Set Paths Overview
The Set Paths tool configures your development environment by setting up folder paths and environment variables. This is typically the first step when setting up ClibDT.
What It Does
- Creates a structured development folder hierarchy
- Attempts to detect installed development tools
- Sets environment variables for build tools
- Validates that paths exist before applying
- Updates ClibDT's environment (system-wide changes may require restart)
Development Root Folder
The Development Root is your main workspace folder where all projects and tools will be organized.
Choosing a Location
- Click Choose Folder in the Development Root section
- Select or create a folder (e.g.,
C:\Dev\Skyrim) - ClibDT will automatically create the required subfolders
C:\Dev or D:\SKSEDev).
Auto-Created Subfolders
| Folder | Purpose |
|---|---|
builds/ | Compiled plugin outputs (DLL files) |
projects/ | Your SKSE plugin source code projects |
tools/ | Downloaded tools and utilities |
tools/BuildTools/ | Build Tools workspace (created if missing) |
tools/xmake/ | Xmake workspace (created if missing) |
resources/ | Headers, libraries, CommonLibSSE |
plugins/ | SKSE plugin dependencies |
backups/ | Automatic project backups |
Tool Paths
These paths are auto-detected when possible, but can be manually set if needed.
VS Build Tools
Path to Visual Studio Build Tools installation. This contains the MSVC C++ compiler.
- Typical location:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2022\BuildTools - Environment variable:
XSE_MSVCTOOLS_ROOT
xmake
Path to the xmake build system installation.
- Typical location:
%DEVROOT%\tools\xmakeor%LOCALAPPDATA%\xmake - Environment variable:
XSE_XMAKE_ROOT
Git
Path to Git installation for version control.
- Typical location:
C:\Program Files\Git - Environment variable:
XSE_GIT_ROOT
GitHub Desktop (Optional)
Path to GitHub Desktop application for easier repository management.
- Typical location:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\GitHubDesktop - Environment variable:
XSE_GITHUB_DESKTOP_PATH
Game Paths
Game Path
Path to your Skyrim Special Edition installation folder.
- Steam typical:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition - Environment variable:
XSE_TES5_GAME_PATH
Projects Path
Where new projects will be created. Defaults to %DEVROOT%\projects.
- Environment variable:
XSE_PROJECTS_ROOT
Mods Path
Where compiled plugins can be placed. Useful for MO2 or Vortex users.
- Environment variable:
XSE_TES5_MODS_PATH
Auto-Detection
ClibDT attempts to automatically detect installed tools when you set the Development Root:
- VS Build Tools: Checks common install locations
- xmake: Checks PATH and common locations
- Git: Checks PATH and Program Files
- GitHub Desktop: Checks LocalAppData
Environment Variables
Set Paths manages these environment variables:
| Variable | Purpose |
|---|---|
XSE_CLIBDT_DEVROOT | Development root folder |
XSE_MSVCTOOLS_ROOT | Visual Studio Build Tools path |
XSE_XMAKE_ROOT | xmake installation path |
XSE_GIT_ROOT | Git installation path |
XSE_GITHUB_DESKTOP_PATH | GitHub Desktop path |
XSE_TES5_GAME_PATH | Skyrim SE game folder |
XSE_TES5_MODS_PATH | Mods output folder |
XSE_PROJECTS_ROOT | Projects folder override |
%LOCALAPPDATA%\ClibDT\clibdt_settings.json and also in the Windows registry under HKCU\Software\ClibDT.
Troubleshooting
Path Not Detected
If a tool path is not auto-detected:
- Click the folder icon next to the path field
- Navigate to and select the tool's installation folder
- ClibDT will validate and save the path
Environment Variables Not Applied
If changes don't seem to take effect:
- Restart ClibDT to reload environment variables
- Check that paths exist and are accessible
- Try manually setting the path instead of relying on auto-detection
Permission Issues
If you get permission errors creating folders:
- Choose a Development Root in a user-accessible location (e.g.,
C:\Dev) - Avoid system-protected folders like
C:\Program Files - Run ClibDT as administrator if necessary