{{ :ue4_header.jpg |}}
====== Basic Workflow ======

The SpeedTree Modeler, which runs separately from UE4, offers procedural and hand modeling tools that allow both efficiency and precision.\\

>**Note**: SpeedTree 8 for UE4 is compatible only with UE4 4.19 and later.
>**Note**: Files exported by the SpeedTree for UE4 Modeler will only work inside of Ue4 (.ST)
>**Note**: Version 7 of SpeedTree should be used (.srt) if your project is in 4.18 or prior.

===== Purchasing the Modeler =====

SpeedTree 8 for UE4 is available with a subscription that can be purchased here: https://store.speedtree.com/UE4/ The subscription will allow you to edit and create trees. Custom licensing is also available.

Included in the subscription application are these features:

  * [[kcmaterialspbr|Physically Based Rendering Material Workflow]]
  * [[seasons|Seasonal variations]]
  * [[kcmesh_anchors|Mesh Anchors]]
  * [[shape_control|Shape Control]]
  * [[fin_generator|Decoration Generators]]
  * [[windue4| UE4 specific wind]]
  * [[lod|LOD setup]]

===== Free Export Only Mode =====

Log in with a free SpeedTree Store account to export the new SpeedTree samples models to UE4.19.  [[exportonlymode|Export-only mode]] replaces our drop-in ready models on the SpeedTree store with a more flexible approach to bringing SpeedTrees to UE4.

SpeedTree models (.SPM) purchased from the store can be opened, allowing artists to change the seasons, texture, and options before exporting a SpeedTree runtime file (.ST).  Editing and saving are disabled in export only mode.
For the full version of SpeedTree for UE4, simply activate a subscription through the SpeedTree store.


 
===== How Does It Work?=====


SpeedTree 8 for UE4 can open SpeedTree files (.SPM) and export them in a format specific to UE4 (.ST). SpeedTree 8 for UE4 will not export meshes outside of the ".ST" format and is incompatible with other game engines. 

Using the SpeedTree Modeler is a three-step process:

  - **Create or purchase a SpeedTree model:** Whether you use models from our library or create them from scratch using the SpeedTree Modeler, you’ll need a model to get started. Models consist of the SpeedTree files (.SPM) and the textures and component meshes (.OBJ, .FBX) associated with it. 
  - **Export the model as a ".ST" file:** SpeedTree models are [[export_game|exported]] directly into your Ue4 project. SpeedTrees can be exported with up to 3 LODs and a compatible wind for use inside Ue4. Our video tutorial is found here: https://youtu.be/Fc07a5ZcmP0
  - **Import models into UE4:** SpeedTree models are imported into UE4 like any other asset. They come in as a Static Mesh with extra vertex attributes to implement wind and smooth LOD. You can do anything with them that you can do with a Static Mesh inside of UE4. 

>**Note**: For more help with setup in UE4 see https://docs.unrealengine.com/en-US/Engine/Content/SpeedTree/WorkingWithModelsinUE4