---
title: X4 Customizer: transformations and diff checks
summary: Configure paths, run a first script, inspect resulting XML and check extensions.
section: tools
kind: guide
status: reference
updated: 2026-10-27
tags: ["X4","modding","tool","customizer"]
sources: ["https://github.com/bvbohnen/X4_Customizer","https://github.com/bvbohnen/X4_Customizer/blob/master/Documentation.md"]
---
## Purpose and preparation


SirNukes / bvbohnen's X4 Customizer runs selected transformation plugins and writes an extension. The author documents a Windows build and Python source; use the chosen release's requirements. It is a separate tool.



## First exercise


1. Launch Start_Gui.bat; configure the game and a dedicated output extension in Config.
2. Open a small supplied example in Script and inspect selected plugins and output settings.
3. Use Run Script. Writing files requires the appropriate output plugin, such as Write_Extension documented by the author.
4. Compare original, patched and post-customizer states in File Viewer; use VFS to check file provenance.
5. Run Check_Extensions separately to diagnose dependencies and XML patch errors.



```powershell
.\Start_Gui.bat
# Separate diagnostic command:
.\Check_Extensions.bat
```



## Expected result


The first command opens the GUI; the second runs extension checks and reports diagnostics. It does not establish game effects or request a property transformation.



## Checks and limits


Treat the output directory as generated content; keep unique manual work elsewhere. Account for the enabled DLCs and mods that Customizer reads. Next: [compatibility](wiki:compatibility).