More Pages:
3 Spline Tools
Segments
Mesh Def.
Placement
2A Generic BP
2B Gen Examples
1 Railings
Spl. T. Versions
Spline Tools Quick Start
This update provides functions that let you create and save your own spline blueprint quick and easy.
First introduced 25-Jan-2023.
Content:
Spline Tool Nodes - Introduction
Quick Guide and Tutorial Videos
Basic Blueprints
- BP_MoSpline_Amount - amount of meshes
- BP_MoSpline_Auto - fills the spline automatically
- BP_MoSpline_Decals - places decals on the floor
- BP_MoSpline_EqualSize - fills the spline by set size or mesh amount
- BP_MoSpline_Lights - places lights along a spline
- BP_MoSpline_Manual - manual amount and size
- BP_MoSpline_Poles - places bollards, poles by distance
- BP_MoSpline_SplineMesh - places bendable meshes
BP_MoSpline_EqualSize
Example settings in the Details Panel. Other blueprints may have a few different settings.
| > Spline Placements | settings for the spline segment |
| Scale to Fit | scales the mesh so it fills the spline segment over the entire length |
| Division Type | Either to set the mesh length or the amount of meshes |
| Division Amount | Amount of meshes being |
| Division Size | Mesh length / size in spline direction |
| Rotation Along Spline | Rotation relative to spline direction |
| Place at Start | Place a light at the first placement |
| Place at End | Place a light at the end |
| Calculated Distance | Info to check how long the mesh is actually scaled |
| Location Offset Additional Rotation Additional Scale |
Additional mesh transform per spline placement point |
| Transform Type | If the above set transform is random, incremental or standard |
| > Spline Mesh | settings for the mesh |
| Instanced | if using instanced static meshes |
| Static Mesh | the mesh to be placed |
| Material Array | replace mesh materials with this array |
| Overlap | 1.5 will let the meshes overlap by 1.5 -1.5 will create a gap between the meshes |
| Orientation | this is how the mesh will be orientated along the spline. Different from Rotation below. this will affect the scaling direction of the mesh |
| Offset Rotation Scale |
Transform of the mesh relative to its origin |
| > Spline Random | random values |
| New Random Stream | Clicking the tick box will recreate random values |
Spline Tool Nodes - Introduction
Create a Child Blueprint by right clicking BP_MeshesOnSpline_Parent in the Blueprints / V3 folder. This will create a Blueprint Child. Give it a name and save it. Double click to open the new blueprint.Important:All the changes you make in the parent blueprint will travel to all child blueprints. Avoid making any changes to the parent blueprint!
The image shows the most simple blueprint setup. It creates metal fence meshes on the spline as you can see in the image below.
- Construction script from parent blueprint
- The Total Length spline node
- Mesh On Spline definition node
- Spline Placement A Auto placement node.
BP_MoSpline_Auto in Blueprints/V3/Basic does the same.
Quick Guide and Tutorial Videos
An example using the nodes for a very simple blueprint that will auto place and scale a mesh along a spline. You're able to select the spline and adjust the overlap by adding some exposed variables.
Video PlaylistGet Started With Spline Tools
- Right click the blueprint BP_MeshesOnSpline_Parent in the Content Browser and create a Blueprint Child.
- Give it a meaningful name and open it with a double click.
- Open the Construction Script and start adding Spline Tool nodes. They need to be connected to the Parent: Construction Script.
- You'll need Placement nodes, Segment nodes, and Mesh Definition nodes.
I recommend watching some basic tutorials if you haven't worked with Unreal Blueprints or another visual scripting system before. It's easy to understand and you do not need any programming knowledge.
Never make changes to the BP_MeshesOnSpline_Parent blueprint. Always work in a child blueprint.
Spline Node Types
The blueprint parent contains function nodes that can be used in the child blueprint. There are 3 main types of nodes:- Placement placing the mesh along the spline
- Spline Segment divide the spline into segments
- Mesh On Spline define the static meshes
You'll also need a few other blueprint nodes like
- Variable to make changes easier in your blueprint
- Sequence to organize the flow of your nodes
- For Each Loop to divide segments and repeat spline placements
Spline Segment Nodes
Spline Segment Nodes are used to divide the spline.Click on the link below for a list of all nodes and what you can do with them.
Spline Segment Nodes Documentation
Mesh On Spline Definition Nodes
Mesh On Spline nodes define which static mesh should be used. They can also transform the mesh, add random variations, and set materials, or set material parameter values randomly.
Spline Placement Nodes
Spline Placement Nodes are using the information from the Mesh On Spline nodes and place them on the spline segment that has been set by the Spline Segment nodes.
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