Brian Faeran

A guide to help you get started with LaunchBox

Getting Started

Learn how to use the Automated ROM Import system to quickly get your games in LaunchBox so you have more time to play!

Automated ROM Imports

Need to import one platform’s games at a time and want full control over the process? Look no further than LaunchBox's Single Platform Import Wizard. This wizard gives you all the granular options you need to manage one platform’s import with precision.

Single Platform Imports

LaunchBox has long been the go-to frontend for retro gaming, but it's also become a powerhouse for modern game libraries. With support for multiple storefronts like Steam, GOG, Epic Games, Amazon, EA, Ubisoft, and Xbox, LaunchBox makes it easy to bring your entire collection—past and present—into one unified experience.

Managing Storefront Games in LaunchBox

Everything you need to master LaunchBox, all in one place. Packed with tips, tricks, and hidden gems, this guide has the answers to transform managing your game collection into a true quest for greatness.

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Forums

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launchbox

Discover helpful resources to resolve common problems, optimize your game library, and enhance your gaming experience with LaunchBox.

LaunchBox for Windows

Articles showcasing specific features and workflows

Features

An in-depth article explaining everything you need to know about the 3D Box Model System

3D Box Models

Using the Media Cleanup Utility

Media Packs

Managing Save Games and States

LaunchBox's Game Progress Tracking feature gives you complete control over how you track and visualize your progress with any game in your library. Whether you're diving into a new title or wrapping up a long-time favorite, this feature offers a flexible and powerful way to stay on top of your gaming journey.

Game Progress Tracking

Learn how to use LaunchBox Advanced Search switches, including Progress-based searches and practical examples.

Advanced Search

Learn how to integrate RetroAchievements with LaunchBox to unlock, track, and display achievements across your retro game library. Includes setup, scanning, progress tracking, and advanced tips.

RetroAchievements in LaunchBox

Learn how to use Additional Apps in LaunchBox to organize multi-disc games, regional variants, and extra files like strategy guides—all under a single game entry. Includes setup tips, import options, and how to access content in Big Box.

Additional Apps

Video Playback Guide

Big Box Screensaver & Attract Mode

Music in LaunchBox and Big Box

Big Box Navigation Sounds

Advanced Features

LaunchBox Built-in Command Line Variables

Region Priority

Learn about LaunchBox for Windows Theming

Theming

This section will explain everything you need to know about creating a Big Box theme

Big Box Theming

How to create a Startup Theme for LaunchBox and Big Box

Startup Themes

Guide for users creating looking to themes, icons, badges or media packs for LaunchBox

Content Creators

Creating Badge Media Packs in LaunchBox and Big Box

Creating Platform Icons Media Packs for LaunchBox and Big Box

Creating Controller Input Media Packs for Big Box

Creating Platform Clear Logo Media Packs for LaunchBox and Big Box

Plugin Integrations

Plugins Overview

RetroArch LaunchBox Integration Plugin

Dolphin LaunchBox Integration Plugin

A collection of frequently asked questions

FAQs

This page explains how to move your LaunchBox setup to a new PC, covering everything from transferring your games and emulators to ensuring dependencies and settings are correctly carried over for a smooth transition.

Moving Your LaunchBox Instance to a New PC

Installing, Updating, and Managing LaunchBox

Troubleshooting LaunchBox & Big Box Performance

Understanding Video Playback for LaunchBox & Big Box in 13.21 and Beyond



Reducing Your LaunchBox Build Size

Here are answers to the most common questions and issues related to LaunchBox licensing.

LaunchBox Licensing FAQ

Big Box Themes and Where They Apply

VLC Removal and FFmpeg Transition in LaunchBox 13.24

LaunchBox Beta Versions

RetroAchievements Support for Nintendo Wii

A list of articles to help users troubleshoot various errors

Troubleshooting

Could not find file - LaunchBox\Images\[Platform]\[Image Name]

Could Not Load File or Assembly 'CefSharp.Core.Runtime.dll'

How to Fix “SQLite Error 11: database disk image is malformed” error

Troubleshooting: UCEERR_RENDERTHREADFAILURE Error

"Out of Memory" error after resuming from hibernation in LaunchBox or Big Box?

Plugin Access Denied Error

Double Inputs When Navigating Big Box with a Controller

Column ‘Platform’ Does Not Belong to Table File Error

My Game Wont Play in LaunchBox — Step by Step Troubleshooting (and How It All Works)

Troubleshooting: "Year, Month, and Day parameters describe an un-representable DateTime" Error

"Could not install MAME because the archive could not be extracted" Error

Troubleshooting: "Another Instance is Already Running" Error

Steam Game Stuck as “Installing” in LaunchBox

Troubleshooting RetroAchievements Badges in LaunchBox

13.27 Save Management Migration Guide

Discover helpful resources to resolve common problems, optimize your game library, and enhance your gaming experience with LaunchBox for Android.

LaunchBox for Android

Beginner guides for setting up and using LaunchBox for Android.

A beginner guide for first launch, Android apps, importing games, emulator setup, options, and themes in LaunchBox for Android.

Getting Started with LaunchBox for Android

Text Bindings

Image Bindings

Wheel and List Types

Trigger bindings allow your theme to change dynamically based on conditions — for example, different layouts in portrait vs landscape.

Trigger Bindings

Alpha-numeric Control

Fonts (LB Android 1.5+)

Converters

Animation Engine (LB Android 1.10+)

Miscellaneous

Importing from Network Drives

Custom Emulator (With Code)

Learn how to use the Steam Import feature added in LaunchBox for Android 1.22 to import Steam games under the Windows platform.

Importing Steam Games

Learn how to use the Security feature added in LaunchBox for Android 1.22 to protect settings and library actions with a four-digit PIN.