> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kouch.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kouch.dev/emulators/emulators.md).

# Emulators

How Kouch works with your emulators, and what an emulator profile is.

Kouch doesn't emulate anything itself. It starts **your emulators**, the programs that actually run the games, and sets them up so every controller, save and setting just works.

Kouch never includes an emulator. You add each one, either one you already have, or one Kouch installs for you from the emulator's own official releases.

## Emulator profiles

Kouch learns about an emulator from its **profile**: a small `.kod` file that says

* **which systems** it plays, and which game files;
* **where the emulator is**, or where its official releases are, so Kouch can install and update it, with a part for each operating system (one `.kod` can serve Windows and the Steam Deck);
* **its own online home**, optionally, so you can get newer copies of the profile;
* **how to start a game** with it, and how to close it cleanly;
* **its keyboard shortcuts** for save state, load state, reset and screenshots, which the Quick Menu uses;
* **which of its players get controllers and motion**, and how the emulator reads them from Kouch;
* **where it keeps saves and settings**, so Kouch can point it at your Emulation folder;
* **which of its settings** you can change per game, such as resolution;
* optionally, how it loads **mods** and plays **online**.

A profile is only a description. It can't run anything on your PC, and Kouch shows you what it does before you import it. Anyone can write one. See [Write an emulator profile](/for-creators/creators/emulator-profiles.md).

## In this chapter

* [Add an emulator](/emulators/emulators/add-an-emulator.md): import a `.kod` file or link, or add one by hand.
* [Your own system files](/emulators/emulators/system-files.md): for emulators that need files from your own console.
* [Manage emulators](/emulators/emulators/manage-emulators.md): update, roll back, change settings, restore, remove.
* [Downloads](/emulators/emulators/downloads.md): the install and update queue.
* [Back up and restore](/emulators/emulators/backup.md): pack your emulators, saves and settings into one `.kod` file.


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