Can I use Slate to build my own desktop application?

Development Programming & Scripting UI
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1

I am asking this question just out of curiosity. Besides of building games with Unreal Engine I am considering to build some cross platform applications. I think Slate as a cross platform UI would be one option for me. Can I use it for building my own desktop application (something with UI like Unreal Editor)? If yes, does the 5% royalties apply in this case?

2

Hi ,

This question was somewhat answered in another topic about using the Slate UI for something other than game development. Link to the topic here..

To get access to the Slate UI you would still need to subscribe to download the engine. The same would apply to once you’ve released your product with the 5% royalty.

Thanks!

Tim

3

Some info for people coming to this topic nowadays

1. This can be done, and has been done already

Here you can find examples in the form of source code :

Unreal Insights
https://github.com/EpicGames/UnrealEngine/tree/release/Engine/Source/Programs/UnrealInsights

lpestl/UnrealSlateAppTemplate


2. Software distribution is highly limited

From my understanding, the use of slate for standalone applications falls under the Engine Tools section of the Unreal Engine EULA.
AS OF WRITING THIS, it states the following :

d. Restrictions on Engine Tools
If your Product includes Engine Tools, you may only Distribute it through either the Fab Marketplace, the Unreal Engine Marketplace or through a fork of Epic’s GitHub UnrealEngine Network. “Engine Tools” means the (i) editors and other tools included in the Engine Code; (ii) any code and modules in either the Developer or Editor folders, including in object code format, whether statically or dynamically linked; and (iii) other software that may be used to develop standalone products based on the Licensed Technology.

TL;DR

“If your Product includes Engine Tools, you may only Distribute it through either the Fab Marketplace, the Unreal Engine Marketplace or through a fork of Epic’s GitHub UnrealEngine Network.”

"“Engine Tools” means […]; and (iii) other software that may be used to develop standalone products based on the Licensed Technology.”