Welcome to the GPL Grid Builder! This tool is designed to help you easily view, edit, and create starting grids for Grand Prix Legends. Here’s how to get the most out of it.
How do I start?
The first step is always to load a track.ini file. Click the "Upload Track .ini File" button and select the file for the track you want to edit. This will load the track's existing starting grid and display it visually on the canvas.
What do the main sliders do?
Track Width: Sets the visual width of the track on the canvas. If you load a grid that is wider than this setting, you will be prompted to adjust it automatically.
Longitudinal Gap: Controls the distance between rows of cars.
Grid Width: Controls the lateral distance within a row of cars (e.g., the distance between the car on the left and the car on the right of the same row).
Pole Position on Left: Toggles whether the first car (pole position) is on the left or right side of the track.
What are the "Offset" sliders for?
Grid Longitudinal Offset: Moves the entire grid forward or backward relative to the start/finish line.
Grid Latitude Offset: Moves the entire grid left or right. The range of this slider is linked to the track width, allowing you to slide the grid across the full width of the track.
What does "Randomise Car Numbers" do?
This checkbox shuffles the car numbers (stall numbers) assigned to each grid slot. This is useful for creating random grids for fun races without changing the physical layout of the grid slots themselves.
How do I use the "Grid Type" dropdown?
This dropdown allows you to instantly apply different procedural grid layouts.
Original (from .ini): This option appears after you upload a file. It stores the exact positions from your original file, allowing you to revert back to it at any time. When this is selected, the procedural sliders (like Gap and Width) are disabled.
1x1, 2x2, 3x3, etc.: These are preset templates that arrange the cars in common starting grid formations. Selecting one will override the current layout with the new one.
Can I move individual cars?
Yes! Simply click and drag any car on the canvas to manually adjust its position. This is perfect for making small tweaks after applying a preset. The tool remembers these manual offsets even if you switch between different grid types.
How do Presets work?
If you've created a grid layout you like, you can save it as a preset.
Click "Save Preset" and give your settings a name.
Your preset will now appear in the "Presets" dropdown.
You can select it at any time to instantly load your saved slider positions.
To remove a preset, select it from the dropdown and click "Delete Preset".
How do I save my final grid?
Once you are happy with your grid, click the "Save Grid to Track.ini" button. This will download a new modified_track.ini file containing your changes, ready to be used in the game.
I loaded a file and got a "Grid Width Warning". What does that mean?
This warning appears if your loaded track.ini file has cars positioned further from the centerline than your current "Track Width" setting allows. You have two options:
Clamp Cars to Edge: This keeps your current track width and visually moves the cars to the edge of the track so you can see them.
Auto-Adjust Track Width: This is the recommended option. It will automatically increase the "Track Width" slider to be wide enough to fit all the cars from your file, plus a safe 2-meter buffer on each side.