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How do you copy all variables in Unreal engine?

Published in Unreal Engine Variables 2 mins read

While copying all variables simultaneously from one object to another isn't a single-click operation universally applicable through the method shown in the provided reference, Unreal Engine does offer quick ways to copy individual variable values between compatible variables. The reference specifically demonstrates a fast shortcut for copying and pasting a single variable's value or properties.

Quick Copy and Paste for Single Variables

The reference shows a method for rapidly copying the value or state of one variable and applying it to another variable of a similar or compatible type within the Unreal Engine editor, often within Blueprints or Details panels. This is particularly useful for duplicating settings across multiple instances or different variables without manually typing values.

Here's the process described in the reference:

  1. Copying a Variable:

    • Locate the variable you want to copy from.
    • Hold down the Shift key.
    • Right-click on the variable. The reference indicates this action copies the variable's data to the clipboard (timestamp 0:03).
  2. Pasting to a Similar Variable:

    • Locate the variable you want to paste the value to. This target variable should typically be of a similar type for the paste operation to be meaningful and successful (e.g., pasting a Float to a Float, a Vector to a Vector, etc.).
    • Hold down the Shift key.
    • Left-click on the target variable. The reference states this action pastes the copied data into the variable (timestamp 1:22).

This shortcut allows developers to quickly propagate settings or values for individual variables throughout their project based on the reference provided.

While this technique is excellent for single variables, copying all variables from, say, one Blueprint Actor to another often involves more complex methods like:

  • Duplicating the entire Actor or Blueprint: Creates a full copy, including all variables and their current values.
  • Using Construction Scripts or Blueprints: Writing logic to manually transfer variable values from one object reference to another.
  • Serialization/Saving & Loading: Saving the state of an object's variables and loading them into another.

However, the quick Shift + Right Click and Shift + Left Click method is a powerful editor shortcut specifically for handling individual variable copies as demonstrated in the provided reference.