DataSmith Direct Link: SketchUp Model Sync Fails in Packaged Custom UE5 Program (Delta Messages Dropped)

General Feedback & Requests
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Solution/Workaround Found:
Based on our investigation, we’ve determined that the functionality within Datasmith Runtime itself is not faulty. The issue preventing proper operation in packaged builds stems from two root causes:

  1. Missing Module References: Essential modules (Messaging, Networking, UdpMessaging) were not properly referenced. This requires adding references to both the project’s Build.cs file and the .uproject file. Ensuring these references are in place guarantees that models load correctly after packaging when the program links with external software like SketchUp or 3ds Max.
  2. UDP Communication Disabled in Packaged Builds: Packaged builds appear to disable UDP communication by default. To resolve this, force-enable communication when launching the .exe by appending the -Messaging command-line argument. This can be achieved by:
  • Launching the executable directly via the command prompt (CMD) with the argument.
  • Creating a batch (.bat) file that includes the argument.
  • Developing a Python-based launcher script.
    While I’m not entirely certain if this precisely identifies the fundamental root cause, implementing these steps has successfully enabled the packaged Datasmith Runtime application to function as intended. It now correctly synchronizes via Direct Link and loads models from software like SketchUp and 3ds Max.
    I hope this information proves helpful to others encountering the same issue.