> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://shaheerxansari.gitbook.io/hydroportdoc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://shaheerxansari.gitbook.io/hydroportdoc/installation.md).

# Installation

## Supported builds

| Item           | Support                                                  |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Platform       | Windows                                                  |
| Unreal Engine  | 5.7, 5.8 (use the package built for your engine version) |
| Cache input    | `.abc` Alembic, single deforming polygon mesh            |
| Intended usage | Baked fluid animations, VFX, cinematic rendering         |

## Install through Fab

If HydroPort is distributed via Fab, install the build corresponding to your Unreal Engine version using the supported Fab/Unreal Engine workflow. Enable **HydroPort** in **Edit → Plugins** if it is not already enabled, then restart the editor if prompted.

## Manual plugin installation

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Close Unreal Engine

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Copy the plugin folder

Copy the **packaged** `HydroPort` plugin folder to `<YourProject>/Plugins/HydroPort/`.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Confirm the plugin structure

Confirm `HydroPort.uplugin` is directly inside that folder, not one directory deeper.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Open and enable the plugin

Open the project, enable HydroPort if prompted, and restart if required.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Place the actor

Find and place a **HydroPort Actor** in the level.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** Do not remove the `Binaries` folder from a packaged plugin being installed for its matching engine version. Do not reuse UE 5.7 binaries in UE 5.8.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3163553392-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWkKBDCamr3MmFrohl56q%2Fuploads%2FsoRgHrVOoGRfPSdwPXZq%2FPlugin_Enable.png?alt=media&amp;token=63bed0d6-fc0b-4ff4-9791-3769c16ef479" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://3163553392-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWkKBDCamr3MmFrohl56q%2Fuploads%2FXNV2Qp3t7ICNLVwDB3KY%2FActoer.png?alt=media&amp;token=484088f3-7f0e-4167-8a1e-9d4a8dfd5214" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## First-launch check

Place a HydroPort Actor and confirm its Alembic, Playback, Cinematic, and Performance settings appear in the Details panel. If prompted to rebuild code in a Blueprint-only project, verify that the package matches your engine version and that all required dependencies are installed.

<figure><img src="https://3163553392-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWkKBDCamr3MmFrohl56q%2Fuploads%2FwOQYO7J63tF5aphP9NSg%2FDetails.png?alt=media&amp;token=e6ee5f4c-2e7c-4227-b043-d336f0a5d925" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>