Skip to main content

After moving my simulations to another computer, the background images are missing.

Rich Merritt avatar
Written by Rich Merritt
Updated over 3 months ago

Moving Simulations to a New Location

Note: To move your simulations to a new location, follow these steps.

Export Simulation(FS 5.4, FS 6.x and FS 7.x):

(Note the Export function is different from the Save function. To move a simulation to a new location, you must EXPORT the simulation BEFORE moving it.)

  1. Within Fire Studio: Open Fire Studio on your computer.

  2. Use the Export Button: Locate and use the "Export Simulation" button within Fire Studio.

  3. Identify Associated Files: Upon exporting, two files are generated: a .DCS file and a .LBR file associated with the simulation.

  4. Move Both Files: Transfer both the .DCS and .LBR files to the other computer where you wish to open the simulation.

For Fire Studio 7 Users:

  • Addition of Publish Feature in Fire Studio 7: If using Fire Studio 7, note that a there is a new option in addition to Export called "Publish" A published simulation generates a single file with a .DCX extension. Transfer this single file accordingly for each simulation.

Fire Studio 5 Users:

  1. Check Version Compatibility: Ensure you're using Fire Studio version 5.4 or newer. To check:

    • Restart Fire Studio.

    • Look at the text box at the bottom of the screen, where the version number appears in red.

Troubleshoot Missing Backgrounds:

    • Check System Resources: Insufficient system resources might cause missing backgrounds. Ensure your computer's video card meets Fire Studio's minimum requirements.

    • Background Photo Dimensions: Check the dimensions or resolution of your background photos. Large photos require more RAM. Resizing can reduce overhead.

    • Resizing Process: If resizing is needed:

      • Resize images on your Instructor machine.

      • Re-add the images to a new Library.

      • Add them back into the Simulation.

      • Export the Simulation again.

Note: Resizing may solve issues related to missing backgrounds.


Follow these steps to successfully export, transfer, and troubleshoot missing background images in Fire Studio across various versions and operating systems.

Did this answer your question?