05 XForm tools in modeling menu of Unreal Engine 5 6

Project Setup

• Started a new project called modeling practice.

• Set up a new empty level and saved it under Maps > modeling_practice.

• Added atmospheric lighting using Environment Light Mixer and organized it under an Atmosphere folder.

• Enabled the Modeling Tools Editor Mode plugin.

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🔹 Coordinate System & Pivot Points

• Explained world space (X, Y, Z) vs. pivot points in 3D models.

• Created 3 arrows with pivot set to base, center, and top respectively.

• Demonstrated how pivot position affects object placement and rotation.

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🔹 Transform Tool Modes

1. Shared Gizmo (World Space)

   • Moves or rotates multiple objects together using a central gizmo.

2. Shared Gizmo Local

   • Rotates or scales each object around its own pivot point.

3. Multi Gizmo

   • Lets you move, rotate, or scale each object independently.

4. Set Pivot Mode

   • Temporarily moves the pivot to a custom position during multi-object transforms.

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🔹 Snap Dragging

• Enabled snap dragging to precisely align and snap objects to each other.

• Can snap by pivot point or clicked point.

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🔹 Align Tool

• Align objects based on:

  • Z-axis, X-axis, or Y-axis

  • First selected, Last selected, or Combined center

  • Alignment by bounding box or pivot point

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🔹 Merge Tool

• Combined two arrows into a two-headed arrow using the Merge function.

• Options include:

  • Output type: Static, Dynamic, or Volume

  • Keep/delete inputs

  • Save as named output mesh

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🔹 Instance vs Duplicate

• Alt + Drag creates instances – editing one updates all.

• XForm > Duplicate creates independent copy with custom name, type, and keep/delete options.

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🔹 Edit Pivot Point

• Used Edit Pivot to reposition pivot after object creation (top, bottom, center, etc.).

• Essential for correct rotation, snapping, and alignment.

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🔹 Bake Transform

• Used to reset translation, rotation, and scale values to 0 and 1.

• Ensures objects load with the correct default orientation and size.

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🔹 Arrow Set Creation

• Created directional arrows: North, East, South, West.

• Rotated and baked transforms so that each arrow maintains its direction even after transform reset.

• Scaled all arrows to 0.1 and baked again to make 0.1 their default size.

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🔹 Convert & Cleanup

• Converted static meshes (arrows) to dynamic meshes to remove from disk.

• Deleted static versions from the content drawer without affecting level instances.

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✅ Conclusion

• Completed all core functions under XForm (Transform & Convert):

  • Transform, Align, Merge, Duplicate, Edit Pivot, Bake Transform, Convert

• Set up for next session:

  • Pattern, Split, Transfer, Harvest Instances, ISM Editor