> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://akron-cdb9eaf4.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# .akr files and setup state

> Understand Akron setup state, scoped exports, and shareable archive files.

Akron setup state stores options, bindings, StartPos slots, and scoped tool settings for the current play context. `.akr` files are the shareable archive format Akron uses for setup packs and other structured data.

## Setup State

Use separate setup packs for different goals so state-changing tools do not bleed into clean-play or accessibility setups. For most players, the practical choice is the setup pack or overlay section they are importing.

The Akron overlay shows current policy/status state and tool state. It also supports `.akr` import/export for backing up or sharing the whole setup or a scoped section.

| Goal                              | Recommended setup          |
| --------------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Explore Akron safely              | Default setup              |
| Use state-changing room-lab tools | Scoped room-lab setup      |
| Keep clean-run guardrails visible | Clean-run setup            |
| Experiment locally                | Local testing setup        |
| Inspect maps                      | Map inspection setup       |
| Tune presentation and comfort     | Accessibility or HUD setup |

## .akr Files

An `.akr` file is a strict ZIP archive with a manifest and one payload. Current setup packs use a `setup.json` payload, which is the archive entry name for setup data.

```mermaid theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}}
flowchart TD
  archive["example.akr"] --> manifest["manifest.json"]
  archive --> payload["setup.json"]
  manifest --> target["Format and target"]
  payload --> settings["Setup data"]
```

## Scoped Sections

Akron can export and import a whole setup or a focused section:

| Section       | Use it for                                                                                |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `Whole`       | Full setup state plus bindings and slots.                                                 |
| `StartPos`    | Map or room StartPos snapshots.                                                           |
| `Keybinds`    | Button bindings and Akron menu action bindings.                                           |
| `Auto Kill`   | Auto Kill trigger and area settings.                                                      |
| `Auto Deafen` | Auto Deafen trigger, hotkey, and area settings.                                           |
| `Recorder`    | Internal recorder, replay, audio, codec, and trigger settings.                            |
| `Audio`       | Audio speed, pitch, per-sound volumes, and device settings.                               |
| `HUD`         | HUD widgets, labels, input displays, resource bars, counters, and HUD presentation state. |

Scoped imports merge only the selected section into the current active settings. Unrelated settings are not affected.

## Sharing Guidance

* Export only the section needed by the recipient.
* Prefer scoped StartPos, Auto Kill, Auto Deafen, Recorder, or Audio packs over whole setup packs for map-specific sharing.
* Keep a backup export before importing community packs.
* Treat imported attempt-changing options as policy-visible when used.

See [Import and export .akr packs](/akr-packs/import-export) for the workflow and [Akron .akr archives](/reference/akr-archives) for the reference contract.