Congratulations on installing custom firmware on your 3DS! Now that your device has been set up, you may be wondering how to actually use the applications that you've installed. This page serves as a landing page for the tutorials associated with each application.
Running homebrew on your device
Homebrew on the 3DS comes in two main formats: CIA and 3DSX.
- CIA format homebrew is installed with FBI and will end up on HOME Menu as a launchable title.
- 3DSX format homebrew is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the "3ds" (NOT Nintendo 3DS) folder and can only be launched from Homebrew Launcher.
No format is inherently better than the other - it just depends on how you want to launch your homebrew. If you'd prefer your application on HOME Menu, CIA format is the way to go. Otherwise, 3DSX is probably better.
There is also NDS format homebrew, which can only be used with TWiLightMenu++/nds-bootstrap and can be installed by placing the NDS file in a place that TWiLightMenu++ is able to find (e.g. /rom/nds). This format of homebrew is also compatible with the DSi and with DS flashcarts.
FBI (CIA installer)
FBI is an application that can install CIA files. To use it:
- Place your .cia file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a "cias" folder for organizational purposes.)
- Open the FBI application
- Navigate to SD Card -> (wherever you put the .cia file)
- Hit "Install and delete CIA"
- The CIA file itself does not need to be kept after it is installed, hence "install and delete"
- Wait for the CIA to install
Anemone3DS (Theme manager)
Anemone3DS is an application that can install custom themes to your HOME Menu. For more information on how to use it, see 3DS:Custom themes.
Checkpoint (Save manager)
Checkpoint is an application that can back up and restore game save data. For more information on how to use it, see 3DS:Export saves.
ftpd (FTP server)
ftpd is an application that allows you to transfer files to your 3DS wirelessly via FTP. For more information on how to use it, see 3DS:FTP.
Universal-Updater (Homebrew app store)
Universal-Updater is an application that can install homebrew applications without needing a computer. (WIP: Usage guide required.)
GodMode9 (File manager)
GodMode9 is an application that can manage files and just generally modify the contents of your 3DS. For more information on some of the things that it can do, see 3DS:GodMode9/Usage and 3DS:Dump titles and game cartridges.
Further suggestions
The applications installed on the guide are meant to give you an idea of some of the things that can be done with homebrew software. If there are any other things you'd like to try out, check out 3DS:Things to do for some suggestions.