Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most.
Safety & Privacy
Is it safe to use for game dev work?
GraphDeck runs entirely on your machine. It doesn't connect to the internet except for license activation (a one-time check) and the optional AI features (only when you actively use them). The AI only sees what you choose to send it: node names, pin data, whatever you type in the chat, and any asset references you've added to the bucket. It never sees your project files or source code.
Can the AI see my project?
No. The AI only activates when you use the chat, explain, or generate features. It receives node and text data from the current graph. Not your Unreal project, not your file system, not your assets. You control what gets sent via the Privacy & Data settings. If you never use the AI features, nothing is ever transmitted.
Is my data stored anywhere?
All your saved graphs, settings, and preferences are stored locally on your machine. Nothing is uploaded, synced, or backed up remotely. A hashed machine identifier is sent to the activation server for license enforcement. No raw hardware data is stored or retained beyond what's needed for the 3-machine limit.
Do I need to use the AI features?
No. AI is completely optional. GraphDeck works as a standalone visual library and canvas tool without any AI configuration. Store, organise, and browse your Blueprints and Materials with no API key, no internet connection, and no AI involved.
AI & Keys
Do I bring my own AI key?
You can, but you don't have to. GraphDeck supports Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), and Google (Gemini). Paste your own API key into the settings and the AI features work directly in the app. Your key stays on your machine and is never stored remotely.
If you don't have an API key, GraphDeck can copy the AI prompt to your clipboard instead. Paste it into any AI chat window, copy the response, and paste it back. Same features, no key required.
What's a GraphDeck Gem?
A Gemini Gem is a custom AI assistant pre-loaded with GraphDeck's node library and syntax rules for a specific mode. Instead of pasting a long prompt into a generic AI, you paste a short one into the Gem and it already knows the format. No API key needed. Just a free Google account. There's a separate Gem for each mode (Blueprints, Materials, etc.).
My AI-generated graphs aren't working?
GraphDeck provides the AI with detailed node data and structured prompts to give it the best chance of producing working graphs. But the output is only as good as the AI model behind it — sometimes it gets things wrong. If you're seeing consistent issues with a specific type of graph, let us know and we'll look into improving the prompts.
Pricing & Licensing
Is there a subscription?
No. One payment, yours for life, including future updates and new modes as they ship.
How much does it cost?
GraphDeck Pro is a one-time purchase. Early-bird pricing is live:
Indie · £25 (regular £39) for individuals, freelancers, and studios under $100k annual revenue.
Studio · £70 (regular £99) for studios above $100k annual revenue.
Same product, same features, both tiers. The free version is fully functional for browsing, viewing, and AI generation via clipboard.
What's the difference between Free and Pro?
Free gives you the full node library, the canvas, and AI generation via clipboard. Pro unlocks saving and loading your graph library, exporting to Unreal Engine clipboard, one-click deploy via the plugin, multi-graph tabs, autosave, and the asset bucket. Free lets you explore and learn. Pro lets you build and ship.
How many machines can I use it on?
Your license key works on up to 3 machines simultaneously. If you need to move it to a new machine, go to Settings → Deactivate All Machines. This frees all your activation slots so you can re-activate on new machines.
Can I use GraphDeck for commercial projects?
Yes. There are no restrictions on what you build with it. Use it for personal projects, commercial games, client work, whatever you need.
Compatibility
Can I use GraphDeck offline?
Yes. After the initial license activation, everything runs locally. The only feature that needs an internet connection is the AI chat, and only when you actively use it. Your license is validated on app launch but if you're offline, the cached activation is trusted.
What version of Unreal Engine does it support?
GraphDeck's node library covers Unreal Engine 5.7 and is updated with each major release. The Connector plugin currently supports Unreal Engine 5.7.
Can I use it without Unreal Engine installed?
Yes. GraphDeck is completely standalone. It doesn't need Unreal Engine installed to run, browse the node library, or use the AI features. You only need Unreal Engine open when you want to paste or deploy a graph into the editor.
Is this affiliated with Epic Games?
No. GraphDeck is an independent tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Epic Games, Inc. Unreal Engine is a trademark of Epic Games.
Why does Windows show a SmartScreen warning?
GraphDeck is code-signed, but because it's a new application, Windows SmartScreen may show a warning until enough users have installed it. Click "More info" then "Run anyway." This is standard for any new independently published software and the warning will disappear over time.
Plugin & Deploy
How do I get graphs into Unreal Engine?
Two ways. Clipboard export copies nodes in Unreal Engine's native format. Paste directly into the Blueprint or Material editor. Or install the free Connector plugin and deploy with one click. The complete asset appears in Unreal Engine, compiled and saved. Blueprints deploy with variables, components, and multi-graph functions. Materials deploy with all expressions, wiring, and Material Result connections.
Can I pull existing graphs back from Unreal Engine?
Yes. Copy nodes in Unreal Engine's editor and GraphDeck reads them on its canvas. With the Connector plugin, click one button in the toolbar and the entire Blueprint or Material transfers automatically.
Is the Connector plugin free?
Yes. Completely free with full C++ source code. GraphDeck Pro is a separate purchase. The plugin connects to both Free and Pro, but deploy features require Pro.
Working with the app
Can I share graphs with my team?
Saved .gdeck files can be shared directly. Send the file to a colleague, they open it in their copy of GraphDeck and see the same graph with full context, including thumbnails and bundled assets.
Will my library carry over between updates?
Yes. Your saved graphs and settings are stored in a separate data folder, not inside the app itself. Updates replace the app files but leave your library untouched.
Roadmap & Feedback
What modes are coming next?
Check the roadmap. Currently planned: Widgets (Editor Utility Widgets), Control Rig, AnimBP, PCG, MetaSounds, and Blender Shader Nodes. Each new mode ships as a free update for all Pro users.
Why is it in beta?
The core app is stable. Beta means we're actively adding new tools and refining based on feedback. We want GraphDeck in as many hands as possible to find out what works, what doesn't, and what people actually want next.
How do I report bugs or request features?
Email us directly at hello@graphdeck.co.uk or use the feedback option in the app. We're a small team and we read everything.