Python Foundation Packages Plugin

The Python Foundation Packages plugin brings official support for common Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, and Pillow. Each one is pinned to a specific version and installed into the editor’s Python environment for you.

How do I enable the plugin?

Open Edit > Plugins, search for Python Foundation Packages, enable it, and restart the editor. In Unreal Engine 5.8 the plugin is Experimental, and it turns on the Python Editor Script Plugin for you.

The packages are downloaded rather than bundled with the engine. On startup, the editor runs pip and installs them into <ProjectDir>/Intermediate/PipInstall/, so the first launch needs an internet connection.

What’s included?

Here are the main packages the plugin pins in Unreal Engine 5.8:

Import them like any other package, for example import numpy as np. The editor runs Python 3.11.

Frequently asked questions

Where did PyTorch go?

Up to Unreal Engine 5.6, this plugin also installed PyTorch. Since Unreal Engine 5.7, PyTorch, torchvision, and torchaudio come from the separate Python ML Package plugin, which depends on Python Foundation Packages. Enable that plugin too if your scripts need torch.

Can I control how pip installs the packages?

The pip settings live in Project Settings > Plugins > Python. Run Pip Install on Startup controls the install, and the advanced options include Offline Only and Override Index URL.

Strict hash checking is on by default, so pip only accepts the exact pinned packages.

Can my own plugins request packages?

Yes, they can request packages the same way through a PythonRequirements entry in their .uplugin file.

Links

Check out the following resources to learn more about the subject.

• Python Plugin Dependency Management