# SimLab Composer Addons # Add-ons Manager The **Add-ons Manager** serves as the central hub for extending the capabilities of SimLab Composer. It allows you to discover, install, and manage extra tools—like the CSV Attribute Manager or Gamepad Integration—to customize your workflow. --- ### Accessing the Manager To open the manager, navigate to the main toolbar: 1. Click the **Add-ons** icon (resembling a power plug). 2. Select **Manager** from the bottom of the dropdown list. [![Addons_1.jpg](https://simlab-soft.com/help/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/addons-1.jpg)](https://simlab-soft.com/help/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/addons-1.jpg) --- ### ### Key Features & Interface The Manager window provides a comprehensive overview of all your installed tools. #### 1. Finding and Organizing - **Search Bar:** Quickly locate a specific add-on by typing its name in the search field at the top. - **Filter Criteria:** You can refine your search results by **Name**, **Author**, **Description**, or **Version**. #### 2. Managing Installed Add-ons - **Enable/Disable:** Use the toggle switch on the right side of any add-on to turn it on or off without uninstalling it. - **Play Video:** Click the **Play** icon to watch a video tutorial or demonstration of how the add-on works. - **Help Documentation:** Click the **Link** icon (chain link) to open the official help page or documentation for that specific tool. - **Remove Add-on:** Click the **Trash** icon to completely uninstall the add-on from your system. [![Addons_2.png](https://simlab-soft.com/help/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/addons-2.png)](https://simlab-soft.com/help/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/addons-2.png) --- ### How to Install a New Add-on Add-ons are typically provided as **.zip** files. To add a new tool to your library: 1. Click the **+ Install** button located at the bottom right of the Manager window. 2. In the file browser that appears, locate and select the **ZIP file** for the add-on you wish to install. 3. Click **Open**. The tool will appear in your "Installed Add-ons" list, where you can then enable it for use. > \[!TIP\] **Run Without Install:** If you want to test an add-on briefly without adding it to your permanent library, you can use the **Run Without Install** button next to the install option. # LOD Generator This guide explains how to use the **VR LOD Generator** in SimLab Composer to optimize large scenes for a smooth, high-performance VR experience. --- ### What is LOD (Level of Detail)? **LOD** is a system that swaps a 3D model with lower-polygon versions in real-time to save processing power. The switch between levels is determined by two main criteria: - **Distance:** How far the user is from the object. - **Screen Coverage:** How much space the object takes up in the user's field of view. --- ### 1. Pre-LOD Optimization Before generating LODs, you must reduce "draw calls" (the number of separate objects) and clean up materials. - **Selection Rule:** Expand groups and **select individual assemblies** (e.g., all separate chairs) rather than just the single top-level parent assembly. - **Step 1 (Materials):** Merges identical materials and optimizes texture sizes/compression. - **Step 2 (Merge Objects):** Combines parts within each assembly to reduce complexity while keeping objects distinct from one another. --- ### 2. Identifying "Heavy" Objects The plugin provides a surgical way to find which objects are taxing performance: - **Filter:** Set a **Minimum Polygon** count to populate the plugin table with complex objects. - **Analyze & Zoom:** View exact polygon counts in the table. **Clicking any item in the table** will automatically zoom the camera to that object in the scene for inspection. --- ### 3. Creating & Managing LODs Define your decimation percentages for each level. Note that **LOD 0** represents the model when the user is closest to it; decimating this level reduces the polygon count of the "original" model itself. - **LOD 0:** Initial decimation to optimize the model at its closest distance. - **LOD 1 & 2:** Increasing levels of reduction for mid-to-far distances. - **LOD 3:** Enable the **Hide** option to completely remove distant objects from the render. - **Global Settings:** Use this to determine if the system swaps levels based on **Distance** or **Screen Coverage**. Watch This Tutorial to Learn more # Doors Accessibility The **Door Accessibility** plugin is designed to streamline navigation in VR architectural walkthroughs. In a realistic VR environment, objects have physical properties like collision to prevent users from walking through walls or falling through floors. However, since doors in 3D models are typically closed, they can unintentionally block a user's path. This plugin provides a fast, automated way to manage door accessibility across large models without the need for manual setup in the Training Builder. --- ### The Goal: Fluid VR Movement While collision is essential for a grounded experience, navigating through a building requires a way to bypass doors. Instead of manually disabling collisions for every door one by one, this tool allows you to batch-process all door assemblies into two distinct behavior categories. --- ### Using the Door Accessibility Interface The plugin features a simple two-list interface. To manage your doors, select the desired door **assemblies** in your scene and use the controls described below. #### 1. Invisible Nodes (Left List) This mode creates an interactive experience where the user "opens" the door by clicking it. - **Behavior:** The door is visible and solid in VR. When the user clicks on it, the door becomes invisible, and its collision is removed, allowing the user to walk through. - **How to add:** Select the door assemblies and click the **Plus (+)** button under the **Invisible Nodes** list. - **How to remove:** Select the item in the list and click the **Minus (-)** button. #### 2. Passthrough (Right List) This mode is ideal for quick walkthroughs where you want the user to move freely without needing to interact with every door. - **Behavior:** The door remains visible at all times, but its **collision is automatically disabled**. The user can simply walk straight through the door as if it were a "ghost" object. - **How to add:** Select the door assemblies and click the **Plus (+)** button under the **Passthrough** list. - **How to remove:** Select the item in the list and click the **Minus (-)** button. ### ### Mode Comparison
**Feature****Invisible Nodes (Left)****Passthrough (Right)**
**User Interaction**Requires clicking the door.No action required.
**Visibility**Becomes invisible after click.Remains visible at all times.
**Collision**Disabled only after interaction.Disabled by default.
**Experience Style**Interactive / Simulated.Seamless / Fluid.
# Gamepad Integration The **Gamepad Integration** addon bridges the gap between standard game controllers (Xbox, PS4/PS5, etc.) and your SimLab Composer VR experience. This allows users to navigate or interact with the scene using a familiar gamepad instead of traditional VR controllers. --- ### How It Works: The Logic The addon translates physical button presses into **Variables** within SimLab Composer. - **The Input:** Pressing a button sends a signal (e.g., "Pressed/Released" or a pressure value from 0.0 to 1.0). - **The Response:** In the **Training Builder**, you use nodes like **Watch Boolean Expression** or **Branch on Expression** to monitor these variables and trigger specific actions in your scene. --- ### Setup Guide #### 1. Discovering Your Controller Once you launch the addon, it will detect any connected controllers. - **Discover:** If you connect your controller after the addon is open, click **Discover**. A popup will appear showing the controller’s name and image. - **Mapping Buttons:** While the Discover dialogue is open, press any button on your gamepad. The variable name and its current value will appear in the list. - **Add Variable:** Click the **Add Variable** button next to the desired input. This automatically creates that variable in the Training Builder for you to use. #### 2. Linking the System After mapping your variables, close the Discover dialogue to return to the main menu. - **Link VR Experience:** Click this to generate the internal Training Builder system that allows SimLab to talk to the controller server. - **Connect to VR:** Click this to establish the live connection. This step starts a local server that handles the communication. #### 3. Running the Experience Because the addon uses a server-based connection, your gamepad input can be sent to multiple platforms: - **PC VR:** Standard wired or wireless connection. - **Mobile & Standalone Headsets:** Since the connection happens via a server, you can control experiences running on mobile devices or headsets like the Meta Quest. --- ### Input Types Reference
**Input Type****Value Range****Best Use Case**
**Discrete (Buttons)**Pressed / ReleasedToggling lights, opening doors, or teleporting.
**Analog (Triggers/Sticks)**0.0 to 1.0Controlling movement speed or dimming lights.
--- ### Closing the Session When you are finished testing or presenting, click **Disconnect from VR**. This terminates the server connection and stops the variable tracking. --- ### Workflow Summary 1. **Discover:** Connect and identify your gamepad. 2. **Map:** Press buttons and click **Add Variable** to send them to Training Builder. 3. **Link:** Use **Link VR Experience** to build the connection logic. 4. **Connect:** Hit **Connect to VR** and launch your scene. Watch this tutorial to learn more # Objects Menu The **Objects Menu** addon is a powerful automation tool that creates fully functional, interactive 3D menus for specific objects in VR. Instead of manually building UI panels, you define the content and style, and SimLab Composer generates the menu and its interactive logic for you. --- ### Step 1: Object Selection & Activation - **Add Objects:** Select an object in your scene and click the **Plus (+)** button in the left-hand list. - **Activation Mode:** Use the dropdown at the top to choose how the menu is summoned in VR: - **Trigger:** The menu appears when the user clicks the object. - **Hover:** The menu appears when the user points at or hovers over the object. - **VR Placement:** When activated in the VR experience, the menu will automatically appear **directly on top of the object**. --- ### Step 2: Creating Menu Tabs Organize your menu by clicking the **Add (+)** icon in the tab section to choose from three types: 1. **Scene States Tab:** Drag and drop Scene States from the bottom panel of SimLab Composer. You can choose to display them as numbers, original thumbnails, or custom images. 2. **Animation Sequences Tab:** Drag and drop Animation Sequences from your library to allow users to trigger object movements directly from the menu. 3. **Training Builder Actions Tab:** This tab is for custom logic. Each "Action" you create is assigned a unique **Training Builder ID**. --- ### Step 3: Training Builder Integration The logic for custom Actions is managed through the Training Builder. To make this process seamless, each Action widget includes a **Training Builder shortcut button** next to the ID field. The Automated Workflow: When you click the Training Builder button, SimLab Composer automatically opens the Training Builder and creates the event node for you. \* It natively generates the Dynamic Menu Item Triggered (Node + ID) event. - It automatically attaches the target object and fills in the Action ID. - **Your Task:** Simply connect the desired responses (like playing a sound or jumping to a new scene) to the auto-generated node. > While the shortcut natively creates the Node + ID event, the system also supports other events (like Dynamic Menu Item Triggered, ID, or Node) if you wish to build a custom logic system manually. --- ### Step 4: Visual Customization (Settings) Click the **Settings** button at the top left to define the look of your menu: - **Menu Button Border:** Choose between a Sharp Square, Rounded Corner Square, or a Circle. - **Color Palette:** \* **Primary Color:** Affects icons and numbers. - **Border Color:** Controls the stroke/outline of all items. - **Background Color:** Sets the color for the menu tiles. --- ### Step 5: Applying Changes Once your menu is configured, click **Apply**. When closing the dialogue, you will be prompted to save your configuration. Ensure you save to keep your menu settings active for the VR experience. --- ### Summary Table: Menu Types
**Tab Type****Input Method****Best Use Case**
**Scene States**Drag & DropChanging materials, colors, or layout options.
**Animations**Drag & DropOpening drawers, operating machinery, or moving parts.
**TB Actions**Training Builder IDsCustom logic and complex interactions.
Watch this tutorial to learn more # Groups Menu The **Groups Menu** addon is built for high-efficiency VR development. While the *Objects Menu* creates a custom menu for a single item, the **Groups Menu** allows you to create one standardized menu structure that applies to **multiple objects at once**. ### The Concept: Batch Control via Attributes This addon is designed to leverage **Attributes**. In SimLab Composer, objects can store data (like specific animation sequences, scene states, or text values) as attributes. By grouping objects, you can create a single menu button (e.g., "Play") that calls an attribute. When a user interacts with an object in that group, the menu triggers that object's unique attribute, allowing you to control hundreds of items with a single setup. --- ### 1. Organizing Groups & Objects (Left Panel) - **Groups List (Top):** Click **(+)** to create a group. **Double-click** the name to rename it (e.g., "All Windows"). - **Objects in Group List (Bottom):** Select objects in your 3D scene and click **(+)** to add them to the selected group. - *Note:* An object can only belong to **one group** at a time. - **Activation Mode:** Use the dropdown to choose between **Trigger** (click) or **Hover** (look at) to summon the menu. - **VR Behavior:** In the VR experience, the menu will dynamically appear **directly on top of the specific object** that you triggered or hovered over. --- ### 2. Building the Menu Content (Right Panel) The right side is where you define the tabs and buttons that appear in your VR menu. - **Menu Tabs:** Create multiple tabs by clicking the **(+)** icon. Each tab has an editable name and a **Menu Button Style** (Icon or Custom Image). - **Action Widgets:** Click **+ New Action** to add buttons within a tab. Each widget includes: - An editable **Action ID**. - Visual options (**Icon or Custom Image**) for the button. - The **Training Builder shortcut button** (detailed below). --- ### 3. Training Builder Integration The interaction logic is managed through the Training Builder. To make this seamless, each Action widget features a **Training Builder icon button** next to the ID field. **The Automated Workflow:** When you click the Training Builder button, SimLab Composer **automatically opens the Training Builder and creates the event node for you.** It natively generates the **Dynamic Menu Item Triggered (Node + ID)** event, attaches the correct object, and fills in the Action ID. > \[!TIP\] While SimLab provides other events for custom systems (like *Dynamic Menu Item Triggered*, *ID*, or *Node*), the **Node + ID** event is the native choice for this addon because it identifies exactly which object in the group was clicked and which button was pressed. Once the node is created automatically, all you need to do is connect your desired responses (like "Play Attribute Animation"). --- ### 4. Utility Controls & Settings - **Copy Group:** Copies all tabs and actions from a group to a new one. *Note: Objects are not copied, as they must remain unique to one group.* - **JSON Export/Import:** Save your entire menu configuration as a **JSON file** to transfer setups between different projects. - **Settings Icon:** - **Border Shape:** Choose between Sharp Square, Rounded/Beveled Square, or Circle. - **Colors:** Customize the **Primary Color** (icons/numbers), **Border Color** (strokes), and **Background Color** (fills). --- ### Workflow Summary 1. **Group:** Create a group and add all relevant objects. 2. **Define:** Create tabs and add Action widgets with unique IDs. 3. **Automate:** Click the **Training Builder button** in each widget to auto-generate the **Node + ID** event nodes. 4. **Link:** Connect your responses to the auto-generated nodes. 5. **Style:** Customize the visuals in Settings and click **Apply**. Watch this tutorial to learn more # CSV Attributes Manager The **CSV Attributes Manager** is a powerful productivity tool in SimLab Composer 15 designed to manage metadata for hundreds or thousands of objects simultaneously. Instead of manually entering attributes for individual items (such as a scene containing every country in the world), you can export, edit, and import data using standard CSV files. --- ### Key Functions The add-on interface is divided into four main utilities to ensure your scene data is organized and easily accessible for logic-heavy experiences. #### 1. Guarantee Unique Names In large scenes, identical object names can cause issues with logic and tracking. - **Fix Duplicates:** Automatically scans your selection and renames duplicate objects by adding a numerical suffix (e.g., "Chair" becomes "Chair#1", "Chair#2"). #### 2. Add Unique Identifier (GUID) - **Add GUIDs:** Adds a unique "ID" attribute to every selected object. This is essential for developers who need a permanent, unique reference for objects that persists even if names are changed later. #### 3. Export CSV This section allows you to pull data out of SimLab Composer to edit it in external programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. - **Export Names Only:** Creates a CSV file with a single column titled **"name"**. This is the perfect starting point for adding new data to a scene. - **Export Names with Attributes:** Exports the object names along with any existing attributes they already possess. #### 4. Import CSV – Apply Attributes This is the core of the workflow. It reads data from your spreadsheet and applies it to the corresponding objects in your 3D scene. - **Select CSV File:** Once you have edited your CSV, select your objects in the scene and use this button to apply the new data. --- ### The Workflow: Adding Data in Bulk To add complex data (like Capital, Population, and Area) to many objects at once, follow these steps: 1. **Selection:** Select all objects in the scene tree that require attributes. 2. **Export:** Use **Export Names Only** to generate your base file. 3. **External Edit:** Open the CSV in Excel or a similar tool. > \[!IMPORTANT\] > > Column Formatting: The first column MUST be titled name in all lowercase letters for the importer to recognize the objects. 4. **Add Attributes:** Create new columns for each attribute you want (e.g., a "Population" column). Fill in the rows with the corresponding data. 5. **Import:** Back in SimLab Composer, with the objects still selected, click **Select CSV File** and choose your edited document. --- ### Summary Table
**Feature****Best Use Case****Benefit**
**Fix Duplicates**Scenes with many repeated assets (trees, chairs).Prevents naming conflicts in logic.
**Add GUIDs**Complex VR training or database-driven scenes.Provides a permanent "ID" for every object.
**Export Names**Initializing a new project's data.Quickly creates a "master list" of your scene.
**Import CSV**Applying population, price, or technical data.Saves hours of manual data entry.
Watch this Tutorial to lean more # MR Spatial Sync The **Spatial Sync** add-on for SimLab Composer allows you to perfectly align your virtual 3D environment with your real-world physical space. This is essential for **Mixed Reality (MR)** experiences, where virtual objects (like a new kitchen layout) need to sit accurately within your actual room. --- ### Prerequisites Before launching the add-on, you must organize your scene: > \[!IMPORTANT\] > > Naming Convention: All objects that you want to appear in Mixed Reality must be placed inside a single group named interior (written in all lowercase). --- ### 1. The Setup Wizard Open the **Add-ons** menu, navigate to the **MR tab**, and launch **Spatial Sync**. The wizard will guide you through these steps: 1. **Select Group:** Choose the `interior` group you created. 2. **Corner Alignment:** A yellow sphere will appear at the scene center. Shift your 3D model so that one of its room corners aligns with this sphere. 3. **Avatar Placement:** Position the avatar at a natural starting point, such as the room's entrance. 4. **Rotation Guide:** Rotate the provided group until the **two green planes** line up with the edges/walls of your virtual room. These serve as visual markers for the user in VR. 5. **Filter Non-MR Objects:** Select any objects that should **not** be visible in Mixed Reality (e.g., placeholder walls, structural guides, or background environments) and click Next. --- ### 2. Real-World Alignment (In VR/MR) Once you launch the experience on your headset in Mixed Reality mode, follow these steps to sync the scene: - **Positioning:** Grab the virtual sphere and place it at the **exact physical corner** of your real room that you selected during setup. Press the **Grip** button to set it. - **Rotating:** A rotation ring will appear. Grab and rotate it until the **green planes** on your screen perfectly overlap with your **real physical walls**. - **Finalizing:** Press **Apply** to bring the interior objects into view. If the alignment looks correct, click **Confirm** to save the position. --- ### Summary Table: Alignment Tools
**Tool****Action in VR****Purpose**
**Yellow Sphere**Grab & Place at cornerSets the "Anchor Point" for the room.
**Rotation Ring**Grab & SpinMatches virtual orientation to real walls.
**Green Planes**Visual OverlayActs as a guide to ensure 90° alignment.
**Confirm Button**Click to SavePermanently locks the virtual scene to your room.
--- ### Why use Spatial Sync? - **Precision:** Ensures virtual furniture or renovations are viewed at the correct scale and position. - **Ease of Use:** Replaces complex manual coding with a simple "grab-and-place" mechanic. - **Persistence:** Once confirmed, the virtual interior stays locked to the real world, allowing for a stable walkthrough. Watch this tutorial to learn more