New Modders Start Here
Part 1 of a two part article
1. What should I have installed for modding GTA5 Single Player?
The two following files are the absolute essentials if you are going to add mods. Do not download from other links to ensure you have the current versions.
2. Where do I install Script Hook V?
Script Hook V does not have an installer, you simply copy the 2 files below (from the extracted package) to the same folder as your GTA5.exe. You can call this your game folder, or installation folder, or root folder.
When you unzip or extract the downloaded Script Hook package you will see a bin folder. That's the only folder you want. There are 3 files in the bin folder of the Script Hook V download. You only need two of them: ScriptHookV.dll and dinput8.dll. Both copied in the game folder. You don't copy the bin folder, just those 2 files. You don't need NativeTrainer.asi.
3. Where do I install Open IV?
Open IV, pronounced Open Four, has an installer. Just accept the default path for the installation and follow the instructions. Open IV will ask you if you want to install three different files. Say yes to all of them. They are: ASI Loader, OpenIV.asi, and openCamera. ASI loader is exactly the same as dinput8.dll from ScriptHook V but that's ok. openCamera will be useful if you use the R* editor. OpenIV.asi is a must.
4. How do I know my files are properly installed?
If you followed the instructions carefully for OpenIV then the program itself will be installed in a hidden windows folder called AppData, but that's not important. However you do want to view, at the very least, these key files : OpenIV.asi, ScriptHookV.dll and dinput8.dll in the same folder as GTA5.exe. Like this:
ALSO READ THE IMPORTANT MODS CHECKLIST