- Blueprint System: Allows you to copy, save, and reuse building layouts instantly.
- Key Shortcut: Press C to open the build menu and access your saved blueprints.
- Copy/Paste: Use Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste structures.
- Import/Export: Share designs via text strings generated in the blueprint menu.
- Flipping: Press Ctrl+H to mirror your blueprint for flexible layouts.
Understanding Blueprints
Blueprints in Sandustry are essential for scaling your factory efficiently. Instead of manually rebuilding conveyor belts and shakers, you can save a "master copy" of a tileable design and replicate it as many times as needed. This system is particularly useful for creating large arrays of sand processing units without placing every individual block.
Video Highlights:
- Learn the basic controls to copy and paste structures.
- See how to create a tileable shaker design.
- Understand the export and import string process.
Always test your blueprint by pasting it (Ctrl+V) immediately after copying to ensure it functions correctly before saving it to your library.
Step-by-Step Creation Guide
Creating a blueprint is a straightforward process, but precision matters. Follow these steps to ensure your design is saved correctly and ready for mass production.
Build Your Prototype
Construct the structure you wish to replicate. For this example, we will build a simple shaker setup. Place two conveyor belts leading into a filter, ensuring the layout is compact and functional.
Select the Area
Press and hold S while dragging your cursor over the entire structure you want to copy. This highlights the selection area.
Copy to Clipboard
With the area selected, press Ctrl+C to copy the structure to your clipboard.
Verify the Copy
Press Ctrl+V to paste a test copy next to the original. This confirms that the entire mechanism was selected and copied correctly.
Save to Library
Press Q to open the build menu, then navigate to the Blueprints tab. You will see your new creation listed there (e.g., "Small Shaker"). Click Select to equip it for placement.
If your paste test is missing blocks, you may not have dragged the selection box large enough. Redo the selection to ensure it encompasses the entire build height and width.
Import, Export, and Management
Sharing your designs with the community or backing them up is easy using the string-based code system. This allows you to transfer complex builds without needing external files.
| Feature | Description | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Export | Generates a unique text string representing your build. | Click Export > Copy String |
| Import | Loads a build from a text string. | Click Import > Paste String > Confirm |
| Flip | Mirrors the blueprint horizontally. | Ctrl + H |
| Tile | Places blueprints seamlessly adjacent to others. | Left Click |
When you export a blueprint, you get a long string of text. Copy this to a text file or Discord to share. Other players can paste this string into their Import menu to instantly use your design.
To import a shared design:
- Copy the text string provided by the source.
- Open the Blueprint menu (Q > Blueprints).
- Click Import.
- Paste the code into the text box.
- Click Confirm. The blueprint will appear in your list ready for selection.
Advanced Layout Techniques
Efficient factory design relies on how you arrange your blueprints. Simply placing them randomly can lead to bottlenecks. Use these techniques to optimize flow.
Linear Tiling
- Straight Lines: Place blueprints end-to-end.
- Input/Output: Aligns conveyors perfectly.
- Best For: Long processing lines.
Mirrored Arrays
- Symmetry: Use Ctrl+H to flip every other blueprint.
- Efficiency: Brings outputs closer to a central storage point.
- Best For: Compact storage builds.
Modular Swapping
- Flexibility: Save different versions of a machine.
- Upgrades: Replace old modules with new ones easily.
- Best For: Iterating on designs.
When using the Flip command (Ctrl+H), remember that it flips the blueprint relative to your cursor. This allows you to create "U-turn" conveyor belts by alternating between standard and flipped blueprints.
Community and FAQ
The blueprint system is designed to be community-friendly. Whether you are downloading a mega-farm design or sharing your own compact shaker, understanding the basics of file management helps keep your workflow smooth.
Blueprint Mastery Checklist:
- Create a tileable shaker design
- Successfully save it to the Blueprint tab
- Export a design and copy the string
- Import a string from an external source
- Use Ctrl+H to flip a blueprint during placement
Q: Why can't I see my blueprint in the menu?
Ensure you actually pressed the selection key (S) and copied (Ctrl+C) the structure. If you just built it without copying, it won't appear in the Blueprint tab automatically.
Q: Do blueprints save the resources inside them?
No, blueprints typically save the structure layout. When you place a blueprint, you are placing the empty framework of the machine, which you must then fill with resources.
Q: Can I edit a blueprint after saving it?
To edit a blueprint, build the new version you want, copy it (Ctrl+C), and it will appear as a new entry in your Blueprint menu. You can rename or overwrite the old file by managing your list.
Q: What happens if I import an invalid string?
If the text string is corrupted or incomplete, the import function will likely fail or show an error. Ensure you copy the entire string from the export command without missing characters.