# ACC Config Files Explained (and the UTF-16 Gotcha) (/docs/assetto-corsa-competizione/config-files)



An ACC dedicated server is configured entirely through JSON files in the `cfg/` folder. There's no in-game settings menu — everything lives in these files.

The files [#the-files]

| File                 | Controls                                                      | Guide                                                                       |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `configuration.json` | UDP/TCP ports, max connections, lobby registration            | (set in panel)                                                              |
| `settings.json`      | Server name, passwords, car group, slots, rating requirements | [Server Settings](/docs/assetto-corsa-competizione/server-settings)         |
| `event.json`         | Track, sessions, weather, time of day                         | [Sessions & Weather](/docs/assetto-corsa-competizione/sessions-and-weather) |
| `eventRules.json`    | Pit window, mandatory pitstops, refuelling, stints            | [Event Rules](/docs/assetto-corsa-competizione/event-rules)                 |
| `assistRules.json`   | Allowed driver aids (TC, ABS, stability)                      | [Assists](/docs/assetto-corsa-competizione/assists)                         |
| `entrylist.json`     | Fixed entry list / reserved slots (optional)                  | —                                                                           |

⚠️ The UTF-16 gotcha [#️-the-utf-16-gotcha]

This is the single most common ACC server problem:

> ACC reads its config files as **UTF-16 (little-endian)**. If a file is saved as UTF-8 — which most text editors and control panels do by default — ACC silently **ignores your changes and regenerates the defaults**.

This is why people say "my config changes do nothing." It's not your settings — it's the file encoding.

**On XGamingServer this is solved for you.** Our panel re-encodes your config files to correct UTF-16 every time the server starts. So you can:

* Edit values in the panel's **Startup** variables, or
* Paste files from our [ACC Config Generator](https://xgamingserver.com/tools/assetto-corsa/acc-config) into `cfg/`, or
* Edit the JSON in the panel file manager

...and they'll all be applied correctly. You never have to fight the encoding.

The easy way to build them [#the-easy-way-to-build-them]

Rather than hand-write JSON, use the **[ACC Config Generator](https://xgamingserver.com/tools/assetto-corsa/acc-config)** — choose your track, sessions, weather, car group and assists, then copy the generated `event.json`, `settings.json` and `eventRules.json` straight into your `cfg/` folder and restart.