Overview
A Replicator object allows you to instance an object, visual, entity or group of assets, allowing them to be copied, modified, and spawned simultaneously.
This guide covers what replicators are and how to use them.
How a Replicator Are Used
When added to the a replicator, any attached assets will be instanced trough that replica, controlling how they appear and are placed on a map. Any change made to the parent replicator will reflect in all its children, regardless of how many there are or where they are on the map.
This can be a useful tool when you are placing large amounts of objects that you may want to make changes to later.
Most often, Replicators are used along with a Randomizer to create things such as small campsites full of randomized objects, sets of random rocks that can be easily placed, or sets of random-looking farms for quick creation of neutral towns.
Randomizers are basically a time-saving method that allows you to place and modify sets of content quickly without having to go in and place/modify each object individually.
How a Replicator Works
A replicator can be attached to either a single object or a group of objects, and can be associated with a transformer. For more information on groups and transformers, see: Groups and Transformers
The content attached to a replicator is referred to as a Replica, and is reflected in the Scenario Tree.
Replicators work by referencing a Template where an element is stored.
If anything changes in the parent Template, all Replicas beneath it will be affected by that change. For example, removing a prop.
When selected, the Replica itself will be selected instead of it's individual elements.
Workflow Tip
Sets or vignettes are commonly used under a replicator. This allows for quick iteration and the adding of random Elements and random Transforms to the group.
Create a Replicator
To add a replicator to map, select Replicator in the Object Browser and Drag it onto your map.
When you first place the Replicator, it will be empty, and you must add Replicas to it to populate it.
Add a Replica to a Replicator
To add a replica to your replicator, find your Replicator in the Scenario Tree and Right-Click on it.
Then select +Add.
The new Replica will now appear under your Replicator.
Add an Asset to the Template
To add an asset to your template, use the Object Browser to find the asset you wish to add.
Then, drag that asset onto the Template in the Scenario Tree.
The asset will now be attached to the Replica, and will move with the Replica when you reposition it.
Important: Check Position
Make sure the position of your transformer is set to 0,0,0.
This is important because this asset will act as the parent of all assets added to it. A transformer that is not set to 0,0,0 will result in offset replicas.
Saving a Replicator
A replicator cannot be saved on it's own, as once created it becomes part of the map.
If you wish to save a replicator you created so you can use it in other maps, you need to save it under a Palette.
Once saved, the Palette will be accessible through the Object Browser.
- Workflow Tip: We suggest you remove any Replicas from the Replicator before saving them on a Palette to avoid unwanted Replicas on a different map.
Using a Saved Replicator
Saved replicators can be added to a map in the same way other assets are from the Object Browser.
