> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://core-grip-tech.gitbook.io/core-grip-tech-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://core-grip-tech.gitbook.io/core-grip-tech-docs/material-layout-pro.md).
# Material Layout Pro
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### **1. Installation, Safety & Access**
* **Activate the plugin:** Navigate to **Edit → Plugins** and inside the Plugins tab, search **Material Layout Pro**, and check the checkbox to the left, as shown in the image below.
* **100% Non-Intrusive & Safe:** Material Layout Pro is completely safe to enable, disable, or remove at any point during production. It does **not** inject custom data structures, custom serialized properties, or hidden dependencies into your `.uasset` files. Disabling or deleting the plugin will never corrupt your materials or affect vanilla Unreal Engine projects.
* **How to Open the Panel:** If the interface is closed, minimized, or nowhere to be found, you can open it inside any active Material Editor window by navigating to the top bar menu: **Window → Material Layout Pro**. The panel is fully dockable, allowing you to snap it anywhere within your editor workspace.
***
### **2. The Material Parameters Manager**
The centralized dashboard acts as a sidebar panel for shader data visualization and bulk editing.
#### **Hierarchy & Visual Identification**
* **Smart Categorization:** Automatically groups all modifiable parameters by their current **Group** and **Sort Priority**.
* **Color-Coded Badges:** Each listed parameter displays a colored visual pill on the left indicating its native Slate type (Scalar, Vector, Texture, etc.).
* **Bidirectional Selection Sync:** Selecting parameters in the native Material viewport instantly **highlights** them on the plugin panel, keeping your workflow unified.
#### **Advanced Parameter Optimization (Used vs. Unused)**
* **Unused Detection:** Instantly flags disconnected or redundant parameters cluttering your material data.
* **Granular Cleanup:** Targeted **"Delete Unused"** buttons allow you to clear dead weight at three levels: *Individual Parameters*, *Specific Groups*, or the *Entire Material* at once.
* **Advanced Node Compiling Support:** Full out-of-the-box tracking for `NamedReroute` nodes and specialized native `CustomOutput` expressions (e.g., *Landscape Grass Output*, *Tangent Output*), ensuring they are never falsely marked as unused.
* **MaterialAttributes Safeguard:** Intelligently handles switching pipelines. If a parameter connects to a `MaterialAttributes` graph but the asset currently uses standard inputs (or vice-versa), it won't be flagged as trash. Instead, it is marked as **"Half Used"**.
#### **Bulk Management & Organization**
* **Multi-Selection Layout:** Perform massive batch modifications by selecting multiple parameters at once.
* **Drag-and-Drop Sorting:** Move selected parameters across different groups or instantly modify their numeric sorting layout by dragging rows.
* **Fast Group Assignment:** Inject selected elements into a completely new or existing group using the custom combo dropdown and editable text box.
* **Diagnostic Tooltips:** Hovering elements reveals real-time metadata, including *Parameter Types*, *Unused Parameter Warnings*, and *Duplicate Name/Conflict Alerts* to catch shader bugs early.
***
### **3. Intelligent Comment Nodes**
The plugin overrides native Unreal Engine comment blocks to introduce automated spatial organization.
* **Context-Aware Action Button:** Adds a custom button on the comment title bar that **automatically enables or disables itself** by scanning if valid parameter expressions exist inside its bounding box.
* **One-Click Group Sync:** Clicking the button instantly batch-assigns all parameters inside that specific comment to a Material Group matching the **exact name of the comment's title**.
***
### **4. Interface Shortcuts Matrix**
#### **Navigation & Asset Focus**
* **Double-Click (Row)** → Focus camera and jump directly to the selected node.
* **F / ENTER** → Focus camera and select all graph nodes corresponding to the highlighted rows.
#### **Graph Modifications**
* **F2** → Inline rename the selected parameter expression directly from the panel.
* **DEL** → Delete all highlighted parameter nodes from the Material Graph.
#### **Selection Controls**
* **Click** → Select an individual item.
* **CTRL + Click** → Toggle add/remove an item from the current multi-selection selection.
* **SHIFT + Click** → Select a continuous block of rows from the last clicked item.
* **CTRL + SHIFT + Click** → Add a continuous block of rows to the existing active multi-selection.
#### **Drag & UI Interactions**
* **Drag and Drop** → Reorder highlighted rows' Sort Priority and Group categories.
* **Assign Group \[ + ]** → Execute batch assignment of the typed group name to all selected rows.
* **Hover Colored Pill** → Display parameter type information overlay.
* **Hover Icons & Buttons** → Display dynamic tooltips with extended contextual diagnostic information.
---
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