Character Preset Manager (CET)

Save, load, organize, recover, and share complete Cyberpunk 2077 character appearances.

Current version: 3.1.1

Character Preset Manager is the successor to Appearance Change Unlocker (ACU). It carries ACU preset collections forward and expands the idea into a complete appearance library with safer loading, folders, compatibility checks, recovery, sharing, backups, and clear activity records.

The complete manager runs in the Cyber Engine Tweaks overlay. The included character-screen panel adds quick saving and one-click loading directly to Cyberpunk's character screens. Both interfaces use the same preset library.

[!IMPORTANT] Remove Character Customization Anywhere before using this mod. ACU preset files are supported in 3.1.1, but use Character Preset Manager's controls to load the imported copies. Do not start a second load from ACU at the same time.

[!NOTE] Future Cyberpunk versions: the complete CET manager remains the fallback when the included character-screen panel or native file service needs an update. A small reminder appears in character customization only when both are unavailable. Open CET and use Character Preset Manager while waiting for an updated release.

Choose the interface you need

Interface	Best for	After a major game update
Complete CET manager	Every preset feature, detailed checks, folders, sharing, backups, logs, Help, and permanent deletion	The dependable fallback when game updates affect the panel or DLL
Included character-screen panel	Quick saving, searching, loading, Refresh, recovery, and Trash	Packaged in the same archive and available when its requirements support the current game

Both interfaces use the same preset library and loading engine. A missing panel does not mean your presets were deleted.

Features

Complete appearance presets — Save and load every visible vanilla, CC, and CCXL character option available in the active editor.
Included character-screen panel — Add quick browsing, refresh, loading, recovery, saving, and Trash controls directly to supported character screens.
Full Appearance Editor anywhere — Open Cyberpunk's full character editor during normal play from CET or an optional key.
Full apartment mirrors — Use the complete character-creation option list through ordinary apartment mirrors.
One-click loading — Select a preset once and let the mod handle editor refreshes, dependent choices, cleanup, and final verification.
Detailed comparison — Check matching, changing, missing, repeated or uncertain, invalid, and extra options before loading when you want a review.
Safer appearance cleanup — Clear old dependent and leftover choices so settings such as heterochromia or separate eye colors do not remain stuck from the previous preset.
Five-entry appearance history — Recover an earlier appearance, with a new safety snapshot created before restoring an older entry.
Unlimited CET folders — Organize presets in folders and nested folders without creating matching Windows folders.
Search, favorites, notes, and tags — Find and label presets without changing their appearance data.
Readable format-8 files — Keep names, folders, dates, details, and friendly option summaries such as Jaw 15 in plain text while retaining support for older compatible presets.
Automatic ACU imports — Copy new or updated ACU presets into a separate ACU Presets folder after startup or when you select Refresh.
Successor to ACU — Keep compatible ACU 3.0.0, 3.0.1, and 3.2.1 preset collections while moving to one maintained manager and current preset format.
Sharing and backups — Send one preset, export a complete folder, combine selected presets, or protect the entire library in one backup.
Recoverable Trash — Restore presets and folder groups before choosing the separate permanent-deletion action.
Activity Log and searchable Help — Review results in plain language and find instructions without leaving CET.

What changed in 3.1.1

One complete package — The main archive contains the complete CET manager, character-screen panel, and small native file service.
Native preset-folder catalog — The DLL watches Character Presets and records supported files, folders, sizes, modified dates, and fingerprints in a versioned catalog.
Verified CET fallback — CET checks the native catalog against its own safe folder list before using it. If the DLL is missing, late, outdated, or returns a different list, CET immediately uses its own folder reader.
Clear update reminder — If both the included panel and native file service are unavailable, character customization shows a small reminder to open CET and use the complete manager while waiting for an updated release. It does not appear when either packaged component is working.
One maintained preset reader — Older CPM and supported ACU formats remain in the Lua reader. The DLL never interprets appearance choices or writes over an older preset.
Clear preset types — Formats 7 and 8 are labeled CPM preset. Every other supported layout is labeled ACU preset and shows help about its CC and CCXL limitations.
More format and safety tests — Native and Lua checks now cover the catalog protocol, fallback behavior, current format 8, legacy CPM files, supported ACU layouts, malformed files, folder watching, fingerprints, and atomic imports.
Smoother background checks — CET polls only the small generation header for ACU results and reads the complete results only after a change. The fallback reminder no longer starts a folder verification during play.

What changed in 3.1.0

Focused ACU import service — A small RED4ext service checks ACU's preset folder once after startup. A background folder watcher detects later changes, and Refresh remains available if the watcher is unavailable.
Three ACU layouts supported — Load the JSON layout used by ACU 3.0.0, the renamed JSON fields used by 3.0.1, and the text or JSON presets supported by 3.2.1.
No repeated copies — The importer checks each safe file name, size, and modified date against its saved import record before opening the file.
Smooth, lazy library updates — New imports enter the CET library as lightweight records, two per frame. Full contents stay unread until a preset is selected, checked, or loaded. Character-screen initialization does not open preset files.
Dangerous ACU options are reported — When an imported preset is checked, the Activity Log names saved options such as internal eye locks that the game marks inactive or not editable. The preset remains imported and unchanged. This warning does not change loading.
Correct folder trees — Collapsed folders now hide their subfolders and presets in both the simple panel and CET manager. Expanded subfolders use a separate yellow label and child marker so each folder level is clear.

What changed in 3.0.9

Smoother editor opening — The character-screen preset panel now prepares preset file details a few at a time after the character screen appears. This avoids reading the full preset library while Cyberpunk is building the editor.
No feature loss — Search, favorites, tags, selected-preset details, and the rest of the character-screen panel become available as soon as that short preparation finishes.

What changed in 3.0.8

Expanded character-screen panel — Refresh the library and view the selected preset's folder, option count, format, and tags without making the panel wider.
Clearer section layout — Centered labels, improved spacing, and thin dividers separate Search, presets, selected details, load controls, status, and save controls. The title and Panel Status remain left-aligned.
Faster recovery controls — Undo Last Load restores the newest saved appearance. Recovery History shows up to five older entries in the preset list area.
Reliable load cancellation — Cancel Load stays above the recovery controls, works on the first press, and immediately changes to Canceling Load… while the request finishes.
Simpler saving — Save Preset changes from red to cyan after a name is entered. Save Location opens a scrollable folder picker instead of cycling through every folder.
Short results with full details available — Panel Status gives a compact result. View Load Details in CET opens the matching advanced section when more information is available.
Cached panel data — Prepared preset and save-location rows remain cached until their source changes. History is read only when requested, and editor options are checked only during a load or recovery action.

See CHANGELOG.md for the complete release history.

Interface previews

Character customization screen

Character Preset Manager's simple menu inside Cyberpunk's appearance editor

The character-screen panel provides Search, one-click loading, selected-preset details, load cancellation, recovery history, quick saving, recoverable Trash, and access to the advanced CET manager.

Advanced CET menu

Character Preset Manager's advanced CET menu for managing the complete preset library

The CET window keeps the complete library in one place. Its sections cover loading, saving, folders, bulk actions, sharing, backups, Trash, settings, the Activity Log, and searchable Help.

Full apartment mirror options

The full character editor opened from an apartment mirror

Apartment mirrors show the full set of character-creation options instead of the smaller selection normally available during play.

<details> <summary>Requirements and installation</summary>

Requirements

The release requires:

Installation

Download the latest release from Nexus Mods.
Install CET, RED4ext, redscript, and Codeware.
Remove Character Customization Anywhere if it is installed, then fully restart the game. ACU may remain installed when you want its preset folder imported, but use Character Preset Manager to load the imported copies.
Extract Character Preset Manager (CET) 3.1.1.zip into the main Cyberpunk 2077 game folder. Its bin, r6, and red4ext folders should merge with the folders already there.
Start the game, open the CET overlay, and choose Character Preset Manager.

The CET window opens near the right side on first use. CET remembers its size and position after you move or resize it.

Updating from an older release

Back up any .preset, .cpmfolder, and .cpmbackup files you want to keep from Character Presets.
Remove the old Character Preset Manager (CET) mod folder.
Remove r6/scripts/CharacterPresetManager so older panel files cannot remain. This does not remove presets.
Install version 3.1.1 and all four requirements listed above.
Return your saved presets and sharing files to Character Presets.
Fully restart the game.

Older compatible layouts and ACU 3.0.0, 3.0.1, and 3.2.1 presets remain readable. The interface labels every supported format other than 7 or 8 as ACU preset so its CC and CCXL limitations are easy to recognize. The mod does not rewrite an old preset just because it finds or loads it. Overwriting that preset, or saving its notes or tags, updates the file to format 8. Keep a backup if you may need to use the old copy with an earlier mod version.

</details>

<details open> <summary>Importing presets from Appearance Change Unlocker (ACU)</summary>

What the ACU importer does

Character Preset Manager automatically copies compatible presets from ACU's folder into its own library. Your original ACU files are not moved, renamed, or rewritten. Imported copies appear in the physical ACU Presets folder and in the same folder inside Character Preset Manager.

The importer supports these ACU layouts:

ACU 3.0.0 JSON presets
ACU 3.0.1 JSON presets
ACU 3.2.1 text and JSON presets

Formats 7 and 8 are shown as CPM preset. Every other supported preset is shown as ACU preset. ACU layouts do not record the stable editor slot and saved-choice details used by current CPM files. CC and CCXL choices may shift after an option mod, version, or load order changes. Use Check Compatibility, review the appearance, and save the corrected result as format 8.

Import ACU presets step by step

Confirm that the ACU files end in .preset and are stored here:

   bin/x64/plugins/cyber_engine_tweaks/mods/AppearanceChangeUnlocker/character-presets

Install Character Preset Manager 3.1.1 and all four requirements.
Fully restart the game. The importer waits briefly after startup before it checks ACU's folder.
Open the CET overlay and choose Character Preset Manager.
Look for the ACU Presets folder in the preset list.
If the files are not shown yet, select Refresh once and wait a moment.
Select an imported preset and use Check Compatibility when you want to review it before loading.
Load the imported copy through Character Preset Manager. Do not start a second load from ACU at the same time.

After the copies appear, removing ACU does not remove them from Character Preset Manager. Keep your original files until you have checked the imported copies and made a separate backup.

Where imported presets are stored

Imported copies are written here:

bin/x64/plugins/cyber_engine_tweaks/mods/Character Preset Manager (CET)/Character Presets/ACU Presets

ACU subfolders are preserved. New or changed source files are copied again when needed. Unchanged files are skipped, so they are not repeatedly copied whenever you open a menu.

If ACU presets do not appear

Check these items in order:

Make sure the source folder is named exactly AppearanceChangeUnlocker and contains the character-presets folder shown above.
Make sure each file ends in .preset, is not empty, and is no larger than 1 MB.
Confirm that CET and RED4ext are installed and support your Cyberpunk version.
Fully restart the game. Reloading a save is not the same as restarting.
Open the CET manager and select Refresh once.
Open Log and look for an ACU IMPORT or ACU SAFETY message. Include that message when asking for help.

An imported preset may contain an internal option, such as an eye-lock field, that the game marks inactive or not editable. Character Preset Manager keeps the preset unchanged and records the exact option in the Activity Log. The warning does not reject the imported file or change loading.

</details>

<details> <summary>Optional keys and supported screens</summary>

Optional keys

Open CET and select Bindings.
Find Character Preset Manager (CET).
Assign Open Full Appearance Editor if you want to open the editor with a key during play.
Assign Toggle Character Preset Manager (CET) if you also want a direct key for the CET window.
Close the CET overlay before using the editor key.

Help shows assigned keys when CET provides them. If CET cannot display a key, Help reports whether that input was used during the current game session.

Supported character screens

Saving and loading work in new-game character creation, the Full Appearance Editor, apartment mirrors, and supported ripperdoc appearance editors. The included panel appears inside these screens when its requirements are installed. The CET window can control the same active editor with or without the panel.

Photo Mode and Appearance Menu Mod may stay installed, but their own menus do not expose the normal character editor data required by Character Preset Manager. Open one of the supported screens before saving, loading, comparing, or restoring an appearance.

</details>

<details> <summary>Included quick interface: using the character-screen panel</summary>

Using the character-screen panel

Select a preset once to load it. Folder rows open and close their contents, Favorites remain near the top, and presets outside folders appear under All Presets. Use Search to filter the visible library, or select Refresh after adding or changing preset files outside the game. The selected-preset card shows the folder, saved-option count, file format, and tags.

A collapsed folder hides all of its subfolders and presets. Expand it to show its direct contents. Main folders are cyan, while nested folders are yellow and begin with > so the hierarchy remains visible at every screen resolution.

Select Undo Last Load to restore the newest recovery appearance. Select Recovery History to replace the preset rows with up to five recovery entries, newest first. Choose an entry to restore it, or select Back to return to the preset library. The mod saves the current appearance before it restores an older entry.

To save, enter a name in Preset Name, choose Save Location, and select Save Preset. Save Location opens a scrollable folder picker in the preset list area. Choose All Presets or a folder, then save normally. If the name already exists, the same button changes to Confirm Overwrite. Select it again only when you intend to replace the existing preset.

Panel Status gives a short loading result. A normal result confirms how many saved options were checked. If some choices could not be confirmed, select View Load Details in CET to open the advanced Load section and review the complete message. While a preset or recovery appearance is loading, select Cancel Load if you need to stop before it finishes.

Select a preset before using Move Preset to Trash. The same button changes to Confirm Move to Trash for the second press. Restoration and permanent deletion remain in CET so those actions cannot be confused with the quick panel control.

Advanced Preset Manager does not open the overlay by itself. After pressing it, use your CET binding and choose Character Preset Manager from the menu on the right. The CET window contains comparison, renaming, notes, tags, favorites, folder management, sharing, backups, permanent deletion, settings, logs, and Help.

</details>

<details> <summary>Complete CET manager: saving, loading, and compatibility checks</summary>

Saving a preset in CET

Open a supported character screen.
Open Character Preset Manager in CET.
Check the save location shown in the status card.
Open Change Save Location when you want a different folder or All Presets.
Enter a name and select Save New Preset.

If the name is already in use, select Replace Existing Preset only when you want to overwrite it. The mod records the visible editor options and saves the new preset in format 8.

Loading a preset in CET

Open a supported character screen.
Choose a preset under Load & Restore Appearance.
Review its name, folder, format, and saved-option count.
Select Load Selected Preset once.
Wait for the final status. A successful result confirms every saved option; a warning names anything Cyberpunk could not confirm.

Cyberpunk may refresh the editor several times. Character Preset Manager waits for dependent options to appear, continues automatically, clears genuine leftovers, rebuilds the visible option list, and performs a final read-only check. Use Cancel Loading only when you need to stop the process.

Loading stops safely when the same required options remain missing after three checks. Missing choices usually mean an option mod, version, body or eye choice, or load order changed after the preset was created. Correct the appearance and save it again with the current setup.

Checking compatibility

Compatibility checks are manual so large CC and CCXL lists are not repeatedly scanned while you browse. Choose a preset, open Preset Options, and select Check Compatibility. The result separates options that already match, options that will change, missing choices, repeated or uncertain matches, invalid data, and extra options that loading will clear.

Selecting a preset, opening CET, refreshing the library, changing Force Full Load, or finishing a load does not automatically start another comparison. Run a new check whenever you want a result for the editor's current state.

Force Full Load

Current format-7 and format-8 CPM presets normally use their saved editor slot and stable choice name. Force Full Load allows less certain position-based matching when an ACU-labeled preset does not contain enough detail. It turns on automatically for old formats that need it and turns off when you select a current preset. You can change it under Load & Restore Appearance > Preset Options.

Use this option carefully after adding, removing, or reordering character mods. An ACU-labeled file outside formats 7 and 8 knows less about the original choice, so a shifted hairstyle or other CC/CCXL option may point to a different item. Use Check Compatibility, correct it, then save the preset again in format 8.

</details>

<details> <summary>Appearance history and preset files</summary>

Appearance history and recovery

Before each normal preset load, Character Preset Manager saves the current appearance for recovery. Up to five different entries are kept. Identical snapshots are skipped, and restoring an older entry creates a fresh safety snapshot first.

Open Load & Restore Appearance in a supported character screen to restore the newest previous appearance or choose an entry from Appearance History. History is separate from the normal preset library and is stored under Data/Recovery/Appearance History.

What a preset saves

Format 8 records every visible option, a friendly summary such as Jaw 15, the option's editor position, its saved choice when a stable name exists, and its number in the choice list. It can also store the preset name, CET library folder, source, creation and modification dates, notes, tags, and favorite state.

The extra details help a preset survive list changes introduced by CCXL and other option mods. A renamed option can still match when its editor slot and unique saved choice agree. Always check the final appearance after changing character-option mods, versions, body or eye choices, or load order.

Readable format-8 files

Current presets use plain headings instead of encoded text. Each appearance entry keeps its original option key and saved number, followed by a readable option name and labeled matching details.

# CPM Preset
# Format: 8
# Name: Neon Street V
# Source: Character Preset Manager (CET)
# Created: 2026-08-15 13:19:27
# Modified: 2026-08-15 13:19:27
# Notes:
# Tags:
# Favorite: No
# Library folder: Favorites/Female V

LocKey#9502141975964618858:50
# Option: Hairstyle 50
# Editor slot: hairstyle
# Saved choice: options:51

The readable Option line is for people and does not replace the machine-safe key. Normal comment lines are ignored while reading. CPM Preset identifies a file saved by this mod. Name and Library folder allow the catalog to rebuild a missing folder-list entry. / means All Presets.

</details>

<details> <summary>Preset files and organization</summary>

Preset location and sharing one preset

Preset files and exported files are stored here:

bin/x64/plugins/cyber_engine_tweaks/mods/Character Preset Manager (CET)/Character Presets

Send a preset's .preset file to share one appearance. To install one, place it in Character Presets or a normal Windows folder inside that location, then select Refresh under Load & Restore Appearance. A single preset file does not carry an older CET folder assignment; a current format-8 CPM file can record its library folder in its readable header.

For safety, a preset cannot exceed 1 MB, 16,448 lines, or 4,096 valid options. An option name cannot exceed 256 bytes, and an option number must fit in an unsigned 32-bit value.

Search, favorites, notes, and tags

Search checks preset names, folder names, and tags. Tags also appear beside preset names. Choose a preset and open Rename & Copy Presets > Tags, Notes & File to edit its optional notes or tags or copy its full path from the game folder.

To pin a preset, open Load & Restore Appearance > Preset Options and select Add Selected Preset to Favorites. The preset stays in its original folder and also appears in the Favorites group. Current files store this choice in the readable preset header.

CET folders

Folders created in CET organize the library without creating or renaming Windows folders. You can place folders inside other folders with no set depth limit. The layout is stored in:

Data/Catalog/Virtual Folders.txt

Choose the parent before creating a nested folder. Moving or renaming a preset changes its CET location and its .preset filename. Copies appear beside the original with a safe name such as Copy or Copy 2. Copying a folder also copies every preset and nested folder inside it.

Remove Folder, Keep Presets removes the selected CET folder and moves its contents to the folder above it. Nothing is permanently deleted.

Imported Windows folders

Character Preset Manager also finds normal Windows folders placed inside Character Presets, including nested folders. These entries carry an Imported label. Renaming or moving them in CET changes the library layout without renaming the Windows folder.

When you remove an Imported folder but keep its presets, known .preset files move to the main preset folder first. A Windows folder is removed only after it is confirmed empty. Unknown files are never deleted, and a folder containing one remains in place. Linked folders and Windows junctions are not supported. The safety scan stops when an entry cannot be confirmed or when a physical folder is more than 12 levels deep.

</details>

<details> <summary>Sharing and backups</summary>

Sharing a complete folder

A .cpmfolder file contains one CET folder, every nested folder, and all presets in that group. Notes, tags, favorites, and other supported preset details are included.

Export a folder

Open Create & Organize Folders and select a non-empty folder.
Open Share & Import Folders.
Select Export Selected Folder as a .cpmfolder File.
Find the new file in Character Presets and send that one file.

A shared folder can contain up to 512 presets and cannot exceed 32 MB. Empty folders cannot be exported. The mod writes large bundles one preset at a time instead of keeping the complete group in memory.

Preview and import a folder

Use Manage & Remove .cpmfolder Files to inspect a bundle before installing it. The preview lists its main folder, nested folders, and presets without changing the library.

To install it, place the file in Character Presets, open Create & Organize Folders > Share & Import Folders, and select Install .cpmfolder Files from Character Presets. The source file stays in place after a successful import.

The mod remembers the filename, contents, and installed folder in Data/Catalog/Imported Bundles.txt. An unchanged bundle is skipped while its imported folder still exists. A changed file can be imported again, and name conflicts receive a safe Copy name. A failed import is not marked complete.

Moving a .cpmfolder source file to Trash does not remove the folder or presets already installed from it.

Exporting selected presets

Open Select & Manage Multiple Presets, choose presets from any folders, and select Export Selected. The new .cpmfolder file preserves their paths inside one Selected Presets group when it is installed.

Complete-library backups

Open Export & Import Backups and select Export Complete Library Backup. The resulting .cpmbackup file contains every preset, the CET folder layout, and current settings. It appears in Character Presets.

To restore one, choose its filename under Backup File and select Import Selected Library Backup. An empty installation receives the original layout. When names are already in use, the imported content goes into a safe Imported Library folder instead of overwriting anything. A backup cannot exceed 256 MB.

Delete Selected Backup Permanently removes only the chosen .cpmbackup file. It does not delete presets already installed in the library. Confirm the displayed filename before using the permanent action.

</details>

<details> <summary>Bulk actions, Trash, and recovery</summary>

Bulk actions

Select & Manage Multiple Presets lets you build a selection from any folder or current search result. Select a row again to remove it from the group. Select All Visible and Clear Selection help with larger sets. The chosen presets can be moved to one folder, exported together, or moved to Trash.

Trash and permanent deletion

Moving a preset or folder to Trash keeps it available for recovery.
Folder Trash groups remember nested folders, including empty ones.
Presets and complete folder groups can be restored from CET.
Name conflicts receive a safe Copy name instead of overwriting an existing preset or folder.
Imported Windows folders are removed only when confirmed empty. Unknown files are never deleted.
If the game closes during Trash, restore, multi-move, or file-renaming work, the mod finishes or safely rolls back the action at the next startup.
If Trash cannot be read safely, the last good list and folder information are kept instead of being replaced with incomplete data.
Empty Trash Permanently is the only action that permanently deletes trashed presets and folder groups.

The character-screen panel can move a selected preset to Trash, but restoration and permanent deletion are available only in CET. This keeps the destructive choice separate from the quick character-screen controls.

</details>

<details> <summary>Settings, data, and performance</summary>

Settings

Preset Sort Order is available in CET's Settings tab. It sorts the library by name or by the date a preset was last changed. CET key assignments remain under Bindings.

The settings mirror is stored at Data/Config/Config.txt. Changes made through CET update it automatically. Do not edit that file while the game is running.

Data folders

The mod keeps its catalog, settings, recovery data, Trash, and logs under Data:

Data/
|-- Config/
|-- Catalog/
|-- Recovery/
|   |-- Appearance History/
|   `-- Trash/
`-- Logs/
    `-- Archive/

Performance and memory use

Compatibility scans run only when you request one. Preset cleanup and fresh editor reads run only while loading, use the normal load interval, and stop when the operation ends. The character-screen panel polls only its small request bridge; it does not scan the appearance list during ordinary frames.

The native file service checks AppearanceChangeUnlocker/character-presets once after a short startup delay. A background folder watcher signals later changes without scheduled rescans. Refresh requests a check when the watcher is unavailable. The service compares file names, sizes, and modified dates with its saved record before reading changed files. It also watches Character Presets and writes a small, versioned list of supported files, folders, and fingerprints. CET verifies that list against its own safe folder check before using it. Any difference causes an immediate CET fallback. Changed ACU files are staged before being moved into the library. CET adds no more than two lightweight imported records per frame and does not open their contents until they are selected, checked, or loaded.

During normal play, CET's rate-limited ACU check reads only the small generation header. It opens the complete results only when the DLL reports a new result. Preset-folder verification runs at startup or when you explicitly refresh the library, not during ordinary frames. Removing the DLL does not disable CET's own preset reader, saving, loading, folders, recovery, or Help. Automatic ACU folder importing and the native catalog are the only DLL services that stop.

Large preset, folder, Trash, sharing, backup, preview, and Activity Log lists use pages instead of drawing every item at once. Backup discovery and previous-appearance availability are remembered rather than checked every frame.

Temporary load data is released as soon as a load finishes. When the CET window is hidden or the overlay closes, the mod also unloads full preset contents and rebuildable interface lists. Names, folders, notes, tags, favorites, and other library details remain ready for the next use.

</details>

<details> <summary>Compatibility and known issue</summary>

Compatibility

Future Cyberpunk versions and the CET fallback

The included panel is added directly to Cyberpunk's character screens. A major game update may change those screens, so the panel may need a matching Character Preset Manager update before it appears or works correctly again.

The complete CET manager is the fallback interface. If the panel is not ready for a new game version, open the CET overlay and choose Character Preset Manager. The same library, saving, loading, folders, recovery, sharing, backups, compatibility checks, logs, and Help remain available. When both the panel and DLL service are unavailable, a small reminder points to this fallback. Update CET, RED4ext, redscript, Codeware, and Character Preset Manager when compatible releases are available.

CC and CCXL character-option mods

These mods are supported when their options appear in Cyberpunk's normal character screens. Repeated and linked options, including separate eye colors, are supported. Keep the same mods, versions, body and eye choices, and load order used to create the preset. Review the appearance whenever that setup changes.

Appearance Change Unlocker

Character Preset Manager imports supported ACU files from AppearanceChangeUnlocker/character-presets into the physical Character Presets/ACU Presets folder. It preserves ACU subfolders and supports the preset layouts used by ACU 3.0.0, 3.0.1, and 3.2.1. Use Character Preset Manager's controls for the imported copy, and do not start an ACU load at the same time. New or updated Character Preset Manager files use format 8.

Character Customization Anywhere

Character Customization Anywhere is not compatible because it changes the same mirrors and character screens. Remove it and fully restart the game.

Photo Mode and Appearance Menu Mod

These mods may remain installed. Character Preset Manager cannot save or load inside their menus, so use the Full Appearance Editor, a mirror, a supported ripperdoc, or new-game creation.

Known issue: loading screen after closing an editor

Cyberpunk can occasionally remain on a loading screen after any character editor closes. This also happens without Character Preset Manager. Clothing, wardrobe outfits, Equipment-EX, and detailed outfits may make it more likely.

If it happens, remove all clothing and select No Outfit before opening the editor. Put the clothing and outfit back on afterward.

</details>

<details> <summary>Activity Log, Help, and troubleshooting</summary>

Activity Log

Select Log at the top of the CET window or open it from Help. The log can be read and copied inside CET. Its file is stored here:

bin/x64/plugins/cyber_engine_tweaks/mods/Character Preset Manager (CET)/Data/Logs/Activity.log

Each full game launch starts a new log. The previous file is archived with its date and time, and the ten newest archives are kept. The log records startup, bridge connections, preset actions, loading results, warnings, errors, inactive options, and missing saved choices. More Technical Details contains the developer-facing entries.

Searchable Help

Open Help, enter a word or short phrase, and select Search. The long Help list pauses while you type and then shows matching topics. Searches such as share, bug, clothing, ACU, backup, Trash, and favorite also include related terms.

Troubleshooting

The character-screen panel says the library is connecting

Wait a moment for CET to finish loading. The active appearance screen gives CET its exact bridge and receives the preset list immediately when ready. If the message does not change, verify CET, RED4ext, redscript, and Codeware, reinstall the main mod archive, and fully restart the game. A redscript change cannot be refreshed in an existing session.

The character-screen panel is missing after a Cyberpunk update

Open the CET overlay and choose Character Preset Manager. The complete CET manager remains available while the included panel is updated for the changed game interface. Your presets are still in the same library. Update the mod and its requirements when compatible versions are available. In the meantime, use the CET manager as shown by the fallback reminder.

A preset reports missing choices

Confirm that the same character-option mods, versions, body and eye choices, and load order are installed. Run Check Compatibility for exact details. Correct the appearance and save a new current-format preset after changing the setup.

A previous option remains visible

Read the final Panel Status or Activity Log result. The current loader clears exposed dependent choices first and verifies genuine leftovers at the end. If the log still names an uncleared option, include the newest Activity Log when reporting the problem.

The CET window is not visible

Open the CET overlay and choose Character Preset Manager from the menu on the right. The native Advanced Preset Manager button displays this instruction but cannot open the overlay for you.

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<details> <summary>Frequently asked questions</summary>

Frequently asked questions

Is Character Preset Manager the successor to ACU?

Yes. Character Preset Manager carries compatible ACU preset collections forward and replaces ACU's preset workflow with a maintained library, verified loading, folders, recovery, sharing, backups, compatibility checks, logs, and two user interfaces. Import the ACU files once, then use Character Preset Manager to load the imported copies.

Can older Character Preset Manager or ACU presets be used?

Yes. Older compatible formats remain readable. ACU 3.0.0 camel-case JSON, ACU 3.0.1 snake-case JSON, and ACU 3.2.1 text and JSON layouts are supported. The interface labels only formats 7 and 8 as CPM presets; every other supported layout is labeled an ACU preset and receives ACU-specific CC/CCXL help. New presets and files updated by this release use format 8.

What happens if the CET folder list loses an entry?

A format-8 CPM preset records its own name and library folder. The catalog can use those lines to rebuild the missing entry. / means All Presets. Older files remain loadable but do not contain the same recovery details.

Is the character shown in the screenshots included?

No. The screenshots demonstrate the mod. My personal character preset is not included, and I do not plan to release it.

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AI disclosure

I used AI to help plan, write, and review parts of the interface, Lua, redscript, documentation, and release checks. I made the final design and release choices and reviewed the finished work before publishing it.

Credits

I created and maintain Character Preset Manager as dklyntly.

ACU - Character Preset Manager by PotatoOfDoom is the predecessor to this project. I built Character Preset Manager as its successor and kept support for compatible ACU presets so existing collections are not lost. My current format, code, interfaces, loading system, and controls are separate implementations.

Character Customization Anywhere by keanuWheeze inspired my Full Appearance Editor.

Cyber Engine Tweaks was created by yamashi and is maintained by its contributors. Character Preset Manager uses CET's scripting and menu system. RED4ext runs the limited native file service. The included character-screen panel uses redscript and Codeware.

I also credit CD Projekt Red for Cyberpunk 2077 and its character system, and I appreciate the testing, research, compatibility information, and feedback shared by the Cyberpunk 2077 modding community.

Links

GitHub source · Discord and support · Full changelog · MIT license