How to Open the ENB Menu in FiveM: Hotkeys, Config Files, and Mod Setup

by Liam Thompson
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FiveM takes Grand Theft Auto V to another level, allowing players to join custom multiplayer servers packed with unique scripts, vehicles, maps, and visual enhancements. Among the most popular visual upgrades is ENB, a powerful graphics modification tool that enhances lighting, reflections, shadows, and overall atmosphere. However, many players install ENB only to discover they cannot open the ENB menu. Understanding how to access it — and how to fix issues when it does not appear — is key to fine-tuning your FiveM visuals.

TLDR: To open the ENB menu in FiveM, press Shift + Enter by default. If it does not work, check the enblocal.ini file to confirm or change the key binding. Make sure ENB is correctly installed in your FiveM directory, not just your GTA V folder. Troubleshooting steps like running as administrator or disabling overlays can also resolve common issues.

What Is ENB and Why Use It in FiveM?

ENB Series is a post-processing modification framework created by Boris Vorontsov. It enhances visuals beyond what standard in-game settings allow. In FiveM, ENB can dramatically transform the look of your gameplay by:

  • Improving lighting realism
  • Enhancing reflections and shadows
  • Adding cinematic color grading
  • Introducing advanced ambient occlusion
  • Creating weather-based visual effects

Because FiveM servers often focus on realism (especially RP servers), ENB presets are incredibly popular. But customization is where ENB truly shines — and that requires access to the ENB in-game menu.

Default Hotkey to Open the ENB Menu

The most common and straightforward way to open the ENB menu in FiveM is by pressing:

Shift + Enter

This is the default hotkey for nearly all ENB installations. When pressed in-game, a configuration overlay should appear, allowing you to adjust:

  • Bloom settings
  • Ambient occlusion
  • Depth of field
  • Color correction
  • Reflection intensity

Once the menu appears, you can toggle effects in real time and see changes instantly. This makes ENB extremely powerful for visual fine-tuning.

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What If Shift + Enter Does Not Work?

If pressing Shift + Enter does nothing, there are several possible reasons:

  • The hotkey was changed in the configuration file
  • ENB is not installed in the correct folder
  • Another program is interfering with the key combination
  • The ENB version is incompatible

Fortunately, each of these problems has a solution.

Checking and Changing the ENB Hotkey in Config Files

If the default keybind does not work, your next step is checking the enblocal.ini file.

Step 1: Locate the ENB Files

Navigate to your FiveM Application Data folder or the root directory where FiveM loads GTA V files. This is important — if ENB is only installed in the base GTA V directory and not recognized by FiveM, the menu may not load correctly.

You should see files such as:

  • d3d11.dll
  • enblocal.ini
  • enbseries.ini

Step 2: Open enblocal.ini

Open the file using Notepad or another text editor. Look for the section labeled:

[INPUT]

You should see entries similar to:

  • KeyEditor=13
  • KeyCombination=16

Understanding the Key Codes

These numbers represent keyboard keys. For example:

  • 13 = Enter
  • 16 = Shift

If you want to change the hotkey to something else (for example, F10), you would replace the value with the correct key code.

After making changes:

  • Save the file
  • Restart FiveM
  • Test the new keybinding

Proper ENB Installation for FiveM

One of the biggest mistakes players make is installing ENB only in the GTA V directory while running FiveM separately. FiveM may not always reference the same files, depending on setup.

To ensure proper installation:

  1. Download the correct ENB version compatible with your GTA V build.
  2. Copy required files (usually d3d11.dll and configuration files).
  3. Paste them into the correct FiveM directory.
  4. Launch FiveM and test the hotkey.

Important Notes

  • Do not mix multiple ENB versions.
  • Remove old shader files before installing a new preset.
  • Some servers restrict certain visual modifications.

Always verify server rules before using visual mods in competitive or roleplay environments.

Troubleshooting Common ENB Menu Issues

1. The Game Minimizes When Pressing the Hotkey

Some overlays (Discord, NVIDIA ShadowPlay, Steam overlay) may conflict with ENB controls. Try disabling them and relaunching the game.

2. Run as Administrator

Sometimes ENB requires administrative privileges to function correctly. Try:

  • Right-clicking on FiveM
  • Selecting Run as Administrator

3. Keyboard Layout Issues

If you use an international keyboard layout, key codes may not register correctly. Switching to a standard English layout can sometimes fix the issue.

4. ENB Not Loading at All

A quick way to check if ENB is active:

  • Look for a small text overlay when launching the game
  • Check for noticeable lighting or color changes

If nothing changes visually, ENB may not be loading properly.

Using the ENB Menu Once Open

Once you successfully open the menu, you unlock powerful control over your graphics. Adjust settings carefully — extreme values can:

  • Lower your FPS
  • Create visual artifacts
  • Cause crashes

Recommended Tweaks for FiveM RP

  • Increase ambient lighting slightly for night scenes
  • Reduce bloom intensity to avoid overexposure
  • Adjust reflection scale for realism
  • Tweak color grading for a cinematic tone
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Saving Your ENB Settings

After adjusting settings, be sure to save your configuration. Most ENB menus include a Save Configuration button.

If you forget to save:

  • Your changes may revert after restarting the game

You can also manually edit enbseries.ini to fine-tune advanced parameters.

Performance Considerations

ENB can be demanding, especially in multiplayer environments where many assets are loading simultaneously. To maintain stable performance:

  • Disable heavy depth of field if FPS drops
  • Lower ambient occlusion quality
  • Adjust shadow quality
  • Test changes in busy city areas

FiveM servers with many custom MLOs (interiors) and scripts can already stress your system. Balance visuals with performance.

Is ENB Allowed on All FiveM Servers?

While ENB is generally considered a visual enhancement and not a cheat, some competitive servers may restrict certain visual modifications. Always:

  • Check server rules
  • Ask admins if unsure
  • Avoid installing shader packs that offer gameplay advantages

Better lighting is usually fine. Removing fog for tactical advantage may not be.

Final Thoughts

Opening the ENB menu in FiveM is typically as simple as pressing Shift + Enter, but when that does not work, understanding the configuration system becomes essential. By learning how to edit the enblocal.ini file, verifying proper installation, and troubleshooting common conflicts, you gain full control over your graphical experience.

ENB transforms FiveM into a cinematic, immersive world — whether you are patrolling as a police officer in RP, cruising through the city at sunset, or capturing dramatic screenshots. With the right setup and a properly working menu, you can fine-tune your game’s visuals to match your exact vision.

Master the hotkeys, configure wisely, and enjoy a beautifully enhanced FiveM experience.

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