Sequencer Overview

Learn about Level Sequences and the primary features of the Sequencer Editor.

Sequencer gives users the ability to create in-game cinematics through its specialized multi-track editor. By creating Level Sequences, adding tracks, and creating keyframes you can manipulate objects, characters, and cameras.

This page provides an overview of Sequencer Actors, Level Sequence Assets, and the primary features of Sequencer.

Sequencer Asset and Actor

Sequencer in Unreal Engine consists of 2 main parts: a Level Sequence Asset and a Level Sequence Actor.

The Level Sequence Asset is located in the Content Browser and contains Sequencer's data. This includes tracks, cameras, keyframes, and animations. This is assigned to a Level Sequence Actor in order to bind its data to a Level.

level sequence asset

The Level Sequence Actor is located in the Level and is the container for the Level Sequence Asset. You can select it to view its details in the Details panel.

level sequence actor

Name

Description

Open Level Sequence

Opens the Sequence Editor for the currently bound level sequence asset.

Level Sequence

The currently bound level sequence asset.

Playback

Auto Play

The sequence will automatically play when the actor is created.

Loop

Loop options for the sequence. Don't Loop will cause the sequence to play once and finish. Loop Indefinitely will cause the sequence to loop forever. Loop Exactly... will expose a numerical time entry where you can specify the amount of times the sequence will loop, then finish.

Play Rate

The speed of the sequence to play. Does not affect Time Dilation.

Start Offset

The amount of time in seconds the sequence should start relative to the start time.

Random Start Time

Starts playing the sequence at a random point between the start and end time. Enabling this will disable Start Offset.

Restore State

Restores all actors to their previous state before the sequence started.

Pause at End

The sequence will pause upon reaching the end, keeping all actors in their final positions in the sequence.

Cinematic

Disable Movement Input

Disables translation input from the player pawn for the duration of the sequence.

Disable Look At Input

Disables rotation input from the player pawn for the duration of the sequence.

Hide Player

Disables the player pawn's visibility for the duration of the sequence.

Hide Hud

Hides all Heads Up Display (HUD) elements for the duration of the sequence.

Disable Camera Cuts

Disables the Camera Cuts track, causing the sequence to not take control of the camera.

Sequencer Creation

There are several ways you can create and assign your Level Sequences.

One of the quickest ways is to click the Cinematics dropdown in the Level Editor's main toolbar and select Add Level Sequence. This will prompt you to create a new Level Sequence Asset in the Content Browser. Give it a name and click Save. Once created, your Level will now contain a Level Sequence Actor with a reference to the newly created Level Sequence Asset.

create level sequence

An alternate way of creating and assigning your sequence is to click Add/Import > Animation > Level Sequence in the Content Browser. This will also prompt you to create a new Level Sequence Asset.

create level sequence

Once the sequence Asset has been created, navigate to the Place Actors panel and drag in a Level Sequence Actor from the Cinematic category.

add sequence actor

Then bind your Level Sequence Asset to the Level Sequence Actor by dragging and dropping the Asset onto the Level Sequence property.

bind level sequence

Sequencer Editor

The Sequencer tab contains the Sequencer Editor, which provides a user interface for creating cinematic content.

sequencer

There are various ways you can open this window.

One way is to click the Cinematics dropdown in the Level Editor's main toolbar and select your sequence from the list. Your sequence must be assigned to a Level Sequence Actor within your Level for it to appear here.

open sequencer

Another way is by clicking the Level Sequence Actor's Open Level Sequence button in the Details panel.

open sequencer

Or by double-clicking the Level Sequence property icon in the Details panel.

open sequencer

You can also open it by double-clicking the Level Sequence Asset in the Content Browser.

open sequencer

When opening a sequence from the Content Browser, you must currently have a Level opened in which this sequence is being referenced. Otherwise the contents will be unbound.

Finally, you can open it by navigating to the main menu bar and clicking Window > Cinematics > Sequencer.

open sequencer

Visit the Sequencer Editor page for more information on the Sequencer editor.

Sequencer Features

The following pages detail the primary animation and movie-making features of Sequencer.

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Sequencer Editor

An overview of the Sequence Editor's user interface, tools, and options.

An overview of the Sequence Editor's user interface, tools, and options.

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Curve Editor

Tweak your keyframes and curves by using the Curve Editor and tools within it.

Tweak your keyframes and curves by using the Curve Editor and tools within it.

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Tracks

Create tracks that affect your actors in Sequencer.

Create tracks that affect your actors in Sequencer.

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Sequences, Shots, and Takes

Edit cinematics in a non-linear editor using Sequences, Shots, and Takes.

Edit cinematics in a non-linear editor using Sequences, Shots, and Takes.

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Actor Sequence Component

Describes how you can embed Sequences within Actor Blueprints using an Actor Sequence Component.

Describes how you can embed Sequences within Actor Blueprints using an Actor Sequence Component.

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Take Recorder

Record Editor, Gameplay, and Live Link Actors with Take Recorder.

Record Editor, Gameplay, and Live Link Actors with Take Recorder.

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Keyframing

Animate objects, actors, and properties in Sequencer by keyframing them and utilizing sections.

Animate objects, actors, and properties in Sequencer by keyframing them and utilizing sections.

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Render Movie

Describes the options available to you when rendering out your cinematic sequences.

Describes the options available to you when rendering out your cinematic sequences.

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Importing and Exporting FBX files

Describes how you can export FBX files from Sequencer and import FBX files to Sequencer.

Describes how you can export FBX files from Sequencer and import FBX files to Sequencer.

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Template Sequences

Reuse animation data created in sequencer with Template Sequences.

Reuse animation data created in sequencer with Template Sequences.

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Sequencer Tags and Groups

Reference your Sequencer Actors using Tags for Blueprint scripting, and organize your tracks with Groups.

Reference your Sequencer Actors using Tags for Blueprint scripting, and organize your tracks with Groups.

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Spawnables and Possessables

Spawn temporary Actors, lights, and other objects in your scene by using Spawnables.

Spawn temporary Actors, lights, and other objects in your scene by using Spawnables.

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Sequencer Playlists

Prepare and trigger Sequences during your virtual production session.

Prepare and trigger Sequences during your virtual production session.

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Python Scripting in Sequencer

Learn common Python scripting commands and features used with Sequencer.

Learn common Python scripting commands and features used with Sequencer.

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This page was written for a previous version of Unreal Engine and has not been updated for the current Unreal Engine 5.3 release.
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