godot-docs/learning/workflow/assets/import_process.rst

.. _doc_import_process:

Import process
==============

Importing assets in Godot 3.0+
------------------------------

Previously, importing assets in Godot 2.x required manual maintainance
of a separate directory with source assets. Without doing this, it was
impossible to specify how to convert and change import flags for
textures, audios, scenes, etc.

In Godot 3.0, we use a more modern approach to importing: Simply drop
your assets (image files, scenes, audios, fonts, etc) directly in the
project folder (copy them manually with your OS file exporer). 
Godot will automatically import these files internally
and keep the imported resources hidden in a res://.import folder.

This allows changing all the import parameters transparently.

Changing import parameters
--------------------------

Changing the import parameters of an asset in Godot (again, keep in mind
import parameters are only present in non-native Godot resource types) is
easy. Just select in the filesystem dock the relevant resource:

.. image:: /img/asset_workflow1.png

And, after adjusting the parameters, just press "Reimport". The parameters
used will be only for this asset and will be used on future reimports.

Changing import parameters of several assets at the same time is also
possible. Simply select all of them together in the resources dock and the
exposed parameters will apply to all of them when reimporting.

Automatic reimport
------------------

When the source asset changes, Godot will perform and automatic reimport
of it, applying the preset configured for that specific asset.

Files generated
-----------------

Importing will add an extra <asset>.import file, containing the import
configuration. Make sure to commit these to your version control system!

.. image:: /img/asset_workflow4.png

Additionally, extra assets will be presset in the hidden res://.import folder:

.. image:: /img/asset_workflow5.png

If any of the files present in this folder is erased (or the whole folder), the
asset or asssets will be reimported automatically. As such, Commiting this folder 
to the version control system is optional. It can save time on
reimporting time when checking out in another computer, but it takes considerably 
more space and transfer time. Pick your poison!

Changing import resource type
-----------------------------

Some source assets can be imported as different types of resources. 
For this, just select the relevant type of resource desired and
press "Reimport":

.. image:: /img/asset_workflow2.png


Changing default import parameters
-----------------------------------

Different types of games might require different defaults.
Changing the defaults per project can be achieved by using the
"Preset.." Menu. Besides some resource types offering presets,
the default setting can be saved and cleared too:

.. image:: /img/asset_workflow3.png

Simplicity is key!
------------------

This is a very simple workflow which should take very little time to get used to. It also enforces a more
correct way to deal with resources. 

There are many types of assets available for import, so please continue reading to understand how to work
with all of them!