Content Manager Complete Setup Guide for Assetto Corsa

Why Content Manager is Essential

Content Manager (CM) is a free third-party launcher and management tool that has become the de facto standard for Assetto Corsa. Created by x4fab (the same developer as Custom Shaders Patch), CM replaces the default launcher with a powerful, feature-rich interface that makes managing mods, configuring settings, and launching races infinitely easier. Over 90% of active AC players use Content Manager, and for good reason—it's simply indispensable.

What is Content Manager?

Content Manager is a comprehensive replacement for Assetto Corsa's default launcher. It provides a modern, intuitive interface for everything AC-related: launching races, managing mods, tweaking settings, previewing content, and much more. Think of it as the "Steam for Assetto Corsa"—a centralized hub that makes the game dramatically more accessible and enjoyable.

Mod Management

Drag-and-drop mod installation, automatic updates, previews, and organization. No more manual file copying.

UI Themes

Customizable interface with multiple themes, layouts, and appearance options. Make CM truly yours.

Advanced Search

Filter and search through thousands of cars, tracks, and skins with powerful filters and sorting options.

Settings Control

Access every AC setting in one place, including hidden options not available in the default launcher.

Showroom Mode

Preview cars in Showroom with custom lighting, rotating camera, and detailed information before driving.

Online Features

Find and join online servers, track friends, manage server lists, and connect to communities easily.

CSP Integration

Built-in Custom Shaders Patch installer and manager. Update CSP with one click, configure advanced settings.

Performance Tools

Built-in FPS counter, lap time analysis, telemetry, replay management, and performance monitoring.

Race Presets

Save your favorite race configurations, quick race templates, AI settings, and track conditions for instant access.

Free vs Full Version

Content Manager comes in two versions: Free (Lite) and Full. Both are excellent, but the Full version unlocks additional features:

Free Version (Lite)

All basic features (mod management, race launching)

CSP installation and updates

Showroom preview mode

Settings management

Online server browser

Basic theme options

Perfect for:

New users, casual players, and anyone wanting the essential CM features for free.

Full Version (Paid)

Everything in Free version

Advanced custom themes and UI customization

Race weekend mode (practice, qualifying, race)

Championship mode with seasons and points

Advanced weather and time progression

Real head motion (VR camera movement)

Photo mode with advanced controls

Priority support and updates

Perfect for:

Serious sim racers, mod creators, and anyone wanting the complete CM experience.

Get Full Version ($2-5)

Our recommendation: Start with the free version to learn the basics. If you fall in love with it (you will), the Full version is well worth the small one-time payment. It directly supports the developer who maintains both CM and Custom Shaders Patch.

Installing Content Manager

Download Content Manager

Visit the official CM website: assettocorsa.club/content-manager.html

Click "Download Lite" for the free version, or purchase the Full version if desired. The download is a ZIP file (~50MB).

Content Manager is safe and virus-free. It's trusted by hundreds of thousands of AC players worldwide.

Extract the Files

Extract the ZIP to a permanent location (NOT in your Downloads folder). We recommend:

C:\\Program Files\\Content Manager\\

Important: Don't install CM inside your Assetto Corsa directory. It should be separate.

Run Content Manager

Launch Content Manager.exe from the extracted folder. The first launch will take a minute as CM initializes.

Tip: Create a desktop shortcut or pin CM to your taskbar for easy access!

Initial Setup Wizard

CM will automatically detect your Assetto Corsa installation. If it doesn't:

• Click "Browse" and navigate to your AC folder
• Typical location: C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Steam\\steamapps\\common\\assettocorsa\\
• Select the folder containing "acs.exe"

Click "Next" to complete the setup. CM will scan your existing content.

First Launch Configuration

After setup, CM opens to the main interface. You're ready to go! But let's optimize some settings first.

Installation Complete! Content Manager is now your primary way to launch and manage Assetto Corsa.

Essential Settings Configuration

Let's configure the most important settings to get the best experience from Content Manager:

General Settings

Access: Click the gear icon (top-right) or press Ctrl+,

Appearance & Themes

Settings → General → Appearance

• Theme: Choose between Dark, Light, or custom themes
• Accent Color: Pick your favorite color (red, blue, purple, etc.)
• UI Scale: Adjust interface size for your display (100% default)
• Font Size: Increase if text is too small

Language & Region

Settings → General → Localization

• Language: CM supports 20+ languages
• Units: Choose metric (km/h, kg) or imperial (mph, lbs)
• Date Format: Adjust to your region's preference

Performance Mode

Settings → General → Performance

• Enable Hardware Acceleration: Turn ON for smoother UI
• Animated Previews: Disable if CM feels sluggish
• Background Tasks: Allow CM to update content in background

Content Manager Drive Settings

Quick Drive Configuration

Settings → Drive → Quick Drive

Default Track: Set your favorite track to load by default
Default Car: Your go-to car for quick testing
Time of Day: Choose default time (12:00 for best lighting)
Weather: Default weather condition (Clear recommended)
Remember Settings: Enable to save your last configuration

AI Opponents

Settings → Drive → AI

Default AI Level: 85-95% is realistic for most players
AI Aggression: 50-70% prevents unrealistic behavior
Auto-generate AI: Let CM create balanced AI grids
Variety: Mix different car models for variety

Assists & Realism

Settings → Assetto Corsa → Assists

Ideal Line: Turn OFF for realistic racing (or use Learning mode)
Stability Control: OFF for experienced drivers, ON for beginners
ABS: Factory setting mimics real car ABS
Traction Control: Factory for realism, OFF for drift cars
Damage: Enable for realistic consequences

Video & Graphics Settings

Optimizing Graphics Through CM

Settings → Assetto Corsa → Video

CM provides easier access to AC's video settings than the default launcher:

Essential Settings

Resolution: Match your monitor
Fullscreen: Better performance, ON
VSync: OFF for lower latency
FPS Limit: Cap at monitor refresh rate
Anisotropic: 16x for best textures

CSP Settings

Post Processing: Use CSP filters
Shadows: High (2048-4096px)
World Detail: Maximum
Smoke: High for realism
Mirrors: 1-2 for performance

Using Content Manager: Core Features

Installing Mods

This is where CM truly shines. Installing mods is as simple as drag-and-drop:

Step-by-Step Mod Installation

1. Download a mod from AC Supply or another source (ZIP file)
2. Drag the ZIP file directly onto the Content Manager window
3. CM detects the mod type (car, track, skin, app, etc.) automatically
4. Preview the content in the popup window with details and images
5. Click "Install" and CM handles everything—extraction, placement, configuration
6. Done! Your mod is instantly available in-game

No manual file copying, no guessing folder structures, no mistakes. It just works.

Content Browser

The Content tab lets you browse, search, and manage all your AC content:

Cars

• View all installed cars with previews
• Sort by brand, class, year, power
• Search by name or tags
• View detailed specs and data
• Manage car skins and liveries
• Update or uninstall cars

Tracks

• Browse all tracks with map previews
• Filter by country, length, type
• View track layouts and variants
• Check pit boxes and configuration
• Manage track skins and lighting
• Access track information and records

Showroom

• Preview cars in 3D showroom
• Rotate, zoom, explore details
• Change lighting and environment
• View different skins and liveries
• Open doors, trunk, hood (if supported)
• Take screenshots for thumbnails

Replays

• Manage saved race replays
• Watch replays with camera controls
• Export videos and screenshots
• Analyze lap times and telemetry
• Share replays with friends
• Delete old replays to save space

Race Modes

Content Manager offers several ways to launch races, each with different features:

Quick Drive

The fastest way to get on track. Perfect for:

• Testing new car mods
• Practicing lap times
• Quick hotlap sessions
• Learning new tracks

Race

Full race weekend with practice, qualifying, and race. Includes:

• Configurable session lengths
• Grid positions based on qualifying
• Standing or rolling starts
• Fuel consumption and tire wear

Championship (Full Version Only)

Multi-race championship with points scoring. Features:

• Custom championship creation
• Seasonal racing with standings
• Points-based progression
• Career mode experience

Time Attack / Hotlap

Pure lap time competition. Ideal for:

• Setting personal bests
• Leaderboard competition
• Consistency practice
• Ghost car comparison

Online

Join multiplayer servers through CM's improved browser:

• Better server filtering and search
• Auto-download missing content
• Friend list integration
• Server favorites and bookmarks

Advanced Features

Apps & Plugins

Content Manager supports apps (in-game overlays) and plugins (CM extensions):

Popular In-Game Apps

Real Penalty: Enforces track limits and penalties
Sidekick: Delta timing and performance metrics
Helicorsa: Visual proxy car positions
Crew Chief: Voice-enabled race engineer

Useful CM Plugins

Discord Rich Presence: Show what you're driving
Modding Tools: Create and edit content
Track Day: Organized track day events
Statistics: Detailed driving analytics

Python Apps

Install Python apps through CM for enhanced in-game functionality:

Settings → Python Apps shows all installed apps. You can:

• Enable/disable apps individually
• Configure app settings and appearance
• Install new apps via drag-and-drop
• Update apps with one click
• View app documentation and controls

Tips & Tricks

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+, Open Settings
F12 Quick Drive
Ctrl+F Search Content
Ctrl+Tab Switch Tabs
F5 Refresh Content

Pro Tips

• Pin favorite cars/tracks to top of lists
• Create custom filters for quick access
• Use "Recently Driven" to find cars
• Enable auto-update check daily
• Export settings to backup preferences

Performance

• Disable animated previews if slow
• Limit background content scanning
• Close CM while racing (optional)
• Clear cache monthly for freshness
• Use "Lightweight mode" on older PCs

Organization

• Create car collections (favorites, drift, race)
• Tag tracks by type (real, fictional, touge)
• Use color coding for identification
• Archive old replays regularly
• Document mod sources in notes

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Content Manager Won't Launch

• Install .NET Framework 4.8 or later
• Run as administrator
• Disable antivirus temporarily (false positive)
• Re-extract ZIP (may be corrupted)

Can't Find AC Installation

• Manually browse to your AC folder
• Make sure acs.exe exists in the folder
• Run Steam to verify AC is installed
• Check non-default Steam library locations

Mods Not Installing

• Check if ZIP is corrupted (re-download)
• Verify ZIP contains proper mod structure
• Try manual extraction first, then drag folder
• Check for missing dependencies

Need More Help?

Questions about Content Manager? We're here to help you get the most out of it!

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Content Manager Complete Setup & Configuration Guide