How to install plugins from Github?

I’m new to unreal, transitioning from Unity, and I’ve installed Unreal 4.24 from the launcher. I tried building from source too but somehow it was taking forever with “GenerateProjectFiles.bat” process.

I wanted to install this plugin from Github. From what I read and understood, I just downloaded the zip, and placed the plugin in the Plugins folder in my project directory, as well as engine directory. After that, the plugin even shows up in the Plugins window in the editor. But when I enable the plugin, which prompts the restart of the editor, the project doesn’t compile anymore, and prompts to “rebuilding from source directly”. And as you may have guessed, the project doesn’t build from the source as well.

Also, as far as my understanding goes, if one wants to install a plugin from Github or any other source it is better to install them on source-built editors, and plugins from Marketplace works best with editor versions installed from the Epic launcher. Is that really the case? If I want to transition to Unreal, and if I can’t use plugins at my convenience, I am losing a little confidence if I should at all try making game in Unreal, because making everything from scratch doesn’t sound illogical to me. I am confused here, how to proceed.

A little guiding light will be very much appreciated! :slight_smile:

Hi DeltaMike1010

I tried to install plugin its perfectly building.

You dont need to build project from source to use it tho :slight_smile:

First thing, check if all visual studio component needed for ue4 are installed on your machine.
Check this out

I have Visual Studio Community 2017 installed.
But i think it will work with 2019 also.

Steps i have done.

  1. Created empty project with 4.24 version from launcher ( plugin seems works with it for now)
  2. Create “Plugins” Folder in Project root directory
  3. Download .zip from github and extract to Plugins Folder
  4. After that when you try to open project , it will ask you to rebuild project with new added plugins. Hit yes.
  5. Wait for building to finish and that it! :slight_smile:

old setup no longer works for new engine