How to Install Aircraft Add-ons in X-Plane
Welcome to X-Crafts' definitive guide on installing aircraft add-ons in X-Plane. Whether you're a seasoned aviator or just starting out in the world of flight simulation, our step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth and hassle-free setup. You can follow these steps also with any of our range of aircraft add-ons.
Step-by-step instructions
Download the Aircraft
Download your chosen aircraft from the respective source, be it freeware or payware.
Unzip the File
Aircraft downloads are usually in a compressed (.zip) format. Use software like 7-Zip or WinRAR to extract the contents. We recommend 7-Zip, because we’ve had some customers have issues with WinRAR.
Locate the X-Plane Aircraft Folder
Navigate to your X-Plane installation directory, commonly found under C:\Program Files\X-Plane 12\Aircraft.
Move the add-on into the X-Plane Aircraft Folder
Navigate to your X-Plane installation directory, commonly found under:
X-Plane 12 > Aircraft > [Aircraft Name] > [Aircraft Files]Drag the unzipped aircraft folder into the Aircraft directory.
If you wish, you can also create subfolders in the Aircraft folder for better organization.
The path would then be: X-Plane > Aircraft > [Subfolder name] > [Aircraft Name] > [Aircraft Files]For example: C:\X-Plane 12\Aircraft\X-Crafts\Embraer E-Jets Family
Launch X-Plane
Start X-Plane and go to the Flight Configuration section. Your new aircraft should be listed.
Activate the aircraft
The first time you load a payware aircraft, you will be prompted with an activation pop-up. Please visit our Step-by-Step guide on how to activate an aircraft in X-Plane.
Stay Updated
Developers often release updates. Check their website or forums for the latest versions.
If you use any X-Crafts products, you will always see a quick pop-up notifying you if your version is up-to-date, or if a new update is available, that way you don’t have to search the internet to find out whether an update has been released.