- Blueprint editing allows direct modification of creation data via JSON files.
- Required tools include a text editor like Visual Studio Code or Notepad++.
- File location is in the AppData Roaming folder under Axolot Games.
- Coordinate system uses X and Y for sideways directions and Z for vertical.
- Color coding helps identify specific blocks like white (EEEEE) or black (222222).
Finding Your Blueprint Files
To begin editing blueprints, you must first locate where Scrap Mechanic stores your saved creations. These files are not saved within the game directory but are stored in your system's AppData folder. Accessing this location requires a specific path that differs slightly depending on your operating system setup.
Video Highlights:
- Locating the blueprint folder in AppData/Roaming
- Setting up Visual Studio Code for editing
- Understanding the folder structure for user IDs
The standard path to find your blueprints is %AppData%\Roaming\Axolot Games\Scrap Mechanic\User\User_[ID]\Blueprints. You can paste this path directly into your Windows file explorer address bar. Inside this folder, you will see a list of all your saved blueprints, each contained within its own subfolder. Every time you save a new creation in-game, a corresponding folder is generated here.
Sort the blueprint folder by "Date modified" to quickly find your most recent save. This is essential when testing edits in rapid succession.
| File Attribute | Description | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| User ID | Unique folder for your specific save data | Determines which player's blueprints to load |
| Blueprint Name | Folder name matching your in-game save title | Identifies the specific creation to edit |
| blueprint.json | Core data file containing block coordinates | The primary file you will modify |
| Date Modified | Timestamp of the last save | Helps identify recent work |
Required Software Setup
You cannot edit blueprint files effectively with a standard text editor like Notepad due to the complexity of the JSON structure. It is highly recommended to download Visual Studio Code (VS Code) as it provides syntax highlighting, error detection, and easy navigation through large text files. Notepad++ is a viable alternative, but VS Code offers a superior experience for coding-related tasks.
Always create a backup of your blueprint folder before making any manual edits. Incorrectly formatted JSON files can cause the game to fail to load the creation.
| Software | Pros | Cons | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| VS Code | Free, syntax highlighting, search tools | Requires installation | ★★★★★ |
| Notepad++ | Lightweight, familiar interface | Limited advanced features | ★★★☆☆ |
| Notepad | Pre-installed on Windows | No formatting tools, high error risk | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Once your software is installed, open the blueprint.json file located within your specific creation's folder. You will see a block of text containing data for every block, object, and joint in your build.
Understanding Coordinate Systems
Scrap Mechanic uses a specific 3D coordinate system within the blueprint files that differs from standard conventions. Understanding this is crucial for moving objects correctly without breaking your build.
- X and Y: Represent the sideways directions (horizontal plane).
- Z: Represents the vertical axis (up and down).
When you look at the data for a block, you will see fields labeled x, y, and z. Increasing the z value will move the object upwards, while changing x or y will slide it along the ground.
Start with small adjustments. Change a coordinate by 1 or 2 units initially to verify the direction before making large movements.
| Parameter | Function | Example Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Bounds | Defines the physical size of the creation | Changing Z from 3 to 10 makes it taller |
| Pos X/Y | Horizontal position on the lift | Determines side-to-side placement |
| Pos Z | Vertical height relative to the lift | Controls how high the object floats |
| Shape ID | Identifies the type of block placed | Determines if it is a metal or wood block |
Identifying and Modifying Objects
When you have a complex creation with hundreds of parts, finding the specific block you want to edit in the text file can be difficult. The most effective strategy is to use color coding. Before saving your blueprint, paint the specific block you want to modify a unique color, such as pure White (#EEEEEE) or Black (#222222).
Color the Target
In-game, select the specific block or part you want to move. Paint it pure White.
Save and Exit
Save the blueprint to your lift and exit to the main menu to ensure the file writes to disk.
Search File
Open the JSON file in your editor. Use the "Find" function (Ctrl+F) and search for "EEEEE" to instantly locate the white block's data.
Edit Coordinates
Modify the x, y, or z values in the pos section to move the object to your desired location.
Save and Reload
Save the text file and reload the blueprint in-game to verify the changes.
If two objects occupy the same space, the game may not register them as connected. Always ensure there is a physical block linking edited parts to the main structure.
This method is particularly useful for creating uneven thrusters or fitting components into tight spaces where the standard grid would normally prevent placement.
| Color Code | Color Name | Hex Code | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | White | EEEEE | Highlighting primary targets |
| Black | Black | 222222 | Marking secondary or reference parts |
| Default | Stone/Grey | N/A | Standard blocks (hard to search) |
Practical Application: Uneven Thrusters
A common use for blueprint editing is creating scrap mechanic builds with asymmetrical propulsion. Standard thrusters must be placed on the grid, but editing allows you to offset them.
By placing two thrusters side-by-side and painting one white, you can search the file for the white code. You then modify the x or y coordinate by a small fraction (e.g., changing 15 to 14.5) to shift it off-center. This creates a thruster that is not aligned with the standard block grid, allowing for more compact or realistic engine designs.
Standard Placement
- Grid locked: Objects snap to standard blocks
- Symmetry: Usually requires even spacing
- Stability: High, easy to predict
Edited Placement
- Free positioning: Objects can float between grid lines
- Customization: Allows for uneven thrusters
- Risk: May cause connection issues if not anchored
Do not rotate objects manually in the file unless you understand quaternion math. This often results in invisible or glitched blocks.
Editing Checklist
Blueprint Editor Mastery Goals:
- Install Visual Studio Code
- Locate the AppData Blueprint folder
- Create a test build with colored blocks
- Successfully find a block using Hex search
- Modify a Z-coordinate to move an object up
- Reload the game to verify the edit
FAQ
Q: Can I edit blueprints in Survival Mode?
No, blueprint editing requires Creative Mode. You must start a Creative world to save and test your edited blueprints, though you can potentially use them in other modes later depending on server rules.
Q: What happens if I make a syntax error in the JSON file?
The game will likely fail to load the blueprint, or it may appear as an empty lift. If this occurs, close the game and revert your changes using the backup you should have created before editing.
Q: How do I move an object sideways instead of up?
You need to modify the X or Y values in the position data. Remember that Z is for vertical height, while X and Y control the horizontal plane on the lift.
Q: Is blueprint editing considered cheating in Scrap Mechanic?
It is generally considered a tool for advanced builders rather than cheating. It allows for precision and aesthetics that are impossible with the standard building tools, similar to using mods for visual improvements.