How to load external images png/jpgs at runtime

Development Pipeline & Plugins Editor Scripting
1

I’m new to unreal so I’m looking for a pointer on where to look for a way to load images like JPG/PNG/etc at runtime (NOT PACKAGED) load those onto a surface texture, and be able to repeat another load /display and update that same texture with a new image (rapidly).

It’s effectively an image sequence I want to play, BUT I want to write the code to control what frame is playing at what speed.

Want to be able to have the user/player load any image sequence they want from their machine and run it through this. So definitely has to be at runtime and OUTSIDE of the unreal packaged folder.

I’ll keep playing around and see what I can find out, but points are greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

2

Use the plugin: Runtime Image & GIF Loader in Code Plugins - UE Marketplace

3

yea for rapid swap like that you dont want ConstructorHelpers or LoadObject thats editor/cooked only. for external files you need to decode off game thread or you hitch every frame change.

i do FImageWrapper load to UTexture2D with mip off if you need pixel control, then set it on a dynamic material param. also dont poll the folder with tick — if you want user drops sequence in folder just watch it.

btw runtime directory watcher from fab Runtime Directory Watcher — Hot-Folder File Events & Async Texture Loader | Fab does StartWatchingDirectory + LoadTextureFromFileAsync so you dont block game thread, worked for my sequence thing