This guide provides instructions on navigating Unreal Engine 5, highlighting key windows like the Viewport, Content Browser, and Details Panel. The Viewport is where users can view and edit the game world, the Content Browser manages project assets, and the Details Panel displays selected object details. Additionally, it explains viewport navigation controls for movement and camera adjustments, offering insights on how to interact effectively within the Unreal Engine 5 environment.
As you open UE5, you will notice there are several different windows available to view. Below I will explain what each one is and how they are used.
The viewport takes up the largest portion of the screen (Highlighted yellow in the image below). This is where users can see the playspace (Gameworld).
This is where we can view and edit the game world you are creating. Go here if you would like to see how to navigate in this space.
The Content Browser is the primary area of the Unreal Editor for creating, importing, organizing, viewing, and managing content Assets within your Unreal project. You can also use it to manage content folders and perform specific Asset operations, such as: Browse to and interact with all of the Assets in your project. It is important to keep this area clean and organised. Any new content brought in for example a 3d model can be found here.
The details Panel to the right of the screen displays the details of whatever is selected. For example in the image below I selected SM_ChamberCube13 from the viewport. Now the details for this object is now displayed in the details panel.
This can change depending on what is selected, for example
a 3d model can have different options in comparison to a Point light
Change the location/rotation/scale of the selected object
Change the material
Edit Object collisions
Change the static mesh
Edit physics/post processing/lighting
If the object selected is a blueprint many details can be edited here
The Outliner Displays everything that has been placed in the viewport (Game world)
Since the viewport is showcasing a 3D space, there are various controls
available to accommodate different types of movement.
Whilst holding Right mouse button:
Move the mouse from left and right to rotate from its current pivot point
Move the mouse up and down to look up and down from its current point
Whilst holding the Left Mouse Button:
Move the mouse from left to right to rotate from its current pivot point
Move the mouse up and down to move forwards and backwards
Scroll the mouse wheel forwards and backwards to move forward and backwards in small increments
Hold the Middle Mouse button and move the mouse to move the camera up/down and to move left and right
Hold ALT & Left mouse button + move the mouse to rotate around the center point of the screen
Hold ALT & Right mouse button + Move the mouse to move forward and backwards smoothly
Hold Right Mouse button & move the WASD keys to move the camera in free space