Optional 3D Software Style Navigation (SketchUp, Blender, 3ds Max)

Star_Aldebaran
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:40:35 +0000
Feedback & Requests

Hi all,

I wanted to open a conversation and hopefully gain support for something that I—and I know many others—have been longing for in Unreal Engine: an alternative viewport navigation mode designed for users coming from 3D software like SketchUp, Blender, or 3ds Max.

The current navigation system in Unreal Engine is clearly inspired by first-person shooter controls (WASD + mouse look). That makes sense considering UE’s roots as a game engine. But in 2025, Unreal is much more than a game engine. It’s used in cinematography, virtual production, architecture, product visualization, and general 3D content creation—use cases where game-like navigation often feels awkward, imprecise, and frustrating.

Why This Matters:

Users like myself—who come from SketchUp or Blender—are used to working with precision, control, and speed when navigating 3D scenes. In programs like SketchUp:

Zooming, orbiting and panning respond directly to the object under your cursor (A.K.A. point of interest). You don’t need to click or focus anything. Just hover and move.

Zoom speed is dynamic: it scales based on the distance of the object under the cursor. If you’re zooming toward a faraway object, it’s fast. If you’re working on something very close, it’s slow and precise. This is essential when working on both small details and massive scenes.

In contrast, Unreal’s navigation feels like flying a drone with broken brakes. You either overshoot, get lost, or waste time constantly repositioning the camera manually.

What I’m Suggesting:

I’m not saying to remove the existing navigation system—many users like it, and that’s great. But give us the option to switch to a “3D Software Navigation Mode” that behaves like SketchUp or Blender. Ideally, this mode would include:

Zoom, pan, and orbit based on cursor position and point of interest (not the viewport center) and without the need to select and press F.

Dynamic zoom speed based on depth under cursor.

Customizable controls for zoom, pan, and orbit—SketchUp and Blender share the same navigation style (scroll to zoom, hold MMB to orbit, Shift + MMB to pan), but users coming from other tools like Max or C4D would appreciate the ability to reassign these functions to match their workflow (e.g. set MMB to pan instead of orbit).

Why It’s Worth It:

Huge quality-of-life improvement for artists, designers, and content creators.

Low barrier of entry for 3D software users transitioning to UE.

Reduces friction for those constantly switching between Blender/SketchUp and Unreal.

Makes Unreal a more inviting and professional tool for non-gamers using it in film, design, and architecture.

I genuinely believe this would accelerate workflows and attract more 3D artists into the ecosystem. Right now, we have to “fight” the engine just to look around.

Would love to hear from others who feel the same—or devs who might be able to champion this on Epic’s side.

Thanks!

2 posts - 2 participants