The Physics Asset Editor is a tool used for working Physics Assets inside of Unreal Engine 4. This editor allows for the visualization and control over the body and constraint hierarchy associated with a Skeletal Mesh. In this editor, you can create Bodies and Constraints that are used for collision and simulation of your Skeletal Mesh ragdoll.
Please refer to each section below for a breakdown of the Physics Asset Editor user interface:
1. Toolbar
The Toolbar inside the Physics Asset Editor provides you with options for saving any changes made to your Physics Asset or locating it in the Content Browser. You can set a Preview Mesh and / or a Preview Animation for this particular Physics Asset, Create Assets to use with your mesh, Enable / Disable Collision for selected bodies, and use the Simulation settings under the arrow dropdown menu for testing the Physics Assets ragdoll. On the far right of the Toolbar is the Editor Toolbar which enables you to switch between the different Animation Tools in Unreal Engine 4.
2. Skeleton Tree
The Skeleton Tree shows the skeletal hierarchy of the current Skeleton asset and is where you create bodies and constraints.
3. Constraints Graph
The Constraints Graph enables you to have a visual representation of the skeletal hierarchy bodies that are constrained to another body. From this graph, you can create your own constraints by pulling off the main body node (left) and selecting a new body to constrain to or even navigate the skeleton tree by double-clicking the end body to jump down the tree to the next set of bodies and constraints. You can also see which Physical Animation and Constraints Profiles are assigned based on the currently selected one in the Profiles panel.
4. Viewport
The Viewport enables you to preview the changes you make, like the position of the physics bodies. You can also preview a simulation of the bodies as a physics ragdoll. From the Viewport, you can change lighting modes, show or hide the bones, bodies, and constraints of your skeleton, and even set your Skeletal Mesh to automatically rotate around on a turntable allowing you to view it from all angles.
5. Asset Details / Preview Scene Settings
The Details panel, which is similar to the Main Editor panel, is primarily used for modifying the properties of added elements like bodies or constraints. For example, when adding a body or constraint to the Skeleton, clicking on it in the Skeleton Tree or Viewport will populate the Details panel with options related to how the body or constraint functions.
The Preview Scene Settings panel enables you to quickly assess what your assets will look like in multiple environments and light scenarios without having to set up these scenes within your level. Several different settings can be defined and applied from Skeletal Meshes and specified animations to play along with lighting and Post Process effects all within each of the Animation Tools inside of the Editor.
6. Tools and Profiles
The Tools panel displays the options available for selected physics bodies when generating them or choosing to re-generate them. These are the same options available when creating a Physics Asset from the Content Browser. Otherwise, these are the default settings that will be used when a Skeletal Mesh is imported and Create Physics Asset is enabled.
The Profiles panel enables you to create profiles that can be reused for Physical Animations and Constraints. These profiles enable you to set default settings that can be quickly assigned to other bodies or constraints.