How to Get the Pre-Game and In-Game Editor in Football Manager 2026

Step-by-step guide on how to download and use the Pre-Game and In-Game Editor in Football Manager 2026. Learn where to find them, how much they cost,

Learn how to download, install, and use the FM26 Editors to unlock full creative control over your saves.

Unlock Every Hidden Detail in FM26 with the Official Editors

Want to create your own Football Manager universe? The Pre-Game and In-Game Editors are the ultimate tools for anyone who loves tweaking databases, creating custom saves, or experimenting with player attributes. In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through how to get both editors for Football Manager 2026 – where to find them, how much they cost, and how to use them safely.

What Are the Football Manager Editors?

There are two official editors made by Sports Interactive – the Pre-Game Editor and the In-Game Editor. Each one gives you different powers to customise your FM experience:

Pre-Game Editor (Free Tool)

The Pre-Game Editor lets you change the Football Manager 2026 database before starting a new save. You can edit player attributes, reputations, finances, kits, stadiums, or even create brand-new clubs and leagues. Once your changes are done, you can save your custom database and start a new game using it.

In-Game Editor (Paid DLC)

The In-Game Editor is purchased separately from Steam or Epic Games Store. It allows you to make live changes while playing – from boosting attributes and morale to moving players between clubs or editing finances instantly. Perfect for testing tactics or fixing something that shouldn’t have happened in your save.

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How to Get the Pre-Game Editor for Football Manager 2026

Step-by-Step (Steam)

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. In the search bar, type Football Manager 26 Pre-Game Editor.
3. Click on it and press Install – it’s completely free.
4. Once installed, open it from your Steam Library like a regular game.

Tip: If you can’t find it, make sure you’ve enabled “Tools” under the Library filter. The editor usually installs in the same folder as your main Football Manager 2026 files.

Where to Find It on Epic Games Store

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Search for Football Manager 2026 Editor.
3. Add it to your library and install it – again, free of charge.

The Pre-Game Editor is only available on PC or Mac. Unfortunately, console versions of Football Manager don’t support editing tools.

How to Get the In-Game Editor for Football Manager 2026

The In-Game Editor is sold as optional downloadable content (DLC). It’s not included with the base game but can be easily added via Steam or Epic.

How to Buy and Install (Steam)

1. Open your Steam Library and select Football Manager 2026.
2. On the game page, scroll down to the DLC section.
3. Find Football Manager 2026 In-Game Editor and click Add to Cart.
4. Complete your purchase and download it automatically.

After installation, you’ll see the option to enable the In-Game Editor from the game’s main menu.

How to Enable It in Game

1. Launch Football Manager 2026.
2. Start a new carrer → Advanced.
3. Scroll down and tick “Enable In-Game Editor”.
4. Click Confirm and restart the game if necessary.

You can now access it by clicking the small pencil icon on a player, staff, or club screen during your save.

What You Can Do With Each Editor

Feature	Pre-Game Editor	In-Game Editor
Edit player attributes	✅	✅
Create or delete clubs/leagues	✅	❌
Edit finances and budgets	✅	✅
Edit contracts live during save	❌	✅
Create custom nations and competitions	✅	❌

Pro Tips for Using the Editors

• Always back up your saves. Mistakes in editing can corrupt files or cause instability.
• Use the editor ethically if you want to preserve the challenge. Editing morale or fitness mid-match can ruin the immersion.
• Combine with custom databases. Create lower-league rebuilds, fantasy nations, or historical saves using the Pre-Game Editor before starting a career.
• Verify files on Steam if the editor fails to load or crashes – this usually fixes most issues.

Where Are the Editor Files Located?

By default, the Football Manager 2026 Editor files install here:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Football Manager 2026 Editor

And your edited databases are usually saved under:

Documents\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2026\editor data

When you start a new save, make sure to tick your new database file under “Database Version” in the setup screen.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Editor won’t open: Update to the latest version of FM26 or verify game files on Steam.
• Missing database: Ensure you’ve saved your edited database in the correct “editor data” folder.
• DLC not showing: Restart both Steam and Football Manager, then check that the In-Game Editor is ticked in the DLC section.

Final Thoughts

The Football Manager 2026 editors are the ultimate sandbox tools for creative managers. Whether you want to create your own club, test future wonderkids, or tweak realism, the Pre-Game and In-Game Editors make it possible. Used wisely, they’ll turn your FM experience into something truly unique.

Once you’ve installed them, check out our other guides on how to get FM26 at the best price and unique save ideas for your next career.

FM26 Editors - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FM26 Pre-Game Editor free?
Yes - the Pre-Game Editor is a free tool on both Steam and Epic. You just install it from your library and you’re set.

Where do I download the Pre-Game Editor?
On Steam search for “Football Manager 2026 Editor” in your Library and install it. On Epic search the Store, add to Library and install.

How do I install the Pre-Game Editor on Steam?
Library → search “Football Manager 2026 Editor” → Install. If you don’t see it, enable the Tools filter in your Library.

How do I buy and enable the In-Game Editor?
Buy it as DLC on your FM26 store page (Steam or Epic). Then in game go to Preferences → Advanced → Interface → tick “Enable In-Game Editor”. Restart if prompted.

Does the In-Game Editor work on console?
No - editors are available on PC and Mac only. Console editions do not support editing tools.

Can I edit an existing save with the Pre-Game Editor?
No - the Pre-Game Editor only edits the database before you start a new career. To edit an existing save you need the In-Game Editor.

Where do I put my edited databases or downloaded editor data?
Save or place files in Documents → Sports Interactive → Football Manager 2026 → editor data. Tick them on the New Game setup screen.

I bought the In-Game Editor but it’s not showing up - what now?
Restart Steam or Epic and FM26, then check Preferences → Interface to ensure “Enable In-Game Editor” is ticked. If it still fails, verify game files.

Will using the editors break my save?
They’re safe when used correctly, but extreme or conflicting edits can cause issues. Always back up your saves before major edits.

How much does the In-Game Editor cost?
It’s paid DLC and the price varies by region and store. Check your Steam or Epic listing for current pricing.