CSL models for X-Plane
At the time of creating this page, the most popular CSL (Common Shape Library) model distributors for X-Plane 11 were BlueBell (BB) and X-CSL.
V8, v9 & csl: The performance gains from using strips are more modest in X-Plane v8 and v9, and for CSL objects. These compound types aren't supported in v8/v9 objects (X-Plane v8 and v9 use more advanced techniques) and the only saving from using strips over some other UV mapping methods is in reduced 'vertex count'. Next-Gen CSL Package Available Thanks to the efforts of a number of enthusiastic community members, there is now a public release of the first Next-Gen CSLs for XSquawkbox 1.3.x. You can find this package here. One of the most common aircraft in the skies is the Boeing 737-800. IVAO X-CSL MTL however only appeared to have a single model, an Air Canada B738 with split-scimitar winglets. Snooping around the files, this appeared not to be the case. There are in fact over 800 in different variants and liveries, not including the -900 too! Download the XSquawkbox CSL SDK – zip format. Please bear in mind that use of the legacy CSL Object format is deprecated. There is also additional information on CSL authoring now available at the github project for xplanemp which also includes the differences relevant to authoring new-style (OBJ8) CSLs. First of all, this project is aimed at all users of flight simulator X-Plane, flying in the network IVAO ®. As you know, to connect to IVAO uses X-IvAp client program. It includes a set of CSL-models, which is necessary for correct display aircrafts, helicopters, follow.
We also provide you with a Tutorial Video that explains the download and installation process for BlueBuell and X-CSL models.
Note: the video is slightly outdated in respect of 'applying the Vertical Offset Fix for BlueBell models'. This isn't necessary anymore.
Download CSL models
- X-CSLdownload
Bluebell Csl X Plane 11
Recommended Installation Practices
Important: CSL models have to be placed somewhere inside the program path of X-Plane 11. External linking of CSL models is not possible. Otherwise X-Plane will not be able to use them to display the aircraft of other online-pilots near you.
As good practice it has been established that the folder Custom Data is used to install CSL models in. Since many users want to use CSL sets from more than one distributor, a parent-folder called 'CSL' will be created in there and the CSL-sets are placed in this new path subsequently.
For example, with BlueBell and X-CSL model sets installed, your file path structure should look like this:
yourdrive:X-Plane 11Custom DataCSLX-CSL
Should you wish to add more CSL sets, just create new subfolders in Custom DataCSL, e.g. Oher ⇒ Custom DataCSLOther, General Aviation ⇒ Custom DataCSLGeneral Aviation or whatever you think fits.
Installation of Bluebell Models
- download all the BlueBell archives from X-Plane.org as linked on top of this page
- extract all downloaded archives into a directory of your choice, for example (as suggested)
Custom DataCSLBB. In the end it should look like this:
You will now have to reload your Own Models and then re-create your Active Model Set, otherwise swift won't be able to use your new models.
You can either do this in swiftConfig Wizard by creating your 'first model set' or by starting swift'sMapping Tool (swiftData app). Visit the section about the Mapping Tool and check out our YouTube Video Tutorial: Working with the Mapping Tool
Installation of X-CSL Models
To download and install the X-CSL model sets you need to use their X-CSL Updater program. You can download it from their website linked on top of this page.
As suggested above you could install the X-CSL model sets in X-Plane 11Custom DataCSLX-CSL. The following instructions are based on this method.
- download and install the X-CSL Updater to a directory of your choice
- create a new folder where you want to install those CSL model sets into, e.g.
X-Plane 11Custom DataCSLX-CSL - open File-menu and select Set X-Plane location ⇒ browse to your X-Plane 11 directory, select X-Plane.exe
- open File-menu again, select option Set custom path and confirm warning with OK. Then browse to and select
X-Plane 11Custom DataCSLX-CSL - in the X-CSL Updater program click on Index on the bottom right. This will check the current status of your X-CSL set against the database
- select the model sets from the list that require installation or updating. Should this be your first installation of X-CSL, you will have to select all of them and then click on Update. It may take quite a while to finish this process. Should you just be updating your existing X-CSL model set, this will be much faster - make sure you only select the aircraft types that are flagged 'outdated'.
When you are done with downloading or updating all models, close X-CSL Updater.
You will now have to re-create your Active Model Set, otherwise swift won't be able to use your new models.
You can either do this in swiftConfig Wizard by creating your 'first model set' or by starting swift'sMapping Tool (swiftData app). Visit the section about the Mapping Tool and check out our YouTube Video Tutorial: Working with the Mapping Tool
Please run the CSL2XSB converter every time you update X-CSL models or they won't be available to add to your model set.
Miscellaneous
Whenever you update any model from the list here you will have to re-create your Active Model Set, otherwise swift won't know and won't be able to use your new models.
You can either do this in swiftConfig Wizard by creating your 'first model set' or by starting swift'sMapping Tool (swiftData app). Visit the section about the Mapping Tool and check out our YouTube Video Tutorial: Working with the Mapping Tool
Virtual Airlines
- German Air Express VA models based on BlueBell at the X-Plane.org forums: Download
General Aviation Aircraft
- Installation: extract the TBM900-directory into your CSL folder, e.g.
Custom DataCSLX-CSLOther
Dirob collection
On the X-Plane.org forums/database you can find a nice collection of CSL made by 'Dirob'. Follow this link to browse through all of his creations that are available there.
Some of his CSL models:
- Boeing 737-200 Piedmont, Southwest
- Douglas DC-8-73 Air Sweden, Delta, United
Installation: extract the contents of the archives into your CSL folder, e.g. Custom DataCSLOther
Gliders
Installation: extract them into your CSL folder, e.g. Custom DataCSLOther
CSL models from X-Plane.org File Database
X Plane Csl Files
There are many more CSL models available at the file database of x-plane.org, just follow this link.
