claude-code-arcane 2.3.0 → 2.5.0

package/skills/ue-niagara-effects/references/niagara-data-interfaces.md

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+# Niagara Data Interfaces — Built-In Reference
+
+Data interfaces (DIs) extend Niagara scripts with external data sources that cannot be represented
+as simple scalar/vector parameters. Each DI is a `UObject` subclass derived from
+`UNiagaraDataInterface` (`NiagaraDataInterface.h`) or, for the base type, from
+`UNiagaraDataInterfaceBase` (`NiagaraCore/NiagaraDataInterfaceBase.h`).
+
+DIs appear in the Niagara editor as `User.*` parameters of DI type and are bound at runtime from
+C++ using `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary` helpers or `SetVariableObject`. All DI classes listed here are
+found under `Engine/Plugins/FX/Niagara/Source/Niagara/`.
+
+---
+
+## Mesh DIs
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceSkeletalMesh
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceSkeletalMesh.h`
+**Module**: `Niagara`
+**Sim target**: CPU + GPU (partial)
+
+Samples positions, normals, UV coordinates, and bone transforms from a live
+`USkeletalMeshComponent`. The mesh is skinned at the moment of sampling — particles can follow
+bones or spawn from surface regions.
+
+**Runtime binding from C++**:
+```cpp
+// Preferred: bind by component reference.
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::OverrideSystemUserVariableSkeletalMeshComponent(
+    NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.SourceMesh"), SkeletalMeshComp
+);
+
+// Restrict to specific bones (destructive modification of DI instance data).
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetSkeletalMeshDataInterfaceFilteredBones(
+    NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.SourceMesh"), { FName("spine_01"), FName("head") }
+);
+
+// Restrict to sampling regions defined in the SkeletalMesh asset's LOD settings.
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetSkeletalMeshDataInterfaceSamplingRegions(
+    NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.SourceMesh"), { FName("UpperBody") }
+);
+
+// Restrict to named sockets only.
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetSkeletalMeshDataInterfaceFilteredSockets(
+    NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.SourceMesh"), { FName("foot_l_socket") }
+);
+
+// Direct access for advanced mutation.
+UNiagaraDataInterfaceSkeletalMesh* SkelDI =
+    UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::GetDataInterface<UNiagaraDataInterfaceSkeletalMesh>(
+        NiagaraComp, FName("User.SourceMesh")
+    );
+```
+
+**Key properties** (set in Niagara editor or via direct DI mutation):
+- `SourceMode` — `Default`, `Source`, `AttachParent`, `DefaultMesh`, `MeshParameterBinding`
+- `SoftSourceActor` — soft actor reference; the DI resolves its `USkeletalMeshComponent`
+- `FilteredBones`, `FilteredSockets`, `SamplingRegions` — sampling restrictions
+- `bRequireCurrentFrameData` — whether to wait for skinning to complete this frame
+
+**Notes**:
+- Requires `bAllowCPUAccess` on the `USkeletalMesh` asset for CPU sampling.
+- Pre-skinned vertex positions (`bUsesPreSkinnedVerts`) require `bCacheSampledData` on the
+  mesh's LOD settings.
+- Not all functions work on GPU sim; check Niagara editor warnings.
+
+---
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceStaticMesh
+**Header**: `Internal/DataInterface/NiagaraDataInterfaceStaticMesh.h`
+**Module**: `Niagara`
+**Sim target**: CPU + GPU (partial)
+
+Samples vertex positions, normals, UV coordinates, and socket transforms from a static mesh.
+Supports per-section filtering and instanced static mesh instance selection.
+
+**Runtime binding from C++**:
+```cpp
+// Bind by component.
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::OverrideSystemUserVariableStaticMeshComponent(
+    NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.ScatterMesh"), StaticMeshComp
+);
+
+// Bind by raw asset.
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::OverrideSystemUserVariableStaticMesh(
+    NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.ScatterMesh"), MyStaticMesh
+);
+
+// Set which ISM instance to read from.
+UNiagaraDataInterfaceStaticMesh::SetNiagaraStaticMeshDIInstanceIndex(
+    NiagaraComp, FName("User.ScatterMesh"), InstanceIndex
+);
+```
+
+**Key properties**:
+- `SourceMode` — `ENDIStaticMesh_SourceMode::Default/Source/AttachParent/DefaultMeshOnly/MeshParameterBinding`
+- `DefaultMesh` — fallback `UStaticMesh*` used when no runtime override is bound
+- `SectionFilter.AllowedMaterialSlots` — restricts triangle sampling to specific material slots
+- `LODIndex` — which LOD to sample; negative index counts back from highest LOD
+- `bCaptureTransformsPerFrame` — update mesh-to-world transform each tick (default true)
+- `bAllowSamplingFromStreamingLODs` — allows sampling from streaming LODs
+
+**Notes**:
+- Requires `bAllowCPUAccess` on the static mesh asset for CPU sampling.
+- Set `bAllowSamplingFromStreamingLODs=false` on mobile to avoid streaming stalls.
+
+---
+
+## Curve DIs
+
+All curve DIs derive from `UNiagaraDataInterfaceCurveBase` and provide a `SampleCurve(time)` function
+to Niagara scripts. Internally they build a LUT (look-up table) at load time for GPU sampling.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceCurve
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceCurve.h`
+**Niagara type**: "Curve for Floats"
+**Output**: `float`
+
+```cpp
+// Mutate keys at runtime (rebuilds LUT).
+UNiagaraDataInterfaceCurve* CurveDI =
+    UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::GetDataInterface<UNiagaraDataInterfaceCurve>(
+        NiagaraComp, FName("User.SpeedCurve")
+    );
+if (CurveDI)
+{
+    CurveDI->Curve.Reset();
+    CurveDI->Curve.AddKey(0.f, 0.f);
+    CurveDI->Curve.AddKey(0.5f, 1.f);
+    CurveDI->Curve.AddKey(1.f, 0.f);
+    // UNiagaraDataInterface derives from UObject, not UActorComponent —
+    // MarkRenderStateDirty() does not exist on this hierarchy.
+    // UpdateLUT() rebuilds the GPU look-up table (WITH_EDITORONLY_DATA only).
+#if WITH_EDITORONLY_DATA
+    CurveDI->UpdateLUT();
+#endif
+}
+```
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceVectorCurve
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceVectorCurve.h`
+**Niagara type**: "Curve for Vectors"
+**Output**: `FVector` (XYZ channels via three `FRichCurve`)
+
+```cpp
+UNiagaraDataInterfaceVectorCurve* VecCurveDI =
+    UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::GetDataInterface<UNiagaraDataInterfaceVectorCurve>(
+        NiagaraComp, FName("User.VelocityCurve")
+    );
+// Properties: XCurve, YCurve, ZCurve (each FRichCurve).
+```
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceColorCurve
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceColorCurve.h`
+**Niagara type**: "Curve for Colors"
+**Output**: `FLinearColor` (RGBA channels via four `FRichCurve`)
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceVector2DCurve
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceVector2DCurve.h`
+**Niagara type**: "Curve for Vector 2Ds"
+**Output**: `FVector2D`
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceVector4Curve
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceVector4Curve.h`
+**Niagara type**: "Curve for Vector 4s"
+**Output**: `FVector4`
+
+---
+
+## Array DIs
+
+Array DIs hold a `TArray` of typed data that Niagara scripts index into at runtime. They are the
+primary mechanism for pushing per-frame C++ arrays into GPU/CPU simulations.
+
+All array DIs derive from `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArray` (`Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceArray.h`).
+
+| DI Class | Element Type | Header |
+|---|---|---|
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat` | `float` | `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat.h` |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat2` | `FVector2f` (internal) / `FVector2D` (API) | same |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat3` | `FVector3f` (internal) / `FVector` (API) | same |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat4` | `FVector4f` (internal) / `FVector4` (API) | same |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayPosition` | `FNiagaraPosition` | same |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayColor` | `FLinearColor` | same |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayQuat` | `FQuat4f` (internal) / `FQuat` (API) | same |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayMatrix` | `FMatrix44f` (internal) / `FMatrix` (API) | same |
+| `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayInt32` | `int32` | `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceArrayInt.h` |
+
+**Runtime population from C++** (see also `niagara-parameter-types.md` for full method list):
+```cpp
+#include "NiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFunctionLibrary.h"
+
+TArray<FVector> PositionArray = BuildPositions();
+UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFunctionLibrary::SetNiagaraArrayVector(
+    NiagaraComp, FName("User.SpawnPositions"), PositionArray
+);
+```
+
+**Direct property access** (avoids function library overhead for large arrays):
+```cpp
+UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat* FloatArrayDI =
+    UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::GetDataInterface<UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat>(
+        NiagaraComp, FName("User.HeatData")
+    );
+if (FloatArrayDI)
+{
+    FloatArrayDI->FloatData = MoveTemp(NewFloatData);
+    // UNiagaraDataInterface derives from UObject, not UActorComponent —
+    // MarkRenderStateDirty() does not exist on this hierarchy.
+    // The engine re-uploads array data automatically on the next simulation tick.
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+## Texture DIs
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceTexture
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceTexture.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU + GPU
+
+Samples from a `UTexture2D` or `UTextureRenderTarget2D`. Provides `SampleTexture2D(UV)`.
+
+```cpp
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetTextureObject(NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.FlowTexture"), MyTexture2D);
+// or via SetVariableTexture:
+NiagaraComp->SetVariableTexture(FName("User.FlowTexture"), MyTexture);
+```
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterface2DArrayTexture
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterface2DArrayTexture.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU only
+
+Samples from a `UTexture2DArray`.
+
+```cpp
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetTexture2DArrayObject(NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.TexArray"), MyTexArray);
+```
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceVolumeTexture
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceVolumeTexture.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU only
+
+Samples from a `UVolumeTexture`.
+
+```cpp
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetVolumeTextureObject(NiagaraComp, TEXT("User.DensityVol"), MyVolumeTexture);
+```
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceCubeTexture
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceCubeTexture.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU only
+
+Samples from a `UTextureCube`.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceRenderTarget2D
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceRenderTarget2D.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU (read/write)
+
+Read-write GPU render target. Used for simulation caching and fluid-like effects.
+
+---
+
+## Noise DIs
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceCurlNoise
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceCurlNoise.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU + GPU
+
+Provides 3D curl noise for divergence-free velocity fields. No runtime parameters — configure
+`ModificationMode` and `NoiseStrength` in the Niagara editor.
+
+---
+
+## Simulation / Grid DIs
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceGrid2DCollection
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceGrid2DCollection.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU only
+
+2D grid of simulation data (textures). Used for fluid simulation and cellular automata effects.
+Requires GPU sim mode. Not configurable from C++ directly — set up in Niagara editor.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceGrid3DCollection
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceGrid3DCollection.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU only
+
+3D volumetric grid. Used for Niagara Fluids and volumetric simulations.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceNeighborGrid3D
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceNeighborGrid3D.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU only
+
+Spatial hash grid for neighbor queries between particles.
+
+---
+
+## Collision DIs
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceCollisionQuery
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceCollisionQuery.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU (sync) + GPU (async via HWRT)
+
+Allows Niagara particles to perform physics collision traces. CPU mode executes synchronous line
+traces; GPU mode uses hardware ray tracing (HWRT) when available.
+
+For GPU HWRT, manage collision groups from C++:
+```cpp
+// Assign a collision group to a primitive so GPU particles can filter against it.
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetComponentNiagaraGPURayTracedCollisionGroup(
+    this, MyPrimitiveComp, CollisionGroupIndex
+);
+
+// Acquire a free collision group index.
+int32 GroupIdx = UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::AcquireNiagaraGPURayTracedCollisionGroup(this);
+// ... assign and use ...
+UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::ReleaseNiagaraGPURayTracedCollisionGroup(this, GroupIdx);
+```
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceAsyncGpuTrace
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceAsyncGpuTrace.h`
+**Sim target**: GPU only (HWRT)
+
+Asynchronous GPU-side ray traces. Results are available in the following frame.
+
+---
+
+## Audio DIs
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceAudio
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceAudio.h`
+
+Abstract base for audio-driven data interfaces.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceAudioOscilloscope
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceAudioOscilloscope.h`
+
+Samples audio waveform (time-domain) data into the particle simulation.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceAudioSpectrum
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceAudioSpectrum.h`
+
+Samples FFT frequency spectrum data. Drive particle effects from audio amplitude.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceAudioPlayer
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceAudioPlayer.h`
+
+Triggers audio events from within a Niagara simulation (e.g., play a sound per particle spawn).
+
+---
+
+## Physics DIs
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfacePhysicsAsset
+**Header**: `Public/NiagaraDataInterfacePhysicsAsset.h`
+
+Exposes physics asset body transforms for collision or constraint effects.
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceRigidMeshCollisionQuery
+**Header**: `Public/NiagaraDataInterfaceRigidMeshCollisionQuery.h`
+
+Provides signed-distance-field (SDF)-based collision queries against rigid body meshes.
+
+---
+
+## Camera DI
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceCamera
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceCamera.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU + GPU (partial)
+
+Exposes camera position, rotation, field of view, and depth buffer data to the simulation.
+On GPU, depth buffer sampling is available when a scene depth texture is accessible.
+
+---
+
+## Spline DI
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceSpline
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceSpline.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU
+
+Samples positions, tangents, and curvature along a `USplineComponent`. Particles can follow
+or distribute along splines.
+
+---
+
+## Particle Read DI
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceParticleRead
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceParticleRead.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU
+
+Allows one emitter to read particle attributes from another emitter within the same system.
+Useful for spawning secondary effects at the positions of particles in a primary emitter.
+
+---
+
+## Data Channel DIs (UE 5.4+)
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceDataChannelRead / Write
+**Headers**: `Internal/DataInterface/NiagaraDataInterfaceDataChannelRead.h` and `...Write.h`
+
+Data Channels allow multiple Niagara systems to share data across system boundaries at runtime,
+without direct C++ coupling. Writers push data into a named channel; readers consume it.
+
+---
+
+## Export DI
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceExport
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceExport.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU
+
+Allows Niagara to export particle attributes back to C++ via an interface callback. Implement
+`INiagaraParticleCallbackHandler` on your UObject to receive per-particle data:
+
+```cpp
+// Your class must implement INiagaraParticleCallbackHandler.
+#include "NiagaraDataInterfaceExport.h"
+
+class UMyParticleCallbackHandler : public UObject, public INiagaraParticleCallbackHandler
+{
+    GENERATED_BODY()
+public:
+    virtual void ReceiveParticleData(
+        const TArray<FBasicParticleData>& Data,
+        UNiagaraSystem* NiagaraSystem,
+        const FVector& SimulationPositionOffset) override;
+};
+```
+
+---
+
+## Landscape DI
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceLandscape
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceLandscape.h`
+**Sim target**: CPU
+
+Samples height, normal, and material weight data from an `ALandscape` actor.
+
+---
+
+## Occlusion DI
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceOcclusion
+**Header**: `Classes/NiagaraDataInterfaceOcclusion.h`
+
+Queries occlusion state from the renderer's occlusion query results.
+
+---
+
+## Actor / Component DI
+
+### UNiagaraDataInterfaceActorComponent
+**Header**: `Internal/DataInterface/NiagaraDataInterfaceActorComponent.h`
+
+Exposes an actor's component transforms and velocity to Niagara scripts. Useful for binding
+a target actor's transform without requiring a full skeletal or static mesh DI.
+
+---
+
+## Material / MPC DIs
+
+### NiagaraDataInterfaceMaterialInstanceDynamic
+**Header**: `Private/NiagaraDataInterfaceMaterialInstanceDynamic.h`
+
+Allows Niagara to read scalar and vector parameters from a `UMaterialInstanceDynamic`.
+
+### NiagaraDataInterfaceMaterialParameterCollection
+**Header**: `Private/NiagaraDataInterfaceMaterialParameterCollection.h`
+
+Reads values from a `UMaterialParameterCollection` asset.
+
+---
+
+## Choosing a DI
+
+| Use Case | Recommended DI |
+|---|---|
+| Spawn particles on a character mesh | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceSkeletalMesh` |
+| Scatter particles on a static prop | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceStaticMesh` |
+| Drive emitter rate with an animation curve | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceCurve` |
+| Push a gameplay position list (e.g., AI waypoints) | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFloat3` (Vector Array) |
+| Particles collide with world geometry | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceCollisionQuery` |
+| Audio-reactive effects | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceAudioSpectrum` |
+| Particles follow a spline path | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceSpline` |
+| Camera-relative VFX (e.g., lens flares) | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceCamera` |
+| Export particle positions to C++ for gameplay | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceExport` |
+| Share data between two independent VFX systems | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceDataChannelRead/Write` |
+| Volumetric / fluid simulation | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceGrid3DCollection` |

package/skills/ue-niagara-effects/references/niagara-parameter-types.md

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+# Niagara Parameter Types — C++ to Niagara Type Mapping
+
+This reference maps Niagara editor parameter types to their C++ setter methods on `UNiagaraComponent`
+and the underlying native C++ types. All parameters must be declared in the `User.` namespace in the
+Niagara editor to be settable from C++ at runtime.
+
+Sources: `NiagaraComponent.h`, `NiagaraFunctionLibrary.h`, `NiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFunctionLibrary.h`
+(Engine/Plugins/FX/Niagara/Source/Niagara/).
+
+---
+
+## Scalar Types
+
+| Niagara Editor Type | C++ Method (FName variant) | C++ Type | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `float` | `SetVariableFloat(FName, float)` | `float` | Default precision |
+| `int32` | `SetVariableInt(FName, int32)` | `int32` | |
+| `bool` | `SetVariableBool(FName, bool)` | `bool` | |
+
+---
+
+## Vector Types
+
+| Niagara Editor Type | C++ Method (FName variant) | C++ Type | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `Vector2D` | `SetVariableVec2(FName, FVector2D)` | `FVector2D` | |
+| `Vector` / `Vector3` | `SetVariableVec3(FName, FVector)` | `FVector` | |
+| `Position` | `SetVariablePosition(FName, FVector)` | `FVector` | LWC-aware large-world position; use instead of `SetVariableVec3` for world-space positions |
+| `Vector4` | `SetVariableVec4(FName, FVector4)` | `FVector4` | |
+| `Color` (LinearColor) | `SetVariableLinearColor(FName, FLinearColor)` | `FLinearColor` | Do NOT use SetVariableVec3/4 for this |
+| `Quaternion` | `SetVariableQuat(FName, FQuat)` | `FQuat` | Internally converted to `FQuat4f` |
+| `Matrix` | `SetVariableMatrix(FName, FMatrix)` | `FMatrix` | FName variant available; legacy `SetNiagaraVariableMatrix(FString, FMatrix)` also works |
+
+---
+
+## Object / Reference Types
+
+| Niagara Editor Type | C++ Method | Argument Type | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `Object` (generic UObject) | `SetVariableObject(FName, UObject*)` | `UObject*` | Binds an object reference to a DI user param |
+| `Actor` | `SetVariableActor(FName, AActor*)` | `AActor*` | Convenience wrapper around `SetVariableObject` |
+| `Material` | `SetVariableMaterial(FName, UMaterialInterface*)` | `UMaterialInterface*` | |
+| `Texture` | `SetVariableTexture(FName, UTexture*)` | `UTexture*` | |
+| `TextureRenderTarget` | `SetVariableTextureRenderTarget(FName, UTextureRenderTarget*)` | `UTextureRenderTarget*` | |
+
+---
+
+## Data Interface Types
+
+Data interfaces are bound by overriding the User parameter that holds the DI. The parameter appears
+as a DI type in the Niagara editor (e.g., "Skeletal Mesh", "Float Array"). The binding is done via
+`SetVariableObject`, or through the specialized helpers in `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary`.
+
+| Niagara DI Type | Binding Method | Notes |
+|---|---|---|
+| Skeletal Mesh DI | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::OverrideSystemUserVariableSkeletalMeshComponent` | Pass `USkeletalMeshComponent*` |
+| Static Mesh DI | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::OverrideSystemUserVariableStaticMeshComponent` | Pass `UStaticMeshComponent*` |
+| Static Mesh DI (asset) | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::OverrideSystemUserVariableStaticMesh` | Pass `UStaticMesh*` directly |
+| Texture DI | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetTextureObject` | Pass `UTexture*` |
+| 2D Array Texture DI | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetTexture2DArrayObject` | Pass `UTexture2DArray*` |
+| Volume Texture DI | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::SetVolumeTextureObject` | Pass `UVolumeTexture*` |
+| Float Array DI | `UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFunctionLibrary::SetNiagaraArrayFloat` | Replaces entire array |
+| Generic DI (typed) | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::GetDataInterface<TDIType>` | Returns the DI object for direct mutation |
+| Generic DI (untyped) | `UNiagaraFunctionLibrary::GetDataInterface(UClass*, UNiagaraComponent*, FName)` | Non-template variant |
+
+---
+
+## Array DI Types (UNiagaraDataInterfaceArrayFunctionLibrary)
+
+All array setters replace the entire data array in the named User parameter DI.
+Single-element setters exist for in-place updates without replacing the full array.
+
+| Array Element Type | Set Whole Array | Set Single Element | Get Whole Array | Get Single Element |
+|---|---|---|---|---|
+| `float` | `SetNiagaraArrayFloat` | `SetNiagaraArrayFloatValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayFloat` | `GetNiagaraArrayFloatValue` |
+| `FVector2D` | `SetNiagaraArrayVector2D` | `SetNiagaraArrayVector2DValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayVector2D` | `GetNiagaraArrayVector2DValue` |
+| `FVector` | `SetNiagaraArrayVector` | `SetNiagaraArrayVectorValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayVector` | `GetNiagaraArrayVectorValue` |
+| `FVector` (Position) | `SetNiagaraArrayPosition` | `SetNiagaraArrayPositionValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayPosition` | `GetNiagaraArrayPositionValue` |
+| `FVector4` | `SetNiagaraArrayVector4` | `SetNiagaraArrayVector4Value` | `GetNiagaraArrayVector4` | `GetNiagaraArrayVector4Value` |
+| `FLinearColor` | `SetNiagaraArrayColor` | `SetNiagaraArrayColorValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayColor` | `GetNiagaraArrayColorValue` |
+| `FQuat` | `SetNiagaraArrayQuat` | `SetNiagaraArrayQuatValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayQuat` | `GetNiagaraArrayQuatValue` |
+| `FMatrix` | `SetNiagaraArrayMatrix` | `SetNiagaraArrayMatrixValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayMatrix` | `GetNiagaraArrayMatrixValue` |
+| `int32` | `SetNiagaraArrayInt32` | `SetNiagaraArrayInt32Value` | `GetNiagaraArrayInt32` | `GetNiagaraArrayInt32Value` |
+| `uint8` | `SetNiagaraArrayUInt8` | `SetNiagaraArrayUInt8Value` | `GetNiagaraArrayUInt8` | `GetNiagaraArrayUInt8Value` |
+| `bool` | `SetNiagaraArrayBool` | `SetNiagaraArrayBoolValue` | `GetNiagaraArrayBool` | `GetNiagaraArrayBoolValue` |
+
+`bSizeToFit=true` on single-element setters will grow the array to accommodate the index if needed.
+
+**Low-precision internal storage**: Array DIs use internal `FVector3f` / `FVector2f` / `FQuat4f`
+storage (single-precision). The public API accepts double-precision UE types and converts internally.
+For non-BP code using `TConstArrayView<FVector3f>`, use the non-templated C++-only overloads:
+
+```cpp
+// Non-BP overloads accepting single-precision directly (avoids conversion overhead):
+// SetNiagaraArrayFloat(Component, Name, TConstArrayView<double>)
+// SetNiagaraArrayVector(Component, Name, TConstArrayView<FVector3f>)
+// SetNiagaraArrayVector4(Component, Name, TConstArrayView<FVector4f>)
+// SetNiagaraArrayQuat(Component, Name, TConstArrayView<FQuat4f>)
+// SetNiagaraArrayMatrix(Component, Name, TConstArrayView<FMatrix44f>)
+// SetNiagaraArrayUInt8(Component, Name, TConstArrayView<uint8>)
+// SetNiagaraArrayInt32(Component, Name, TConstArrayView<int64>)
+```
+
+---
+
+## Legacy FString Setters (Blueprint-Oriented, Slower)
+
+These exist on `UNiagaraComponent` for Blueprint compatibility. Prefer the `FName` variants above
+in C++ as they avoid a string-to-FName conversion on every call.
+
+```cpp
+// All FString setters — equivalent in behavior, slower in C++.
+SetNiagaraVariableFloat(const FString&, float)
+SetNiagaraVariableInt(const FString&, int32)
+SetNiagaraVariableBool(const FString&, bool)
+SetNiagaraVariableVec2(const FString&, FVector2D)
+SetNiagaraVariableVec3(const FString&, FVector)
+SetNiagaraVariableVec4(const FString&, FVector4)
+SetNiagaraVariableLinearColor(const FString&, FLinearColor)
+SetNiagaraVariableQuat(const FString&, FQuat)
+SetNiagaraVariableMatrix(const FString&, FMatrix)    // legacy FString variant; prefer SetVariableMatrix(FName, FMatrix)
+SetNiagaraVariableObject(const FString&, UObject*)
+SetNiagaraVariableActor(const FString&, AActor*)
+SetNiagaraVariablePosition(const FString&, FVector)
+```
+
+---
+
+## ENCPoolMethod Values
+
+Used in `SpawnSystemAtLocation` and `SpawnSystemAttached` `PoolingMethod` parameter.
+
+| Value | Behavior |
+|---|---|
+| `ENCPoolMethod::None` | No pooling. Component is destroyed when system finishes if `bAutoDestroy=true`. |
+| `ENCPoolMethod::AutoRelease` | Component returns to the world pool automatically when the system finishes. Never call `DestroyComponent`. |
+| `ENCPoolMethod::ManualRelease` | You must call `ReleaseToPool()` to return the component to the pool. Used for effects that you pause/resume explicitly. |
+| `ENCPoolMethod::FreeInPool` | Internal pool state (not for external use). |
+
+---
+
+## Parameter Namespace Rules
+
+Niagara parameters follow a `Namespace.VariableName` convention:
+
+- `User.MyParam` — authored as "User Exposed" in Niagara editor; the only namespace settable from C++.
+- `System.Age`, `System.DeltaTime`, `System.ExecutionState` — built-in system parameters; read-only.
+- `Emitter.MyEmitterVar` — scoped to a single emitter; not accessible from C++.
+- `Particle.Position`, `Particle.Velocity` — per-particle; not accessible from C++.
+- `Module.MyModuleVar` — private to a module stack node; not accessible from C++.
+
+Always confirm the exact parameter name in the Niagara editor's "Parameters" panel before writing
+C++ code — the name is case-sensitive and the namespace prefix must be included.