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Logs and Generated Files

This page explains where the Steam Publishing Tool stores SteamCMD, generated SteamPipe files, packaged output, and logs.

Most runtime files created by the tool are stored inside the project Saved directory.

<Project>/Saved/PloxTools/SteamPublishing/

The file paths used by a publish operation are shown in the progress output and, when available, in the result summary.

SteamCMD Files

SteamCMD is installed inside the project Saved directory:

<Project>/Saved/PloxTools/SteamPublishing/SteamCMD/

The executable depends on the editor platform:

Windows: steamcmd.exe
macOS:   steamcmd.sh

SteamCMD may also create its own internal files and logs inside this directory.

Note

SteamCMD may update itself when it starts. This is normal SteamCMD behavior.

Generated SteamPipe Files

During publishing, the tool generates SteamPipe VDF files used by SteamCMD.

These files describe the Steam app, depot, build folder, branch behavior, and upload options for the current publish operation.

The result summary may show generated files such as:

  • App Build VDF
  • Depot Build VDF

Generated SteamPipe files are mainly useful for debugging or inspecting what SteamCMD received.

If Keep Generated SteamPipe Files is enabled, the tool keeps these files after the operation finishes.

If Keep Generated SteamPipe Files is disabled, generated files may be removed after the operation.

Upload Log

If Save Upload Log is enabled, the tool saves the SteamCMD upload output to a log file.

The upload log is useful when:

  • SteamCMD upload fails;
  • SteamPipe reports an app, depot, branch, or permission issue;
  • the upload succeeds but the result needs to be checked later;
  • you need to send details to support.

After publishing, the result summary shows the upload log if it was saved.

Packaging Log

When Build Mode is set to Package Project and Upload, Unreal Engine packaging runs before the Steam upload.

If packaging output is saved, the result summary may show a Packaging Log.

Use the packaging log when the operation fails before the Steam upload starts.

Note

Packaging errors are Unreal packaging errors, not SteamCMD upload errors. Fix the packaging issue first, then publish again.

Packaged Build Output

The packaged build location depends on the selected Build Mode.

For Package Project and Upload, the build is written to the configured Package Directory before upload.

For Upload Existing Build Folder, the tool uses the configured Existing Build Folder and does not package the project.

The tool does not delete your packaged build folder after upload.

Files Useful for Support

When reporting a publishing issue, include the most relevant files or information:

Issue Useful information
SteamCMD install or initialization failed Progress output and SteamCMD log path
Authorization failed Progress output and the Steam username used
Packaging failed Packaging log and Unreal output
Upload failed Upload log and generated SteamPipe files
Wrong app, depot, or branch Screenshot of Pre-flight Summary and generated SteamPipe files

Do not share your Steam password or Steam Guard codes.