Spawning a tab when button clicked (similar to content directory etc)

In an Unreal Engine plugin, you've set up a system where a custom Slate widget, specifically SMyConsoleWidget, can be opened as a new tab within the Unreal Editor's workspace. This setup involves registering the widget to appear as a tab through Unreal's global tab manager (FGlobalTabmanager) and providing an interface through which this tab can be invoked—essentially creating a custom dockable editor window.

Adding a new option in the menus in unreal engine

In the module add for example to add to tools:

Extending with tab: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setting Up

To extend or add menu items, you typically do this within a module's startup function. This ensures that your modifications are registered when the Editor loads. Here's a boilerplate setup:

/FGlobalTabmanager::Get()->RegisterNomadTabSpawner(UnrealAITabName, FOnSpawnTab::CreateRaw(this, &FUnrealAIModule::OnSpawnPluginTab))
	.SetDisplayName(LOCTEXT("FUnrealAITabTitle", "UnrealAI"))
	.SetMenuType(ETabSpawnerMenuType::Hidden);

/TSharedRef<SDockTab> FUnrealAIModule::OnSpawnPluginTab(const FSpawnTabArgs& SpawnTabArgs)
{
	return SNew(SDockTab)
		.TabRole(ETabRole::NomadTab)
		[
			SNew(SMyConsoleWidget)
		];
}

#include "Widgets/Docking/SDockTab.h"
#include "Framework/Docking/TabManager.h"

#define LOCTEXT_NAMESPACE "FMyModule"

void FMyModule::StartupModule()
{
    FGlobalTabmanager::Get()->RegisterNomadTabSpawner("MyCustomTab", FOnSpawnTab::CreateRaw(this, &FMyModule::OnSpawnMyTab))
        .SetDisplayName(LOCTEXT("MyTabTitle", "My Custom Tab"))
        .SetMenuType(ETabSpawnerMenuType::Enabled);
}

TSharedRef<SDockTab> FMyModule::OnSpawnMyTab(const FSpawnTabArgs& SpawnTabArgs)
{
    return SNew(SDockTab)
        .TabRole(ETabRole::NomadTab)
        [
            SNew(SMyCustomWidget)
        ];
}

#undef LOCTEXT_NAMESPACE

Additional Information

1. Nomad vs. Major/Minor Tabs:

• Nomad Tabs: These can dock anywhere in the editor and are ideal for tools that might be used across different editor contexts.

• Major/Minor Tabs: These are typically bound to specific editor windows. Major tabs are substantial, standalone panels like the main viewport, while minor tabs are usually part of these major tabs.

2. Slate UI Framework:

• Slate is Unreal Engine's proprietary UI framework, designed for high performance and flexibility, extensively used within the editor. Understanding Slate can help you create highly customized UI elements beyond the basics.

3. TabManager and Workspace Management:

• Unreal's TabManager handles the organization of tabs within workspaces, managing layouts, and state persistence between editor sessions. This system is what allows tabs to remember their position and state.

Tips for Effective Implementation

1. Use Descriptive Names and Namespaces:

• When defining commands, tabs, and menu entries, use clear, descriptive names. This helps maintain code readability and reduces confusion when scaling up the project or during team collaborations.

2. Localization Practices:

• Utilize the LOCTEXT_NAMESPACE and LOCTEXT macro for all user-facing strings. This practice ensures that your plugin can be easily localized into different languages, a common requirement for professional Unreal Engine projects.

3. Iconography:

• Use meaningful icons for your tabs and menu entries. If your plugin is part of a larger suite or aims for a professional look, consider hiring a designer or using a consistent icon set that aligns with Unreal Engine's style.

4. Performance Considerations:

• When developing with Slate, keep performance in mind. Avoid overusing complex nested structures and heavy widgets that might degrade editor performance, especially when they're open but not actively used.

5. Testing Different Layouts:

• Test your plugin on different monitor setups and Unreal Engine versions. Tabs and UI elements might behave differently based on resolution, aspect ratios, and DPI settings.

6. Extending Editor Functionality Thoughtfully:

• When adding functionality to the Unreal Editor, consider how it integrates with existing features. Enhance productivity without cluttering the interface. Always ask whether a new tab or tool genuinely adds value or could be integrated into an existing tool.

7. Documentation and Comments:

• Maintain thorough documentation both within your code (using comments) and in external documents. This is crucial for onboarding new developers and for your future self when you revisit the code months or years later.