> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gta.clothing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gta.clothing/basics/useful-to-know/import-and-export-formats.md).

# Import & Export Formats

Learn about our Import & Export Formats

## Introduction

Durty Cloth Tool offers flexible import and export functionalities to handle cloth projects and items. These features enable you to export entire projects or individual items in specific formats. The tool supports two primary formats for exporting and importing: `.dctexport` for entire projects and `.dctpackage` for individual items or selections. This guide explains both formats in detail and how to use them for your workflow.

<figure><img src="https://2130288373-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRsXe3tqSiAvM8iKYjngE%2Fuploads%2FBpsSoF8LPTYZLQRynxa6%2Fimport_export.gif?alt=media&amp;token=1cf05b4e-3555-4f75-b8bd-de3292b39100" alt=""><figcaption><p>Durty Cloth Tool Export &#x26; Import demo</p></figcaption></figure>

## Project Export Format: `*.dctexport`

The `.dctexport` format is used for exporting and importing entire Durty Cloth Tool projects. It packages everything related to a project, including all drawables, textures, settings, and configurations, making it easy to move, share, or back up full projects.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only open or import `.dctexport`, `.dctpackage`, and `.dctproj` files from people you trust. After receiving a complete project, review its build output location before building.
{% endhint %}

### **How to Export a Cloth Project**

1. Once you have finished working on your cloth project, go to the **Project** menu in the toolbar.
2. In the top navigation menu click "**Project > Export Project"**.
3. Choose a folder where you want to save the project export.
4. Click **Open Folder** to export your project.

### **How to Import a Cloth Project from a `.dctexport` File**

1. To import an existing project, go to the **Project** menu in the toolbar.
2. In the top navigation menu click "**Project > Import Project"**.
3. Navigate to the folder containing the `.dctexport` file and select it.
4. Navigate to the folder where the extracted / exported cloth project should be saved to.
5. Click "**Open Folder**" to import the selected project export to the given destination.

## Items Export Format: `*.dctpackage`

The `.dctpackage` format is used for exporting and importing individual items, like specific cloth drawables or textures. This is useful when you want to export only parts of a project, such as a single item, and import it into another project without transferring the entire project file.

### **How to Export Items as a `.dctpackage` File**

1. Select the specific items or drawables you wish to export in the **Appearance Items List** or **Cloth Drawable Textures List**.
2. Right-click the selected items and choose "**Export as DCT package"**.
3. Choose the destination folder and name the file with a `.dctpackage` extension.
4. Click **Save** to export the selected items as a package.

### **How to Import Items from a `.dctpackage` File**

1. To import items from a `.dctpackage` file, go to the bottom of the **Appearance Items List**.
2. Choose "**Import from DCT Package"** in any dropdown or "**Import package**" in the toolbar.
3. Navigate to the folder containing the `.dctpackage` file and select it.
4. Click **Open** to import the selected items into your current project.

## Sealed formats

Projects, exports and item packages use a sealed format: the files are smaller, damage is detected when they are opened, and work cannot be altered outside the tool. Plain files from older versions still import.

{% hint style="warning" %}
A build that does not understand the sealed format cannot read an export or package written by this one. See [Durty Cloth Projects](/basics/useful-to-know/durty-cloth-projects.md).
{% endhint %}

## Importing from a built resource

You do not need a DCT project to start from an existing pack. **Add from built resource** reads:

* another **DCT project or export**;
* a **FiveM** resource;
* a legacy multiplayer resource;
* a Singleplayer `dlc.rpf`.

DCT shows you exactly what it found before anything is added, then:

* preserves the source ordering and the item metadata it supports;
* represents missing slots with reservation dummies, so IDs do not shift;
* handles split resources together;
* leaves the open project's names, settings and output paths alone.

After the import you are offered the duplicate scanner. See [Cloth Analysis Report](/basics/essential-knowledge/cloth-analysis-report.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
Importing from a built resource requires a valid license. Escrow protected assets are reported as such rather than as corrupt.
{% endhint %}

## Visual exports

Clothing can also leave the project as pictures or as 3D models: still images, GLB models and thumbnail files. See [Thumbnails & Visual Exports](/basics/good-to-know/thumbnails-and-exports.md).

## Blender and CodeWalker Authoring Files

The project/package formats above are used to move DCT data between projects. When authoring a model, DCT can also import the asset files produced by the Blender/Sollumz workflow:

* Drawable models as `.ydd` or CodeWalker `.ydd.xml`.
* Texture variations as `.ytd` or CodeWalker `.ytd.xml`.
* Common image files when you want DCT to create a YTD variation for you.
* Optional component mesh physics as `.yld` or CodeWalker `.yld.xml`; see [Creating Cloth Physics (YLD)](/cloth-modding/cloth-physics-yld.md).
* Drawables whose diffuse textures are **embedded in the model** can be added, previewed and built without an external texture file. DCT creates a valid empty variation marker for an eligible YDD that has no YTD, and accepts a marker a creator supplied. Mixed or external diffuse references keep normal validation.

This means a Sollumz XML export does not need a separate XML-to-binary conversion before it is added to a project. See [Exporting and Validation](/cloth-modding/exporting-and-validation.md) for the complete authoring handoff.

## Summary

Durty Cloth Tool’s support for the `.dctexport` and `.dctpackage` formats provides flexibility in handling entire projects and individual items. This makes collaboration easier, as you can share specific parts of a project or entire setups with others. By following these steps, you can efficiently export or import your cloth projects and items to streamline your workflow.