> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://simple.superiormc.cn/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://simple.superiormc.cn/arcmenu-wiki/feature-configuration/editor.md).

# Visual editor

ArcMenu Editor lets administrators adjust layouts, element properties and hit regions in-game. Players do not need the editor to use menus.

It requires Paper, Folia, Leaf or a similar server; Spigot is unsupported. The administrator needs Fabric, a compatible ArcMenu Editor client installation and `arcmenu.admin`.

## Preparing and opening

Download: [ArcMenu Editor](https://github.com/FENTAIIII/ArcMenu-Editor). Match the Minecraft version in the filename to the administrator's client and install only one editor file.

1. Install Fabric, Fabric API and an editor matching the administrator's Minecraft client, then connect with that client.
2. Confirm the target menu is validated and loaded. The editor opens existing menus rather than replacing initial file creation.
3. Run `/arcmenu edit <menu-id>`, for example:

```
/arcmenu edit welcome
```

If the editor is disconnected or needs updating, check that the mod is enabled and compatible. Mouse resources and custom images still follow [Images and resource packs](/arcmenu-wiki/feature-configuration/resource-packs.md).

Only one administrator may edit a given menu at a time. Wait for another editor to finish before opening the same menu.

## Frontend and backend

| Editing area | Content                                                      |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Frontend     | Text, backgrounds, images, items, blocks and groups.         |
| Backend      | Hit-region placement, dimensions and interaction properties. |

Frontend editing supports moving and resizing, property changes, copying and deleting, grouping and display ordering. Align hit regions separately in the backend; moving a visible button does not move its region automatically.

Choose properties supported by the selected type. See [Frontend element types](/arcmenu-wiki/menu-configuration/menus/frontend.md) and [Backend regions and click events](/arcmenu-wiki/menu-configuration/menus/backend.md). Display ordering does not replace backend `priority`.

Groups and templates reuse frontend layouts. Saving a template needs a new ID rather than overwriting an existing file. Inserted templates become independent elements. See [Groups and reusable templates](/arcmenu-wiki/menu-configuration/menus/groups-templates.md).

## Saving and applying

Edits belong to the current draft. Use the editor's save or apply controls when ready:

| Operation     | Result                                                    |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Save          | Writes the draft to the menu file.                        |
| Apply         | Saves, then reloads menus for players to use the changes. |
| Undo and redo | Adjust operations in the current draft.                   |

After saving without applying, load the configuration with `/arcmenu validate` and `/arcmenu reload`. New images and changed resources still need rebuilding and pack distribution; applying a menu does not perform that workflow.

Save changes you need before closing. Editor previews do not execute normal button actions. Exit editing and open the menu with `/arcmenu open <menu-id>` to test functionality.

## File conflicts and backups

Avoid editing the same file with another tool during an editor session. If the file changes externally, saving refuses to overwrite it. Preserve needed draft content, then close and reopen the latest file.

The first changed save keeps an original backup in `plugins/ArcMenu/backup-menu/`. An existing backup is not updated on every save, so it is not a full editing history.

To restore, finish editing, copy the desired backup content into the corresponding menu file, then validate and reload. Keep a separate copy of the current file for comparison first.

## Checking results

Check layout, hit regions, conditions and commands, including permissions with an ordinary player account. Animation movement does not update hit regions. Check images and tooltips with the pack loaded.

See [FAQ and troubleshooting](/arcmenu-wiki/configuration-and-administration/faq.md) for common loading issues.