Mastering the Apex AI Editor: Beyond Basics

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Interacting with the Editor
3. Navigating the Editor
4. Editor Options
   • 4.1. Right-click Options
   • 4.2. Cut, Copy, and Paste
   • 4.3. Deleting Objects
   • 4.4. Pan and Zoom
5. Toolbar Options
   • 5.1. Creating a New AI
   • 5.2. Loading an Existing AI
   • 5.3. Saving and Cloning AI
6. Selecting Elements
7. Editor Settings
   • 7.1. Save Interval
   • 7.2. Confirming Deletes and Saves
   • 7.3. General Settings
8. Making Changes in the Editor
   • 8.1. Layout Changes
   • 8.2. Registering Changes
   • 8.3. Changing AI Settings
9. Modifying AI at Runtime
10. Saving Changes

Interacting with the Editor

In this article, we will explore how to interact with the editor in Abby's Kim Tools. The editor offers a range of options and features that allow you to create and modify your AI. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, understanding the different tools and functionalities of the editor is essential for a seamless experience. Let's delve into the details and navigate the editor effectively.

Navigating the Editor

When working with the editor, it is important to know how to navigate through the interface. The editor provides several options to help you efficiently move around and explore your AI. By right-clicking anywhere in the editor, a set of context-sensitive options will appear, allowing you to perform various actions. You can cut, copy, and paste elements within or between AIs, as well as delete objects such as selectors, qualifiers, and connections.

To navigate within the AI, you can pan the view by holding down the Alt key and dragging the canvas. This enables you to move beyond the available screen space. Additionally, you can use the zoom feature to adjust the view using either the mouse wheel or the control in the toolbar. If you ever lose your way while exploring the AI, simply click the home button to center everything on the root selector.

Editor Options

The toolbar in the editor provides easy access to essential options. You can create a new AI, load an existing one, and save your current AI or save it as a new file. The toolbar also includes the functionality to clone objects, allowing you to duplicate and reuse existing elements. These options give you flexibility and efficiency in managing your AI projects.

Selecting Elements

Selecting elements in the editor is crucial for making changes and edits. You can easily select individual elements by clicking on them. To select multiple elements, you have two options. You can either drag a selection rectangle over the desired elements or manually select them while holding the control key. This selection flexibility allows for seamless editing and manipulation within the AI.

Editor Settings

The editor provides a range of settings to customize your experience. These settings can be accessed under the "Tools" menu and the "APEX AI Settings" submenu. While most settings are self-explanatory, a few deserve special attention. The "Save Interval" setting determines the frequency at which your changes are automatically saved. It is advisable to set this interval to ensure minimal loss of work in case of unexpected shutdowns.

Furthermore, the editor offers options to confirm both deletes and saves. Confirming deletes prompts you before deleting an AI, ensuring you don't accidentally remove important elements. Additionally, there are general settings that affect the AI as a whole. It is important to note the "Starts Location" setting, which determines the folder where the AI is stored. By default, it is placed in a resource folder, but you have the flexibility to change its location.

Making Changes in the Editor

When making changes in the editor, it's essential to understand how these changes are registered and saved. The editor tracks and registers all layout changes and settings modifications. You can easily review your pending changes by hovering over the title. If the Prompt feature is enabled, you will be notified to save your changes before exiting the editor.

It's worth noting that you can make changes to the AI at runtime, allowing for real-time modifications. While in play mode, you can modify various aspects of the AI and observe how it reacts to different scenarios. These changes can also be saved, providing a seamless integration between editing and testing.

Modifying AI at Runtime

One of the powerful features of the editor is the ability to modify the AI at runtime. When running the AI, you can make changes to its elements and parameters, altering its behavior on the fly. This allows for dynamic adjustments and experimentation without the need to stop and restart the AI. However, it's important to note that any changes made at runtime are not persistent unless explicitly saved.

Saving Changes

Saving your changes in the editor is crucial to preserve your progress and ensure that modifications are not lost. The editor provides a simple save button in the toolbar, allowing you to save all the changes you have made to your AI. It is recommended to save your work frequently to avoid any potential loss of data.

Highlights:

• Learn how to interact with Abby's Kim Tools Editor
• Navigate the editor efficiently using different options
• Use the toolbar to create, save, and clone AI elements
• Select and manipulate elements in the editor
• Configure editor settings for a personalized experience
• Understand the process of making changes and saving them
• Modify AI at runtime for real-time adjustments
• Save changes to preserve progress and prevent data loss

FAQ:

Q: Can I delete elements in the editor? A: Yes, you can delete objects such as selectors, qualifiers, and connections within the editor. However, it is advisable to confirm the deletion to avoid accidentally removing important elements.

Q: How can I navigate within a large AI? A: If your AI is larger than the available screen space, you can pan the view by holding down the Alt key and dragging the canvas. This allows you to move around and explore different parts of the AI.

Q: Can I make changes to the AI while it is running? A: Yes, you can modify the AI at runtime to observe its behavior in real-time. This enables you to make dynamic adjustments and experiment with different scenarios. However, changes made at runtime are not persistent unless specifically saved.

Resources:

• Abby's Kim Tools
• Unity Documentation