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Variables

UNIVERSE features a global Variable system that pridives data throughout the Project and can be accessed from a number of places.

Defining a Variable

To define a new Variable go to the Variables tab of the Info Panel and press the + button in the top-right corner of the Variable tab. A new Variable is added to the list. It can be renamed by clicking on the name of the entry. To set the Variable enter the value in the input field and press the refresh button.

Using Variables

In parameter fields

Variables can be used in a number of different places throughout the UNIVERSE Project. To use a Variable in a parameter field of a Command, in the condition of a decision or as content of a Label simply put the Variable name in the Property or parameter field like #my_value.

Note: To display the Variable value in a Label enter the Variable in the Properties not by double-clicking the Label.

In node system

To access Variables using the Node-Based Programming System in UNIVERSE use the Variable Modifier. It offers a "Watch Changes" Method to output the curretn value of the Variable and trigger other connected Modifiers and a lot of other methods to set and modify the Variable value.

With UNIVERSE Device

The UNIVERSE Device offers a Variables Command to interact with Variables and modify the current value of a Variable.

Variable Presets

With Presets you can save the current set of Variables and their values to a named Preset. The Preset controls are located at the bottom of the Variables tab. Press the + button to create a Preset with the current Variables and their values. The - button deletes the curretly selected Preset. To save the current values to an existing Preset press the arrow down button. To load a Preset select the Preset in the dropdown list and one of the button with the arrow facing right. There are two ways to load a preset:

Method Color Description
Active blue The values stored in the selected Preset are loaded to the variables and applied for the entire Project.
Silent gray The values stored in the selected Preset are loaded to the variables but not yet applied for the Project.

Variable Presets can also be loaded and stored using the UNIVERSE Device.

Variable value files

The current list of Variables and their values can be saved to a file and loaded from a file.

Saving and loading Variables to file

There are two ways to save and load the current Variable set to a file:

  • Variable tab: In the top-left corner of the Variable tab there two buttons for saving and loading the Variable set to and from a file.
  • UNIVERSE Device: The UNIVERSE Device offers a Variable Command with actions for saving and loading a value file and the path to the file as parameter.