# Using OVGME to Install Mods
OvGME Downloads
* [EXE Download](https://s3.amazonaws.com/ovgme/ovgme_1_7_4_setup_64.exe)
* [Portable ZIP version](https://s3.amazonaws.com/ovgme/ovgme_1_7_4_setup_64.zip)
Thanks to [Hoggit Wiki](https://wiki.hoggitworld.com/view/OVGME) For Hosting the files.
Installing OvGME
Before you can begin installing mods for DCS using OVGME, you need to install the OVGME application itself. Follow these steps to install OVGME on your computer:
1. **Download OVGME:** Visit the official OVGME website and download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). You can choose between the installer version or the portable ZIP version, depending on your preference.
2. **Run the Installer:** Once the download is complete, run the installer file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. If you downloaded the portable ZIP version, extract the files to a location of your choice.
3. **Launch OVGME:** After installation, launch the OVGME application on your computer. You may find it in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS). If you're using the portable ZIP version, navigate to the extracted folder and run the OVGME executable file.
Recommended Profile Configuration
**1. Create Separate Profiles:**
* **Saved Games:** Create a profile dedicated to mods installed in the Saved Games folder. This profile will contain mods that affect your in-game experience, such as custom liveries, missions, or campaigns.
{% code title="Saved Games Example" %}
```
C:\Users\Caff\Saved Games\DCS.openbeta
```
{% endcode %}
* **Root Installation Folder:** Establish another profile for mods installed directly into the root installation folder of DCS. This profile should include mods that alter the core game files or introduce significant changes to gameplay mechanics.
{% code title="Root Install Example" %}
```
C:\Progam Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World OpenBeta
```
{% endcode %}
**2. Profile Naming Convention:**
* Choose descriptive names for your profiles to distinguish between their purposes. For example, name your Saved Games profile "DCS Saved Mods" and your Root Installation Folder profile "DCS Core Mods."
**3. Configuration Root Folder:**
* Set the configuration root folder to the respective location of DCS in each profile. This ensures that mods are applied to the correct directory when enabled.
**4. Configuration Mods Folder:**
* Specify a dedicated folder within each profile to store enabled mods. Organizing mods into separate folders within the profile directory helps maintain clarity and ease of management.
**5. Custom Configuration Folder:**
* We recommend utilizing the custom configuration folder option to create backups of original game or software files. While optional, having backups can be invaluable in restoring the game to its original state if issues arise.
Installing Mods
To add mods to OVGME, you have two options for adding mods to your current profile:
1. **Import Mods ****\[Not Recommended]****:**
* Navigate to OVGME > Mods tab > Import mods to import any (.zip) mods into the currently selected profile.
* Please note that this method requires the mod to be in the correct format compatible with OVGME and may not work with all mods available for DCS.
2. **Drag and Drop ****\[Recommended]****:**
* Unzip or open the archive file containing the mod.
* Drag the mod folder into the folder specified for storing mods (Configuration mods folder).
When adding mods, it's crucial to consider folder formatting:
* The first folder in the configuration mods folder should be the name of the mod and is used exclusively within OvGME.
* Some mods may require you to manually build the file path.
For instance, suppose you want to install the [UH-60 Mod](https://github.com/Kinkkujuustovoileipa/uh-60l). After downloading, you have a folder named "UH-60L". To ensure proper installation with OvGME, you must create the following folder structure:
```
\UH-60L\Mods\aircraft\UH-60L
```
This structure ensures that OvGME recognizes and correctly applies the mod to your game.
Enabling/Disabling Mods
Enabling and disabling mods in OVGME is straightforward.
From the main OVGME window, simply select the mod(s) you want to enable or disable, then click the corresponding button, either "disable selected" or "enable selected." You can also use the SHIFT or CTRL keys to select multiple mods for simultaneous enabling or disabling.
Repositories & Mod Archive
Adding Repositories to OVGME
OVGME supports repositories, which are links allowing you to download and update mods or mod packs directly through OVGME. This feature eliminates the need to manually add mods to the mod folder. Repositories also enable you to check for updates and perform updates seamlessly.
To add or delete a repository in OVGME, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to OVGME > Mods tab > Repositories > Configure.
2. In the configuration window, add the URL for the mod repository and remove any existing repositories as needed.
Please note that adding a repository to your current profile does not automatically download the mod. You will need to follow the same procedure to check for updates and download mods.
#### Updating Mods with Repositories
To check for updates or download newly added mods from repositories:
1. Go to OVGME > Mods tab > Repositories > Query.
2. Click the "query" button to check for updates.
3. The query results will display arrows indicating the status of each mod:
* Grey arrow: Mod not fully downloaded.
* Red arrow: Mod downloaded, but a newer version is available.
* Green arrow: Mod downloaded and up to date.
4. Select the mods you want to update and click "download selected" to install or update them. Alternatively, click "download all" to update all mods.
#### Making a Mod Archive
To create a mod archive:
1. Navigate to OVGME > Mods tab > Make Mod-Archive.
2. Set the directory-mod root folder to the folder containing your mod.
3. Specify the destination path for the zip file where the mod archive will be saved.
4. Enter the version number and provide a description or readme for the mod.
5. Adjust the zip compression level if needed.
6. Click "Make" and wait for the progress bar to complete. A message will confirm the successful creation of the mod archive.
***
If you prefer Visual Content to written here some OvGME tutorials that may as help.
OvGME Video Tutorials
* [Bogey Dope - OvGME Tutorial ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG01WM3fhHU)
* [Grim Reapers - OvGME Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8UkA-lJdJk\&t=220s)
* [Afty - OvGME Tutorial ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jq456nncAg)
---
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Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://229.gitbook.io/229-hub/mods/introduction-to-mods/using-ovgme-to-install-mods.md?ask=
```
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The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
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