Between Cars in Iracing

New to iRacing? Learn how to copy settings between cars in iRacing the easy way. Export/import controls, match FOV, and avoid beginner mistakes to save time.

If switching cars makes your wheel feel “wrong” and every button stops doing what you expect, you’re not alone. Most iRacing beginners hit this wall and think they broke something. You didn’t. You just need a simple process. This guide shows exactly how to copy settings between cars in iRacing without the overwhelm—so you can get back to driving.

Quick Answer: how to copy settings between cars in iracing

You can’t copy car setups between different car models, but you can copy your control bindings and many preferences. Export your control profile from one car (Options > Controls > Export), then load another car and import it (Options > Controls > Import). For FOV/seat view, manually apply the same values.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Save your working controls

    • Load the car that feels right. Press Esc > Options > Controls, click Export, and name the file (e.g., “Wheel_Universal”). This saves wheel, pedals, and button mappings.

  2. Apply the same controls to another car

    • Load your new car, open Options > Controls, click Import, and select the file you saved. If you want one profile for all cars, uncheck “Use custom controls for this car” so the global profile applies.

  3. Match your FOV and seat quickly

    • Note your FOV number (Options > Graphics) and re-enter it for the new car. Then adjust seat position with the in-car seat controls until the mirrors/hands look natural. This is normal—cockpits differ.

  4. Save a backup

    • After tweaks, Export again with a clear name (e.g., “GT3_Profile_8Nm”). Keep a couple of profiles for different car classes if your wheel’s force feedback needs vary.

Common Mistakes

  • Expecting car setups to transfer between different cars

    • Garage setups (.sto) are car-specific. A GT3 setup won’t load into a GT4. Use setups only within the same car model.

  • Forgetting the per-car controls checkbox

    • If “Use custom controls for this car” is checked, the car can override your global profile. Uncheck it or import your desired profile.

  • Copying FFB blindly

    • Different cars need different Max Force/Strength. Use a quick test lap and iRacing’s F9/F meter to avoid clipping and keep consistent feel.

Quick Pro Tips

  • Create a “universal” controls profile with only your essential bindings, then import and tweak per class (oval/road/GT/open-wheel).
  • Name profiles by car class and wheel strength (e.g., “Formula_6Nm” vs “StockCar_6Nm”) for easy recall.
  • Write down your FOV and seat values (or take a screenshot). Reapply them when you jump into a new cockpit.
  • If you’re new to iRacing and still learning how iRacing works, keep changes minimal: bind steering, throttle, brake, shift, pit limiter, relative, and reset. Add more later.
  • Grab community baselines and iRacing tips from reputable forums or Discords—great for learning what’s “normal” for each car’s FFB feel.

FAQs

  • Can I copy a setup from one car to another?

    • No. iRacing blocks loading a garage setup from a different car model. Use a setup only for the exact same car (and ideally track).

  • Are graphics and audio settings per car?

    • Most graphics/audio settings are global. Camera/seat position is per car. FOV can be reused—just enter the same number.

  • My buttons changed after switching cars. What happened?

    • The car likely used a custom profile. Import your saved profile or uncheck “Use custom controls for this car.”

  • What should iRacing beginners copy first?

    • Controls profile and FOV. They make the biggest difference in comfort and consistency across cars.

Final Takeaways

You don’t need to rebuild everything every time. Export your controls once, import for each new car, and reapply your FOV/seat. That’s it. On your next session, create a “universal” profile and try it with two different cars—feel the difference in minutes.