Map Format
There's some cases where, available tools and map editors do not provide some functionality that you want. You might also feel inspired to create a tool or map editor for the fun of it.
One problem, though. What exactly goes into a map file? This is important to understand when developing new tools, scripts, and editors.
This page will help you understand the internal workings of a full Beat Saber map, and provide information about what each property and value represents.
Schemas
A schema is essentially the set of rules to a specific kind of file. They have a list of rules that you may break, and rules that you cannot break.
Beat Saber contains its own schema; it defines what the format for a Beat Saber level should be, and is what we are going to break down.
BeatSaver Schema
However, members of the community have gone together and made their own schema, which re-enforces rules set by Beat Saber's own schema, but also standardizes and sets new rules to follow.
This community-made schema is used by BeatSaver, which you can find here. When uploading your map to BeatSaver, it checks against these schema files to determine whether or not it is appropriate for upload. A major change in this schema is the inclusion of _customData objects scattered throughout map files, which is covered in this breakdown.
You can read through the BeatSaver Schema to get a deeper understanding of what goes into a Beat Saber map, as well as ensure that your own program outputs proper maps that are ready to be uploaded to BeatSaver.
Info.dat
Info.dat is the main file for a Beat Saber map. It describes basic metadata about your map, as well as point to other files to use for difficulties, cover art, and audio.
Difficulty File (v3)
Each Difficulty Beatmap contains a corresponding file which defines the notes, obstacles, events, and other objects for that particular difficulty.
This version was introduced in Beat Saber version 1.20.0.
Difficulty File (v2)
Each Difficulty Beatmap contains a corresponding file which defines the notes, obstacles, events, and other objects for that particular difficulty.
Credits
The content on this page was authored by Caeden117 and Bullet with help from Kival Evan, GalaxyMaster and McEndu.