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1. Create a New Unreal Engine 5 Project

Using the Epic Games Launcher, create a new Unreal Engine 5.5 project of your choice. Launch the editor to initialize the engine files, then close the editor.
If you already have an Unreal Engine 5 project, you can use it instead.

Download and Install the Élisa Plugin

Start by downloading the Élisa Unreal Plugin:
  1. Download 👉 Élisa Unreal Plugin ZIP.
  2. Extract the plugin folder into your project’s Plugins directory.
    _If the Plugins folder doesn’t exist, create it at the root of your Unreal project._Download and Install the Élisa Plugin
Start by downloading the Élisa Unity Plugin:
  1. Download 👉 Élisa Unity Plugin ZIP.
  2. Extract the plugin, you should end up with a folder names com.elisainteractive.elisa.
  3. Open the Package Manager in Unity.
  4. Install the Élisa Package from Disk, by selecting the package.json file.
plugin-extraction.gif Next up, re-open your Unreal project to verify the plugin installation.
You must restart Unreal Engine after enabling the plugin.
This is necessary for certain features to work correctly in a later steps.

2. Request your Élisa API Key

You should have received your Élisa API key by email. If not, you can request access via the Élisa website.
👉 Get your Élisa API Key
Copy this key—you’ll need it in the next steps.

3. Get a Google API Key

Élisa uses Google for the included Landscaper agent:
  1. Visit 👉 Google AI Studio.
  2. Sign in with your Google account.
  3. Create an API key.
Save this key for later.

4. Set your Élisa API Key

In the engine, open the Elisa Settings Panel. Edit > ⚙️ Elisa Settings Set your Elisa API Key there. Then Validate it. More Info: Here

5. Register a new Project

Still in the ⚙️Elisa Settings, under category Project, click the Register a new Project button You will be asked to fill in a Project Name, along a Project Description. register-new-project.png
The Project Description should include basic information about its type, style, and usage.

6. Set your Google API Key

Once your project registered, you will see a new entry for your Google API Key. Go ahead and fill it in. set-google-api-key.png

7. Generate Your Asset Catalog

Élisa needs a catalog of assets from your project in order to understand what it can place. A catalog links asset metadata to Élisa’s AI system.
If you don’t yet have assets in your project, we recommend using the 👉 FANTASTIC - Village Pack.
To generate a catalog:

1. Select the assets you want Élisa to use.

  • You can select multiple assets or even entire folders directly in your Project Files.
For more detailed information on what asset you can use, see the Selecting the right assets page.

2. Right-click the selection and choose Generate Catalog.

generate-catalog-multiengine.png

3. Add a description.

  • This should include key details about the assets’ style, theme, and intended usage.

Let an LLM do the writing for you!

Paste your asset pack URL into your favorite chat interface and use this prompt:
“Analyze every item in the catalog and write 3-5 sentences (60-120 words) that capture their shared stylistic and technical DNA. Cover dominant art styles/eras, modelling techniques, color palette and lighting mood, and any typical functional contexts. Omitting all file paths, IDs, prices, or seller names.”

Having issues with catalog generation?

If you’re using a free Gemini API key, it may be due to rate or token limits.
👉 See common solutions here

8. Design with Elisa

Élisa uses surfaces to create layouts. You can choose, or place, any suitable surface— a plane, a landscape, etc… You can also select multiple actors as a single surface area. Élisa will treat them as one continuous layout region. Right-click on your surface and choose: Design with Elisa For more information on surface: Here SurfacePlacementAndDesignWithElisa.gif

9. Send Your First Message

Now it’s time to create! In Elisa’s chat box, try typing: Add a cozy campsite with rocks, logs for seating, and a small campfire. Élisa will analyze the selected surface and start populating the scene with suitable assets from the catalog.

10. Switch Surface

You can create as many design session as you want! Design with Elisa on a returned asset to nest a new design session. Or Place new surfaces to start creating new layouts! Go back to previous sessions and retrieve your chat history along all of the elements Élisa placed; So you never loose anything you’ve worked on! *could add a GIF here Learn more about on how to Work on Surfaces

✅ You’re Up and Running!

From here, you can:
  • Refine the scene using the chat (e.g., Add a surrounding forest, Make it spooky, etc.).
  • Switch surfaces and start new design sessions.
  • Upload your own catalogs! (see, How to Generate your own Catalogs)
Need help or want to explore further? 👉 Visit the Full Documentation
👉 Check out the Discord
Happy designing!
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