The Four Panels Explained

1. Viewport (Center Panel)

The main 3D view where all the magic happens. This is your canvas for building.

Viewport Controls

• Middle Mouse Drag — Rotate view around scene
• Mouse Wheel — Zoom in/out
• Right Click + Drag — Pan camera
• Click on Objects — Select object (highlighted with outline)
• Spacebar — Frame selected object in view

2. Explorer Panel (Left)

Shows your scene's object hierarchy. Organize your scene structure here.

Explorer Features

• Expand/Collapse — Click arrow to show child objects
• Select Objects — Click name to select in viewport
• Right-Click Menu — Delete, duplicate, or rename objects
• Drag to Reorder — Parent objects by dragging
• Eye Icon — Toggle object visibility
• Lock Icon — Prevent accidental movement

3. Properties Panel (Right)

The most important panel. Here you configure everything about your selected object.

Property Sections

4. Top Menu Bar

Access all commands and tools from here.

Transforming Objects

The Transform section is how you position, rotate, and scale objects.

Materials & Appearance

Colors

Click the color box to open the color picker. Adjust hue, saturation, and brightness.

Material Types (matches Studio Properties)

Material	Description	Use Case
SmoothPlastic	Shiny, smooth surface with subtle reflections	Furniture, tech items, clean surfaces
RoughPlastic	Matte, low-reflectance plastic	Grips, handles, matte surfaces
Metal	Reflective, metallic appearance	Machinery, robots, industrial objects
Wood	Warm, slightly textured matte	Structures, platforms, natural elements
Neon	Emissive glow — object emits its own light	Signs, indicators, decorative glow
Glass	Transparent, reflective surface	Windows, screens, glass objects
Grass	Natural ground texture	Baseplates, terrain, floors
Marble	Polished stone look	Floors, pillars, decorative
Concrete	Rough, industrial texture	Walls, paths, urban builds
Ice	Translucent, icy appearance	Frozen surfaces, effects

Textures

Upload custom images to cover object surfaces with detailed patterns.

Physics Configuration

Collision

• On — Object blocks other objects and players
• Off — Object is transparent to physics (can walk through)
• Trigger — No collision but fires script events when touched

Gravity

• Static — Never falls (floor, walls, ceiling)
• Dynamic — Falls due to gravity (moveable objects)

Density

How heavy the object is. Higher = heavier. Affects falling speed and collisions.

Basic Shapes

Box (Part)

A rectangular 3D shape. Insert via Insert → Part. Most versatile object for building.

• Perfect for walls, platforms, buildings
• Can be scaled on individual axes for rectangles
• Supports all material types and textures

Sphere

A perfect ball-shaped object. Insert via Insert → Sphere.

• Great for decorative elements, collectibles
• Use for obstacles, targets, interactive elements
• Spheres work great with physics

Cylinder

A pillar-shaped object with circular top and bottom. Insert via Insert → Cylinder.

• Use for poles, posts, pillars
• Scale height to make thin or tall
• Rotate for creative structures

Special Objects

SpawnPoint

Defines where players appear when they join your game. Insert via Insert → Spawn Point.

• Appears as a small colored cube in the editor
• Every game must have at least one SpawnPoint
• Multiple SpawnPoints = players spawn at random one
• Adjust Y position to prevent players spawning inside objects

Mirror

A reflective surface that players can see themselves in. Insert via Insert → Mirror.

• Great for immersion and realism
• Use in bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways
• Scale like boxes to fit any space

Lighting (Service)

Global scene lighting is controlled via the Lighting service in the Explorer — not an insertable object. Select Lighting to adjust:

• Ambient — Base scene color
• Sky — Outdoor/sky color
• Sun Intensity — Directional light strength
• Graphics Quality — Low, Medium, High, Ultra

Best Practices for Object Layout

• Use organized naming — Name objects clearly (Floor, Wall_Left, Door_01)
• Parent related objects — Group doors, walls, furniture together
• Lock static objects — Prevent accidental movement
• Use layers wisely — Separate gameplay elements from decoration
• Keep objects aligned — Use grid snapping for clean layouts
• Avoid overlapping collision — Objects shouldn't intersect

Transform Properties

Appearance Properties

Physics Properties

Three Scripting Systems

Visual Scripts

Select object → Properties → Script → "+ Visual Script"

Events (matches Studio Visual Script)

Event	Triggers When	Example
onTouch	Player walks into the object	Collectible item disappears
onPress	Player presses E nearby	Door opens, switch toggles
onTimer	Repeats every N seconds	Platform appears after 3 seconds
onStart	When game starts	Play welcome message

Actions (matches Studio Visual Script)

Action	What It Does	Parameters
Move	Change object position	X, Y, Z coordinates
Rotate	Rotate object	Rotation angles
Toggle	Toggle visibility	None
Color	Change object color	RGB values
Message	Display text message	Text string
Animate	Float animation	Amplitude, speed
Destroy	Delete (hide) object	None
Teleport	Teleport player	Position

C# Scripting - Complete API Reference

Select object → Properties → Script → "⚙ C# Script" to open the integrated C# editor.

Basic Template (matches Studio editor)

using PrinterMake.GameObjects;
using PrinterMake.Events;

public class MyGameObject : GameBehavior {
  void OnStart() {
    // Called when the game starts
    Debug.Log("Game started!");
  }

  void OnUpdate() {
    // Called every frame — use Input.GetKey for WASD
    if (Input.GetKey("W")) {
      GetComponent<Transform>().position.z += 0.1f;
    }
  }

  void OnTouch(GameObject other) {
    // Called when another object touches this one
    Debug.Log($"Touched by {other.name}");
  }

  void OnPress(int key) {
    // Called when player presses E (key = 69)
    Debug.Log("Pressed!");
  }
}

API Reference with Examples

1. Transform API

Control object position, rotation, and scale via GetComponent<Transform>().

// Get current position
var t = GetComponent<Transform>();
Debug.Log("Position: " + t.position.x + ", " + t.position.y + ", " + t.position.z);

// Set new position
t.position = new Vector3(0, 5, 10);

// Move relative to current position
t.position += new Vector3(1, 0, 0);

var t = GetComponent<Transform>();

// Rotate object (in degrees)
t.rotation = new Vector3(45, 90, 0);

// Spin object continuously (in OnUpdate)
t.rotation += new Vector3(0, 2, 0);

var t = GetComponent<Transform>();

// Double the size
t.scale = new Vector3(2, 2, 2);

// Make it smaller
t.scale = new Vector3(0.5, 0.5, 0.5);

2. Vector3 API

3D coordinate system with X, Y, Z values.

// Create a vector
Vector3 forward = new Vector3(0, 0, 1);
Vector3 up = new Vector3(0, 1, 0);

// Vector math
Vector3 combined = forward + up;
Vector3 scaled = forward * 2;

// Useful constants
Vector3 zero = Vector3.Zero;          // (0, 0, 0)
Vector3 one = Vector3.One;            // (1, 1, 1)
Vector3 right = Vector3.Right;        // (1, 0, 0)
Vector3 forward = Vector3.Forward;    // (0, 0, 1)
Vector3 up = Vector3.Up;              // (0, 1, 0)

3. Input API

Handle keyboard and mouse input from players.

// Detect key being held (every frame)
if (Input.GetKey("W")) {
    GetComponent<Transform>().position.z += 0.1f;
}

// Common keys: "W", "A", "S", "D", "Space", "E", "Shift"

float moveSpeed = 5f;

void OnUpdate() {
    float forward = 0;
    float right = 0;
    
    if (Input.GetKey("W")) forward += 1;
    if (Input.GetKey("S")) forward -= 1;
    if (Input.GetKey("A")) right -= 1;
    if (Input.GetKey("D")) right += 1;
    
    var t = GetComponent<Transform>();
    Vector3 movement = (Vector3.Forward * forward + Vector3.Right * right) * moveSpeed;
    t.position += movement * Time.deltaTime;
}

4. Time API

Frame timing and delta time for smooth animations.

// Time since last frame (smooth animation)
void OnUpdate() {
    float speed = 5f;
    GetComponent<Transform>().position.x += speed * Time.deltaTime;
}

// Get total time since game start
float elapsed = Time.totalTime;

// Get current frame rate
int fps = Time.frameRate;

5. Debug API

Log messages to the console for debugging.

// Simple log
Debug.Log("Hello!");

// Log with variables
Debug.Log("Position: " + this.transform.position);

// Log warnings (yellow)
Debug.LogWarning("Be careful!");

// Log errors (red)
Debug.LogError("Something went wrong!");

6. GameObject API

Access and manipulate the current game object.

// Get object name
string name = gameObject.name;

// Enable/disable object
gameObject.SetActive(true);
gameObject.SetActive(false);

// Destroy this object
GameObject.Destroy(gameObject);

Complete Script Examples

Example 1: Door (OnUpdate)

public class DoorScript : GameBehavior {
    float openY = 5f;
    float closeY = 0f;
    float speed = 2f;
    bool isOpen = false;

    void OnStart() {
        isOpen = false;
    }

    void OnUpdate() {
        if (Input.GetKey("E")) {
            isOpen = !isOpen;
        }

        var t = GetComponent<Transform>();
        float targetY = isOpen ? openY : closeY;
        float current = t.position.y;
        t.position = new Vector3(t.position.x, current + (targetY - current) * speed * Time.deltaTime, t.position.z);
    }
}

Example 2: Rotating Platform

public class RotatingPlatform : GameBehavior {
    float rotationSpeed = 45f; // degrees per second

    void OnUpdate() {
        var t = GetComponent<Transform>();
        t.rotation += new Vector3(0, rotationSpeed * Time.deltaTime, 0);
    }
}

Example 3: Collectible Item (OnTouch)

public class Collectible : GameBehavior {
    void OnTouch(GameObject other) {
        Debug.Log($"Collected by {other.name}");
        GameObject.Destroy(gameObject);
    }
}

Example 4: Timer and Event

public class TimedEvent : GameBehavior {
    float triggerTime = 5f;
    bool triggered = false;

    void OnUpdate() {
        if (!triggered && Time.totalTime >= triggerTime) {
            triggered = true;
            Debug.Log("Event triggered after " + triggerTime + " seconds!");
            gameObject.SetActive(false);
        }
    }
}

Example 5: OnPress (E key)

public class Interactable : GameBehavior {
    void OnPress(int key) {
        // key 69 = E
        if (key == 69) {
            Debug.Log("Player pressed E!");
            // Open door, toggle switch, etc.
        }
    }
}

UI & GUI Scripting

Create interactive web-based GUI overlays that can reference and control in-game objects.

What is UI Scripting?

UI Scripts let you build HTML/CSS user interfaces that appear as overlays on top of your game. These can:

• Display score, health, inventory
• Show interactive buttons and menus
• React to game events
• Control in-game objects from the UI
• Display real-time game data

UI Script Structure

UI Scripts have three parts:

Basic UI Script Example

<!-- HTML -->
<div id="ui-container">
  <h1>Score: <span id="score">0</span></h1>
  <button id="start-btn">Start Game</button>
</div>

<!-- CSS -->
<style>
#ui-container {
  position: fixed;
  top: 20px;
  left: 20px;
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);
  padding: 20px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  color: white;
}
</style>

<!-- JavaScript -->
<script>
class GameUI {
  constructor() {
    this.score = 0;
    document.getElementById('start-btn').addEventListener('click', () => {
      this.startGame();
    });
  }

  startGame() {
    // Reference game object
    const door = GetGameObject('Door');
    door.position.y = 10; // Open door
  }

  updateScore(points) {
    this.score += points;
    document.getElementById('score').textContent = this.score;
  }
}

const ui = new GameUI();
</script>

Referencing Game Objects

Use the GetGameObject() function to access and control in-game objects:

// Get object by name
const door = GetGameObject('Door');

// Read object properties
console.log(door.position.x);
console.log(door.rotation.y);

// Modify object properties
door.position.y = 10;        // Move up
door.rotation.y = 90;        // Rotate
door.visible = false;         // Hide

// Call object methods
door.setColor(255, 0, 0);    // Red
door.destroy();              // Delete

Game Object API Reference

Property/Method	Type	Description
position	Vector3	Object location {x, y, z}
rotation	Vector3	Object rotation {x, y, z}
scale	Vector3	Object size {x, y, z}
visible	Boolean	Show/hide object
color	String	Object color (hex or rgb)
setColor(r, g, b)	Method	Set color with RGB values
destroy()	Method	Delete the object

UI Scripting Example: Score Display

<div id="scoreboard">
  <div class="score-item">
    <label>Score:</label>
    <span id="score-value">0</span>
  </div>
  <div class="score-item">
    <label>Health:</label>
    <div id="health-bar"></div>
  </div>
</div>

<style>
#scoreboard {
  position: fixed;
  top: 10px;
  right: 10px;
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7);
  padding: 15px;
  border: 2px solid #ff6b2b;
  border-radius: 8px;
  color: white;
  font-family: Arial;
}

.score-item {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin: 5px 0;
  min-width: 150px;
}

#health-bar {
  width: 100px;
  height: 20px;
  background: #333;
  border-radius: 4px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.health-fill {
  height: 100%;
  background: #22c55e;
  transition: width 0.3s;
}
</style>

<script>
class Scoreboard {
  constructor() {
    this.score = 0;
    this.health = 100;
    this.updateDisplay();
  }

  addScore(points) {
    this.score += points;
    this.updateDisplay();
  }

  setHealth(hp) {
    this.health = Math.max(0, Math.min(100, hp));
    this.updateDisplay();
  }

  updateDisplay() {
    document.getElementById('score-value').textContent = this.score;
    
    const healthPercent = (this.health / 100) * 100;
    const healthBar = document.getElementById('health-bar');
    healthBar.innerHTML = `<div class="health-fill" style="width: ${healthPercent}%"></div>`;
  }
}

const scoreboard = new Scoreboard();

// Update when player picks up item
GetGameObject('Coin').onTouch = () => {
  scoreboard.addScore(10);
};
</script>

UI Scripting Example: Interactive Menu

<div id="game-menu">
  <h2>Game Menu</h2>
  <button id="play-btn">Play</button>
  <button id="settings-btn">Settings</button>
  <button id="quit-btn">Quit</button>
</div>

<style>
#game-menu {
  position: fixed;
  left: 50%;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);
  padding: 40px;
  border-radius: 12px;
  border: 2px solid #ff6b2b;
  text-align: center;
  color: white;
  z-index: 1000;
}

#game-menu h2 {
  margin: 0 0 30px 0;
  font-size: 32px;
}

#game-menu button {
  display: block;
  width: 200px;
  margin: 10px auto;
  padding: 12px;
  background: #ff6b2b;
  color: white;
  border: none;
  border-radius: 6px;
  font-size: 16px;
  font-weight: bold;
  cursor: pointer;
}

#game-menu button:hover {
  background: #ff8c55;
}
</style>

<script>
class GameMenu {
  constructor() {
    document.getElementById('play-btn').addEventListener('click', () => this.play());
    document.getElementById('settings-btn').addEventListener('click', () => this.settings());
    document.getElementById('quit-btn').addEventListener('click', () => this.quit());
  }

  play() {
    // Hide menu
    document.getElementById('game-menu').style.display = 'none';
    
    // Enable player
    const player = GetGameObject('Player');
    player.visible = true;
  }

  settings() {
    alert('Settings coming soon!');
  }

  quit() {
    // Close game or restart
    window.location.reload();
  }
}

const menu = new GameMenu();
</script>

Pre-Publishing Checklist

Publishing Steps

Managing Published Games

After publishing, you can:

• Edit Details — Update title, description, thumbnail
• Update Game — Make changes and re-publish
• View Stats — See play count and feedback
• Unpublish — Hide from community
• Delete — Permanently remove

Export & Import Projects

Export as .prmk

Save your project locally as a PrinterMake file.

• File → Export PrinterMake (.prmk)
• Includes all objects, scripts, textures
• Back up your work regularly

Import .prmk

Load a previously saved project or collaborate with others.

• File → Import PrinterMake (.prmk)
• Select file from your computer
• Project loads with all assets intact

Performance Optimization

Design Patterns

Open Levels

Large, explorable spaces with multiple areas to discover.

• Use visual guides (lights, colors, height) to direct players
• Create natural paths and landmarks
• Hidden secrets reward exploration

Puzzle Rooms

Spaces with specific goals to solve or achievements to unlock.

• Provide clear feedback when actions succeed
• Use visual hints (glowing objects, highlighted areas)
• Make solutions rewarding but not obvious

Combat/Challenge Spaces

Arenas where players test skills and compete.

• Clear boundaries and hazards
• Balanced difficulty
• Spawn points away from danger

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Advanced Techniques

Layering & Depth

Create visual depth by layering objects at different distances.

Lighting for Atmosphere

Use lights strategically to create mood and guide players.

Scripted Events

Chain visual scripts together for complex interactions.

Performance Profiling

Monitor frame rate and object count during play.

Resources & Community

• Check community games for inspiration
• Study how popular creators build their scenes
• Join the PrinterMake community forums
• Share your work and get feedback
• Collaborate with other creators

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl+S	Save project
Ctrl+Z	Undo
Ctrl+Y	Redo
Delete	Delete selected object
Space	Frame selected object
V	Toggle grid
G	Snap to grid