# Thumbnail Renderer

> ## Credits
>
> Thanks to Erlite from the Unreal Engine discord for helping me with some of the thumbnail property code.

There are three ways to override the thumbnail:

1. Use the `ThumbnailOverrides` map in the config settings.
2. Implement the `I_AssetDetails` interface and override `GetThumbnail`
3. For blueprints, the system will look for any `Texture2D` variable with the name “`ThumbnailOverride`” (Advised to use soft reference). This is primarily used for Blueprint programmers.
4. Use the `ThumbnailOverride` meta property specifier on a `UTexture2D` property to use for the thumbnail. (Advised to use soft reference).

<figure><img src="https://3180859593-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHaVAFyKjs3d16ljfQ2o0%2Fuploads%2FcPxrj6KwLq4JsY0cBwQG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c7a74573-394e-4911-8788-33ef8bb4131f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The priority for what is chosen is also in the same order as above.

<figure><img src="https://3180859593-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHaVAFyKjs3d16ljfQ2o0%2Fuploads%2FQ6ezSk8WNtuFpOQiZTyU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2ae0ea0b-f854-4921-a8c9-84fdb94d2011" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of a variable in a data asset using the metadata.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://3180859593-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHaVAFyKjs3d16ljfQ2o0%2Fuploads%2FgjSkO9oojf315LIfj6Kv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d58e7285-c196-4c00-b430-e31d7a9215e6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Blueprint asset assigning its own thumbnail</p></figcaption></figure>

You can even reference .uasset files from C++ without having the variable be visible in the editor.

<figure><img src="https://3180859593-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHaVAFyKjs3d16ljfQ2o0%2Fuploads%2FzIkIAEl0fd2IuVLNKjxc%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=04dce1f7-2b12-4f12-b300-1c5a39f5b3ec" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://3180859593-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHaVAFyKjs3d16ljfQ2o0%2Fuploads%2FMWDLFxvBJJMdCcxOdGbE%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ad71117a-d664-417d-b73b-f729e57b94c2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Bugs:

* After installing the plugin, the thumbnail might not load until the asset is opened or reloaded. You will want to make any changes to it so you get the little asterisk label and save the asset.
* Technically not a bug, but textures can be a very low LOD when first loaded. You will want to open the texture and set the `TextureGroup` to `UI`.
* In some scenarios after setting the texture to null, the thumbnail won't update. You will want to right click the asset -> `Asset Actions` -> Press `Clear Thumbnail`
