UE DataTable Editor#

Edit Unreal Engine DataTable configuration through JSON files — auto-discover projects, search, modify, validate, and import back to the engine.

Overview#

UE projects commonly store DataTable data in .uasset files, with corresponding JSON source files that serve as the editable representation. This skill provides a complete workflow for discovering, modifying, and re-importing these data tables.

This skill works with any UE project — it automatically detects the project structure and locates DataTable JSON files. No hardcoded paths required.

Supported DataTable Format#

The JSON file should be an array of objects, each with a Name field as the row key:

json

[
  { "Name": "230000", "DevName": "技能名", "LOC_Name": "NSLOCTEXT(...)", ... },
  { "Name": "230001", ... }
]

Important Notes#

• JSON files may be encoded in UTF-16 LE (with BOM), UTF-8 BOM, or UTF-8. All scripts handle encoding automatically.
• The .uasset files are binary and cannot be edited directly — always modify through JSON then import.

Workflow#

Step 0: Discover UE Project and DataTable Files#

ALWAYS run this step first when the user has not provided a specific JSON path. Use scripts/dt_discover.py to auto-detect UE projects and DataTable JSON files:

bash

# Auto-discover all UE projects and DataTable JSON files in common locations
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_discover.py

# Search in a specific directory
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_discover.py --root "<directory>"

# Find a specific table by name (matches JSON filename)
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_discover.py --table "AI_Skills"

# Filter by UE project name
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_discover.py --project "SMG"

# Output as JSON for parsing
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_discover.py --json-output

When the user provides a table name (e.g. "修改 AI_Skills 表"), use --table to locate the matching JSON file:

bash

python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_discover.py --table "<user_provided_table_name>"

Once the JSON file is identified, store its absolute path for use in subsequent steps.

Step 1: Search for Target Rows#

Use scripts/dt_search.py to locate the row(s) to modify. The --json parameter takes the path discovered in Step 0.

bash

# Search by row ID
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_search.py --json <json_path> --id 230000

# Search by name keyword
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_search.py --json <json_path> --name "蓄力"

# Search by any field
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_search.py --json <json_path> --field DevName --value "瞬移"

# List all rows in a Part (for AI Skills tables)
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_search.py --json <json_path> --part 1

# Show full JSON for results
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_search.py --json <json_path> --id 230000 --full

# List all available fields
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_search.py --json <json_path> --list-fields

Present search results to the user before proceeding with modifications.

Step 2: Modify Data#

Use scripts/dt_modify.py to modify fields. The script automatically:

• Wraps plain text in NSLOCTEXT() format for localization fields
• Validates all data after modification
• Creates a timestamped backup before saving

bash

# Modify LOC_Desc (auto-wraps in NSLOCTEXT)
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_modify.py --json <json_path> --id 230000 --set-loc-desc "对随机角色造成伤害"

# Modify LOC_Name
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_modify.py --json <json_path> --id 230000 --set-loc-name "新技能名"

# Modify any field
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_modify.py --json <json_path> --id 230000 --set "bUseAlert=true" --set "DevName=新名称"

# Preview without saving (dry-run)
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_modify.py --json <json_path> --id 230000 --set-loc-desc "测试" --dry-run

# Validate entire JSON
python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_modify.py --json <json_path> --validate

NSLOCTEXT Format Rules

For localization fields ( LOC_Name, LOC_Desc, LOC_AlertText, LOC_InterruptMessage, LOC_NoticeText):

• When user provides plain text, the script auto-wraps it as: NSLOCTEXT("<PartName>", "<SkillID>_<FieldName>", "<text>")
• When user provides a full NSLOCTEXT(...) or INVTEXT(...) string, it is used as-is
• Use --no-wrap flag to disable auto-wrapping

Field Modification via Direct File Edit

For complex modifications (nested objects, arrays, or bulk changes), directly edit the JSON file using replace_in_file or read_file + write_to_file tools. Always validate after editing:

bash

python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_modify.py --json <json_path> --validate

Step 3: Import into UE Engine#

After modifying and validating the JSON, generate the UE import command. The user must execute this command in the UE Editor Output Log:

text

py "{SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_import_ue.py" --json "<json_path>" --part <part_number>

Parameters:

• --part 0 — Import Part0 (ID 200000–229999)
• --part 1 — Import Part1 (ID 230000–239999)
• --part 2 — Import Part2 (ID 240000–249999)
• --part all — Import all Parts
• --asset-base "<path>" — Override the UE asset base path (default: /Game/SMG/Configs/DataTables/AISkills)

Determine the correct --part number from the row ID being modified. Always provide the full command with absolute paths for the user to copy-paste.

Step 4: Verify#

After the user reports the UE import result, check the log output for:

• Imported DataTable '...' - 0 Problems = Success
• Any Error lines = Investigation needed

Refer to references/field_schema.md for the complete field documentation when needed.

Quick Start Example#

User says: "修改 AI_Skills 表中技能 230005 的描述"

1. Discover: python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_discover.py --table "AI_Skills" → Found: D:\Projects\MyGame\Content\Configs\Json\Json_AI_Skills.json

2. Search: python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_search.py --json "<found_path>" --id 230005 → Shows current skill data

3. Modify: python {SKILL_DIR}/scripts/dt_modify.py --json "<found_path>" --id 230005 --set-loc-desc "新的描述文本" → Modifies and validates

4. Import: Provide UE command for the user to run in editor

Error Handling#

ErrorCauseSolutionNo UE project foundProject not in search pathsUse --root to specify project directoryNo DataTable JSON foundJSON file not in Content directoryCheck project structure, provide path manuallyUnicodeDecodeErrorWrong encoding detectionScripts auto-detect; if issues persist, check file BOM bytesfill_data_table_from_json_string failsJSON fields don't match RowStructValidate JSON, check for missing/extra fieldsDataTable not foundWrong asset pathUse --asset-base to specify correct UE asset pathP4 checkout failureFile locked by another userCoordinate with team or force checkout