Select Editing Mode

In Unreal Engine, Select Editing Mode is the default mode that allows you to choose, move, and manage objects (Actors) in your level. It is one of the most frequently used modes and is essential for placing and organizing everything in your project. This guide will explain step-by-step how to use Select Editing Mode.

Step 1: Understanding Select Editing Mode

• This mode is used to select and manipulate Actors at your level.
• It allows you to move, rotate, and scale objects to position them correctly.
• You can also access an Actor’s properties using this mode.

Step 2: Activating Select Editing Mode

1. Open your Unreal Engine project.
2. Look at the Modes Toolbar at the top of the editor.
3. Click on the Select button (it looks like an arrow).
   • Alternatively, press the W key on your keyboard to quickly switch to this mode.

Step 3: Selecting Actors

• Click on an Actor in the Viewport to select it.
• The selected Actor will be highlighted, and a transform gizmo (arrows, circles, or boxes) will appear.

Step 4: Using the Transform Gizmo

• Use the gizmo to adjust the Actor:
  • Move Tool: Click and drag the arrows to move the object. (Shortcut: W)
  • Rotate Tool: Click and drag the curved lines to rotate the object. (Shortcut: E)
  • Scale Tool: Click and drag the boxes to resize the object. (Shortcut: R)

Step 5: Selecting Multiple Actors

• Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking on multiple Actors to select them.
• You can also drag a box around multiple objects to select them all.

Step 6: Deselecting Actors

• Click anywhere in the empty space of the Viewport to deselect all objects.
• You can also press Escape (Esc) to clear the selection.

Step 7: Adjusting Actor Properties

• With an Actor selected, go to the Details Panel on the right side of the screen.
• Here, you can change settings like location, materials, or behavior of the selected object.

Step 8: Switching Back to Select Mode

• If you switch to another mode (e.g., Landscape or Foliage), you can always return to Select Editing Mode by clicking the arrow icon or pressing W.

Tips for Using Select Editing Mode

• Snap Settings: Use snapping tools to align objects perfectly.
  • Grid snapping: Align objects to a grid for precision.
  • Rotation snapping: Rotate objects at fixed angles.
  • Scale snapping: Resize objects in equal steps.
• Lock Actors: Prevent accidental changes by locking certain Actors.

Select Editing Mode is a fundamental tool in Unreal Engine. By mastering it, you can easily organize and manipulate objects in your level to bring your vision to life.