Build Planner Guide for Dummies

If like me you found the build planner less than obvious here is a simple guide to the basics.

Introduction

So what is the build planner?
The build planner is a feature that was made to remove the tedium (or frustration) from figuring out what components you need to construct blocks in the game. Basically it allows you to list all the blocks you want to make, then send an order to a assembler for all the components to be manufactured. On top of this it also allows you to grab out the parts (and only the parts) you need to weld them up.

How to operate the build planner.

Short Version
Use the Middle mouse button to queue blocks (from G menu), or the right mouse button to scan existing damaged (or incomplete) blocks to add items to build planner.

If you have enough parts already use the middle (scroll wheel button) to click on a connector or cargo block to grab as many parts as you can carry, then go over and start welding up the block. Return and middle click as often as you need until you have collected and welded all the blocks.

If you don't have enough parts already -
In the K or I or F menu press the option (located in middle between left and right inventory columns) near the bottom look for a sort of cube icon with arrow, to "add all items in build planner to production queue" this will tell the assembler to begin creating all the components of the objects in your build planner. That is assuming you have an assembler block already!

Long Version
Adding blocks to the build planner.
Using the G key menu locate the block you want to add to the build planner.
Now either left click it and press the little [+] icon on the bottom right in the build planner section
or
Middle click the mouse scroll button on the block you want to add.

Click as many times as the number of blocks you desire.

What about repairs?
Simply right click a damaged (or not complete) block and the parts needed will automatically be added to the build planner.


How do i get the parts i need?
There are two methods.
1] If you have some massive stockpile of parts somewhere - just locate an inventory or connector block attached to the conveyor network where your parts are stored, and middle mouse button click the spot on the block where you would normally open the inventory screen for it. This will add up to your carry capacity as many parts as you can carry. Weld up the block and return again if you need more parts and middle click again. Once all the parts are collected or the blocks are built the items in the planner will automatically remove them.

2] If you have an assembler but have not yet created the components open the inventory screen of the ship or station with the assembler, and look in the middle of the screen between the two inventory columns. Near the bottom should be an icon you can click which will add all the items in your build planner to the construction queue of the assembler.
Once the parts are created, you simply middle click an inventory block's hotspot to collect as above.

It gives some warning message?
In either case if you don't have enough components, or simply don't have enough space in your player inventory it will give a brief message indicating what parts you couldn't get.

Either free up space (by welding them in or dropping them) or if the assembler couldn't make them check what ingots you need by opening the production menu and go mining :)


Ooops how do i remove / clear items from my build planner?
In the G block selection menu (lower bottom right box on this screen) right click any items sitting in your build planner you don't want - they will be removed. Note: if you have already sent the items to your assembler you may need to clear the production menu if you no longer want the parts.

I mainly do repairs - is it necessary to use an assembler?
No, if you already have the parts somewhere you only ever need to use the middle or right mouse click to operate the build planner to queue or grab parts. A pirate player could just grind all their parts out of captured ships / stations and store them in a large cargo container and just right click blocks to queue needed repair parts, and middle click the cargo to grab the parts to complete the repair.
This type of gameplay might also benefit roleplay servers or campaign missions where an assembler is not desired.

I have an xbox?
My condolences. The "middle mouse button" on xbox is probably the same button you mapped for colouring blocks, But since I do not own an xbox I could be wrong here.

Sundry Points

Killzad pointed out that Alt+MMB deposits all items from inventory

T14D3 added that the following click functions can also be used -

• Shift+MMB on an Inventory access port queues up everything you need
  
• Ctrl+MMB Withdraws the amount of components needed for all things in Build Planner x10
  
• Shift+Ctrl+MMB Queues up 10x the amount needed
  
  
• Shift+MMB works with a block selected, but not in build planner, the two others only work if you have something in your Build Planner "Queue" (Viewable in the bottom right corner of the G-Menu)
  
  
• Alt+Ctrl+MMB withdraws Components needed, but keeps the Blocks in the Build Planner

[Keltskiy]

does build planner affect how you repaint ships?

[BIV]

Thanks for both versions of the guide, it did help first picturing it happen as others have done so at full speed and then dropping the spped to 33 rpm for my level of input. Cheers mate.

[condottiere]

Just got back into this after 300 hrs a long while ago. I had completely lost my Build Planner skills. Thanks for this obvious not-so-obvious guide!

[Miniblåsan]

I know this may be the dumbest question, but is it possible that you can create a video and use it instead of the long written explanation?
It is easier for us non english speaking players to understand what you are doing in a video instead of: Reading English -> Translate it -> Trying to get a mental picture of what you meant.
Without it going wrong or having to write here and wait for a few hours, days or months until I get an answer.

[Roach]

With the build planner empty, hold a block to a cargo port and MMB when the cargo port is highlighted. You will take out all of the components that you need for that block with out having to use the actual build planner. You can MMB like that as many times as you want until your personal inventory is full.

[John Shepard]

Don't forget the most important one: Don't buy the DLC

[Captain X (PhoenixX)]

Thanks, i've added your comments to the sundry section above.

[Killzad]

And Alt+MMB deposits all items from inventory

[T14D3]

Shift+MMB on an Inventory acces port queues up everything you need
Ctrl+MMB Withdraws the amount of components needed for all things in Build Planner x10
Shift+Ctrl+MMB Queues up 10x the amount needed

Shift+MMB works with a block selected, but not in build planner, the two others only work if you have something in your Build Planner "Queue" (Viewable in the bottom right corner of the G-Menu)

Alt+Ctrl+MMB withdraws Components needed, but keeps the Blocks in the Build Planner