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Installing an Editor

Before you create new projects or import existing ones, install an official Godot Editor release or register a custom-built Godot editor in Godot Launcher.

Godot Launcher installing an official Godot editor releaseGodot Launcher installing an official Godot editor release

Install an official editor​

  1. Go to Installs from the left-hand navigation menu.
  2. Click Install Editor.
  3. Choose the version you need, then click the icon for either GDScript or .NET (Mono).
  4. Wait for the status to move through Downloading and Installing until the editor is Installed.
  5. Close the popup with the X in the top-right corner.
tip

You can install multiple editor releases side by side. This is useful when you maintain projects across different Godot versions or want to test prereleases.

Add a custom-built Godot editor​

Godot Launcher can also register custom-built Godot editors from the Installs view. Open the Custom Editor dropdown to choose one of two actions:

  • Select manifest file: register an existing godotlauncher-editor-manifest.json.
  • Create custom editor manifest: fill in the editor details and let the launcher create the manifest for you.
Custom Editor dropdown menu in the Installs viewCustom Editor dropdown menu in the Installs view

If you do not already have a manifest, the in-app form writes godotlauncher-editor-manifest.json to the output folder you choose and registers the editor when you save.

Create custom editor manifest drawerCreate custom editor manifest drawer

For the full custom-built Godot editor workflow, including manifest fields, replacement, and project selection, see Custom-Built Godot Editors.

Choosing GDScript vs .NET builds​

  • GDScript (standard build): Works for most projects.
  • .NET (Mono build): Required if your project uses C# (.csproj or .sln files).

If you are not sure which one to pick, start with GDScript. You can always add a .NET build later if you begin working with C#.

important

Godot Launcher focuses on commonly used Godot 4 and newer editor builds.

If you plan to use .NET builds, install the .NET SDK from the Microsoft .NET website. See the Godot Engine docs on C# basics for more details.

Manage editors​

  • You can install or register as many editor versions as you need.
  • To remove an official editor, open the overflow () menu in Installs and choose the delete action ( Delete Release from This Device).
  • Official editors are stored in the launcher install folder configured in settings.
  • Removing an official editor does not delete your projects. Projects that reference it are marked as missing until you install a compatible version or select another editor.
  • The launcher revalidates installs when the app gains focus and on a background timer.

Manage custom-built Godot editors​

Custom-built Godot editors appear in Installs with a Custom badge.

Installs view showing custom editorsInstalls view showing custom editors

Registering another manifest with the same custom editor version opens a replace flow.

Replace custom editor dialogReplace custom editor dialog

Removing a custom-built Godot editor unregisters it from Godot Launcher. It does not delete the editor binary or the folder that contains it.

Missing editor paths​

If an editor path is not reachable, Godot Launcher marks the editor or project as missing and gives recovery actions.

  • For official releases, restore or mount the storage location, retry validation, reinstall the editor, or remove the broken entry.
  • For custom-built Godot editors, restore the editor path or remove the custom editor registration. Removing it does not delete files from disk.

Next steps​