Sandustry guide
Sandustry Blueprints Guide
A source-checked guide to the current Early Access Blueprint workflow. Save tested factory layouts, move them with Blueprint strings, and verify imported modules before connecting them to a live production line.
1. Quick Answer
Build a factory module, hold C to select its area, press Ctrl+C, then open the Building menu with Q and go to Blueprints. Save the copied item from Clipboard History. To move a design outside the current library, export its Blueprint string. To use a shared string, open Import, paste the string, confirm it, place the result in open space and test it before scaling.
2. What Are Blueprints in Sandustry?
Blueprints preserve a selected factory layout so you can place the same structure again instead of rebuilding every block. They are most useful for a working module with a clear job, such as a processing or logistics section. The sources do not document whether Blueprints preserve inventories, running materials or every surrounding terrain dependency.
3. How to Create and Save a Blueprint
Community observation
Build and test the module first
Run material through the section before saving it. A Blueprint can preserve a wrong filter direction, missing block or unreachable output just as easily as a working design.
Community observation
Select and copy the factory area
Use the default PC selection workflow documented by the reviewed sources: enter selection mode with C, mark the structure, and press Ctrl+C. Make the selection large enough to include the full intended module.
Community observation
Save the Clipboard History item
Open the Building menu with Q, switch to Blueprints, find the copied item in Clipboard History, and use the save action to name it. The exact key can differ if you changed the game's keybinds.
4. How to Use and Reuse Blueprints
Community observation
Place a saved Blueprint
Open the Blueprints section, select the saved design and place it where the surrounding factory has enough room for its inputs, outputs and clearance.
Community observation
Flip a selected structure when needed
The reviewed Steam FAQ and tutorial document Ctrl+H as the default flip shortcut. If the shortcut does nothing, check whether your keybinds were changed.
Community observation
Use normal copy and paste for one-off duplicates
A saved Blueprint is useful for designs you want to keep. If you only need an immediate duplicate, the normal selection and copy/paste workflow may be enough.
5. Export and Import Blueprint Strings
Community observation
Export a design
Open the Blueprints section and use Export on a saved design. The game creates a text string that can be copied outside the current Blueprint library.
Community observation
Import a shared design
Open the Blueprints section, choose Import, paste the complete Blueprint string into the prompt, and confirm. The imported design can then be selected and placed.
Community observation
Sharing is string-based in the reviewed sources
The reviewed workflow supports sharing a Blueprint string through an external text location or with another player. It does not establish an official public catalogue or automatic compatibility across versions.
6. Blueprints and Steam Workshop
Steam's current Sandustry store page lists Steam Workshop as a game feature, but the reviewed Blueprint sources only document string export and import. There is not enough evidence to say that in-game Blueprints are published, subscribed to or synchronized through Steam Workshop. Treat Workshop and Blueprint strings as separate until an official source connects them.
7. Common Blueprint Problems
Community observation
The saved module is missing blocks
The selection may not include the full width or height of the intended build. Re-select the complete area, copy it again and compare the test placement before saving another version.
Community observation
The imported module is facing the wrong way
Use the documented flip shortcut if your keybinds still use Ctrl+H, then check that conveyors, filters, inputs and outputs face the surrounding factory correctly.
Community observation
The Blueprint imports but does not work
Place it in open space first and run a small material test. Check for blocked inputs, wrong directions, missing output space and local layout assumptions before connecting the main production line.
Needs Verification
An update changes the result
Sandustry is still Early Access, and the reviewed sources do not define Blueprint version compatibility. Retest important designs after updates instead of assuming an old string or layout will behave identically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Blueprints used for in Sandustry?
Blueprints preserve a selected factory layout so you can place a tested module again instead of rebuilding every block.
How do you create a Blueprint in Sandustry?
Use C to select the factory area, press Ctrl+C, open Q → Building → Blueprints, then save the copied item from Clipboard History.
How do you import or export a Sandustry Blueprint?
Export a saved Blueprint to create a text string. To import one, open the Blueprints section, choose Import, paste the complete string and confirm.
Can you share Sandustry Blueprints through Steam Workshop?
The reviewed sources confirm sharing Blueprint strings, but do not confirm a direct Steam Workshop workflow. Do not treat Workshop support as proof that Blueprint strings sync through it.
Will Sandustry Blueprints work after an update?
Compatibility is not documented in the reviewed sources. Because Sandustry is Early Access, retest important Blueprints after updates instead of assuming old strings will behave identically.