App Docker
Embed external application windows into dockable Unreal Editor panels using Win32 reparenting.
Overview
App Docker captures any external Windows application and embeds it as a dockable tab in the Unreal Editor. The captured window loses its title bar and frame, sits inside your editor layout, and snaps back to the desktop with its original size and position restored when released.
Available on Fab. See Installation for the steps, then Usage for the panel walkthrough.
How it works
App Docker uses the Win32 API to reparent external windows as owned popups of the Unreal Editor:
-
The external window's frame and title bar are stripped
(
WS_CAPTION,WS_THICKFRAME, etc.). -
It is set as an owned popup (
WS_POPUP+GWLP_HWNDPARENT) of the editor window. -
Every frame, the plugin calculates the Slate widget's screen position
and calls
SetWindowPosto keep the external window aligned. - A background timer (8 ms) maintains positioning during modal editor operations such as dragging the editor window.
- On release, all original window styles and position are restored.
Requirements
- Unreal Engine 5.5, 5.6, or 5.7
- Windows 10 or later