Unreal Engine 5 C++: Create Custom Editor Tools from Udemy

Learn everything that you need to know for extending Unreal's editor and create custom menu entries, slate widgets, extend world outliner, register custom icons and much more for boosting your efficiency that your project and your team needs.

In the first part of the course, we’ll focus on the actions to assets and we’ll begin with exploring the existing scripting libraries like UEditorAssetLibrary and UEditirUtilityLibrary in Unreal to help us to achieve some basic quick asset actions.

Then we'll look at how to add in our custom menu entries to help us search and delete unused assets and delete empty folders when we right mouse button click a folder. With the ability like this, we'll then dive into slate and create different slate widgets in a custom editor tab that we registered. We'll also cover how to use EditorUtilityWidgets and create our own algorithms to help us quickly create materials from code.

In the second part of the course, we’re going to use the combination of EditorUtilityWidgets and EditorActorSubsystem to help us achieve actor batch selection, actor batch duplication, and randomize actor transform. Then we’ll use the skills and knowledge we learned to create actor selection lock through extending level editor actor menu, custom editor hot keys and extending world outliner.

After this course, you will be able to create any custom editor tools that you or your team needs for better efficiency when working inside of Unreal.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Extend the existing editor menus through different modules
Explore the existing editor scripting libraries like editorassetlibrary and editorutilitylibrary
Write slate code to build slate widgets for custom editor functionalities
Create a custom editor tab for displaying slate widgets
Create materials and connect pins through code

Create custom editor hot keys to trigger custom functions
Extend content browser menu
Extend actor selection menu
Extend world outliner
Add custom icons as ui elements

Extend the existing editor menus through different modules
Explore the existing editor scripting libraries like editorassetlibrary and editorutilitylibrary
Write slate code to build slate widgets for custom editor functionalities
Create a custom editor tab for displaying slate widgets
Create materials and connect pins through code
Create custom editor hot keys to trigger custom functions
Extend content browser menu
Extend actor selection menu
Extend world outliner
Add custom icons as ui elements

Syllabus

Introduction

Some Common Questions You May Have

Create A C++ Project

How To Get Help?

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to extend the Unreal Engine editor, which allows developers to create custom tools and workflows tailored to their specific project needs

Covers the use of EditorUtilityWidgets and EditorActorSubsystem, which are essential for automating tasks and streamlining the level design process within Unreal Engine

Requires familiarity with C++ programming, as the course focuses on extending Unreal Engine's editor using C++ code, which may be a barrier for visual scripting users

Explores scripting libraries like UEditorAssetLibrary and UEditorUtilityLibrary, which are essential for automating asset management and manipulation tasks within the Unreal Engine editor

Involves creating custom slate widgets, which are used to build user interfaces within the Unreal Engine editor, allowing for the creation of custom tools and panels

Focuses on Unreal Engine 5, so learners should ensure they are using a compatible version of the engine to follow along with the course content and implement the techniques taught

Reviews summary

Create unreal editor tools with c++

According to learners, this course is a highly practical resource for learning how to create custom editor tools in Unreal Engine 5 using C++. Students appreciate how the course fills a niche and covers topics not widely available. They find the instruction clear and step-by-step, enabling them to build useful tools for tasks like asset management and actor manipulation. However, learners note that the course requires prior experience with C++ and Unreal Engine, and it is not suitable for beginners. The section on Slate UI building is often described as challenging and dense, sometimes requiring additional resources. Overall, it's seen as a valuable course for intermediate to advanced developers looking to improve workflow efficiency.

Instructor clarifies complex concepts step-by-step.

"The instructor explains complex C++ and Unreal Editor concepts clearly."

"The instructor breaks down the process step-by-step."

"Instructor is knowledgeable."

"The code is easy to follow."

Focuses on a specific, needed UE editor skill.

"Good course covering a very specific niche in UE."

"This course fills a gap in official UE documentation."

"Covers a topic not widely taught."

"Learning editor scripting in UE5 C++ is crucial for serious developers."

Learn to create tools that boost workflow efficiency.

"Building custom tools like the asset cleaner and batch duplication was incredibly useful."

"This is exactly what I needed to learn how to extend the editor."

"Learning how to automate tasks in the editor is a huge time saver."

"The practical projects make it easy to see the value. I can already see how this will save me time on my projects."

Slate UI section is challenging and complex.

"The Slate UI section was challenging but well explained."

"The Slate part was a bit dense, and I felt I needed external resources to fully grasp it."

"The Slate part was the most difficult..."

"The Slate UI building is challenging but rewarding."

Not for beginners; assumes C++ and UE knowledge.

"Prerequisites are necessary (basic C++ and UE experience)."

"definitely not for beginners. The C++ concepts and Unreal Engine's architecture are quite advanced."

"assumes a higher level of C++ and UE editor scripting familiarity than I had."

"Good if you already have a strong foundation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Unreal Engine 5 C++: Create Custom Editor Tools with these activities:

Review C++ Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of C++ syntax, classes, and object-oriented programming principles before diving into Unreal Engine's C++ API.

Browse courses on C++ Programming

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Review online tutorials or documentation on C++ basics.
Practice writing simple C++ programs to reinforce concepts.
Focus on topics like pointers, classes, and inheritance.

Review 'Game Development with Unreal Engine'

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Gain a broader understanding of Unreal Engine game development to contextualize your custom editor tool creation efforts.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to editor scripting and asset management.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Consider how these concepts apply to your custom editor tools.

Review 'Unreal Engine 5 C++ Cookbook'

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Explore practical C++ solutions for Unreal Engine 5 to enhance your understanding of editor tool creation.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Browse the table of contents to identify relevant recipes.
Study the code examples and explanations for each recipe.
Experiment with adapting the recipes to your own projects.

Four other activities

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Build a Custom Editor Widget

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Design and implement a custom editor widget to gain hands-on experience with Slate and editor UI development.

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Plan the functionality and layout of your widget.
Write the Slate code to create the widget's UI.
Integrate the widget into the Unreal Editor.
Test the widget and refine its functionality.

Create a Custom Asset Importer

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Develop a custom asset importer to solidify your understanding of editor scripting and asset management within Unreal Engine.

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Define the asset type you want to import.
Research the Unreal Engine API for asset importing.
Implement the importer using C++ and editor scripting.
Test the importer with various asset files.

Document Your Custom Editor Tools

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Create documentation for your custom editor tools to reinforce your understanding and share your knowledge with others.

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Write a user guide explaining how to use the tools.
Create a video tutorial demonstrating the tools in action.
Publish your documentation on a platform like GitHub or a personal website.

Contribute to an Unreal Engine Plugin

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Contribute to an open-source Unreal Engine plugin to gain experience working with a larger codebase and collaborating with other developers.

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Find an open-source Unreal Engine plugin project on GitHub.
Identify a bug or feature you can contribute.
Fork the repository and make your changes.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Unreal Engine 5 C++: Create Custom Editor Tools will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Tools Programmer

A Tools Programmer develops and maintains tools that streamline the content creation pipeline for game developers and artists. This course helps build a strong foundation in creating custom editor tools within Unreal Engine 5, directly aligning with the responsibilities of a Tools Programmer. The course's coverage of extending editor menus, scripting libraries, and creating custom slate widgets helps you build custom interfaces and tools. Learning about EditorUtilityWidgets and EditorActorSubsystem will be beneficial for actor batch processing and manipulation, common tasks for a Tools Programmer. This course goes in depth with creating custom editor tools, which makes it a strong choice for those seeking to become a Tools Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tools Programmer

Unreal Engine Developer

An Unreal Engine Developer works with the Unreal Engine to create games or other interactive experiences. The skills taught in this course directly translate to improved efficiency and customization within the Unreal Engine development workflow, making it a strong companion. Understanding how to extend the editor through custom menu entries and slate widgets allows for bespoke tools tailored to specific project needs. Improving your capabilities with EditorUtilityWidgets, and EditorActorSubsystem is a great way to improve your workflow, and this course emphasizes these. If you wish to become an Unreal Engine Developer, consider that this course is a great way to make your work pipeline run smoothly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Unreal Engine Developer

Technical Artist

A Technical Artist bridges the gap between artists and programmers, creating tools and workflows that empower artists to achieve their creative vision within technical constraints. This course is well-aligned with the role, particularly its focus on extending the Unreal Editor and creating custom tools. The course teaches how to create materials and connect pins through code, extend content browser menus, and add custom icons, all of which directly helps a Technical Artist build bespoke tools. If you want to be a Technical Artist, this particular course offers the specific skillset to tailor Unreal Engine 5's editor to your needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Generalist Programmer

A Generalist Programmer engages with a variety of aspects of software development, rather than specializing in a single area. This course may be useful for creating automated tests and scripts. A Generalist Programmer can leverage the C++ knowledge and apply it to a broad swathe of tasks. With the ability to learn how to add custom icons, create materials, creating custom editor hotkeys, and extending the content browser menu, you can expand your knowledge for your role as a Generalist Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Generalist Programmer

Gameplay Programmer

A Gameplay Programmer focuses on implementing game mechanics, player interactions, and AI systems within a game engine. While not directly focused on gameplay code, this course is synergistic, as it teaches how to create custom editor tools to streamline the development process. The ability to extend editor menus, automate asset actions, and create custom slate widgets greatly assists in rapid prototyping and iteration. A Gameplay Programmer focused on efficiency and workflow would benefit from this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gameplay Programmer

Virtual Production Specialist

A Virtual Production Specialist uses real-time rendering and game engine technology to create visual effects and environments for film, television, and other media. This course may be useful because the ability to customize the Unreal Engine editor is highly valuable in virtual production workflows. This course provides the skills needed to create custom tools for asset management, scene manipulation, and visual effects creation. This course can make you into a strong Virtual Production Specialist overall.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Production Specialist

Simulation Developer

A Simulation Developer creates realistic and interactive simulations for training, research, or entertainment purposes. This course may be helpful in this role because the ability to extend the Unreal Engine editor and create custom tools can be used to tailor the simulation environment to specific needs. Creating custom tools for asset manipulation, data visualization, and user interface design aids a Simulation Developer. Consider this course if your goal is to become a Simulation Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Developer

XR Developer

An XR Developer creates augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality experiences. The ability to customize the Unreal Engine editor is valuable for XR development. This course may be useful because creating custom tools for interaction design, user interface development, and performance optimization is beneficial. The course's focus on slate widgets and editor extensions can be leveraged to create immersive XR experiences. Consider this course on your path to becoming an XR Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for XR Developer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. While this course focuses on a specific application (Unreal Engine editor customization), it is useful because it reinforces general programming principles and software development practices. The course's coverage of C++, modules, delegates, and UI development is transferable to other software engineering domains. This course may be a good choice for those that wish to become Software Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

UI Developer

A User Interface Developer specializes in creating interactive and visually appealing user interfaces for software applications and websites. This course may be useful because, while focused on Unreal Engine editor customization, it contains a section on creating Slate widgets, which are UI elements for the Unreal Engine. The course helps you build skills useful for UI development tasks. If you wish to become a UI Developer, this course may provide a boost.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI Developer

Application Developer

An Application Developer designs, develops, and tests software applications for various platforms, such as desktop, web, and mobile. While this course concentrates on editor customization, it may prove useful because it reinforces programming skills and software development concepts. The course's coverage of C++, modules, and UI development can be applied to application development projects. Consider this course on your path to becoming an Application Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Quality Assurance Tester

A Quality Assurance Tester is responsible for testing software and systems to identify defects and ensure quality standards are met. This course may be useful in this role because understanding how to extend and customize the Unreal Engine can aid in creating automated testing tools and scripts. A Quality Assurance Tester can leverage the knowledge gained to create custom testing workflows. Consider this course if you want to be a Quality Assurance Tester.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing games, software, or other interactive experiences. This course may be useful to a Project Manager because a deeper understanding of the engine and editor can allow for managing team members using the engine. A Project Manager can use the skills gained to organize team members to improve the efficiency of the workflow. Consider this course on your journey to becoming a Project Manager.

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Educator

An Educator creates games, software, or other interactive experiences for educational settings. This course may be useful to an Educator because a deeper understanding of the engine and editor can allow for modification of a game to fit the specific needs of a classroom. An educator can leverage the skills gained by building custom tools, which can be useful for presenting material. Consider this course on your journey to becoming an Educator.

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Digital Artist

A Digital Artist creates 2D and 3D art for use with various media. This course may be useful to a Digital Artist because a deeper understanding of the engine and editor can allow for improved efficiency of assets. Digital Artists can leverage the skills gained by learning how to automate asset creation. Consider this course on your path to becoming a Digital Artist.

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Unreal Engine 5 C++

Create Custom Editor Tools

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Create unreal editor tools with c++

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