Data File

File Extension: .esm, .esp

A Data File acts as a database of all of the data for the world, including object data, dialogue, gameplay settings, object placements, AI settings, landscape, cells, etc.

Files

There are two types of data file, Master Files and Plugin Files which are the core data of Fallout. Master files and plugins are largely identical in format, but have some important distinctions in practice.

Master: .esm

• A master file is autonomous; it relies on no information other than itself.
  • The Creation Kit will not create master files.

Plugin: .esp

• A plugin ESP file may only rely on data from itself and any master ESM files.
  • Plugins are not required to contain any data.
  • Plugins are not required to have a master if they are empty or add new content.
  • Plugins can only refer directly to data from a master file, though they can refer to multiple master files.
  • Plugins can only refer to information in another plug-in indirectly by using scripts.

Tooling

• The Creation Kit is the primary tooling for working with data files.
• FO4Edit
• There are other community software projects that provided tooling for working with data files.

Notes

• By tradition, the file extensions stand for Elder Scrolls Master and Elder Scrolls Plugin.

See Also

• Game Files Category