PrefabsAn asset type that allows you to store a GameObject complete with components and properties. The prefab acts as a template from which you can create new object instances in the scene. More info
See in Glossary are useful when you want to instantiate complicated GameObjectsThe fundamental object in Unity scenes, which can represent characters, props, scenery, cameras, waypoints, and more. A GameObject’s functionality is defined by the Components attached to it. More info
See in Glossary or collections of GameObjects at runtime. Compared with creating GameObjects from scratch using code, instantiating prefabs using code has many advantages because you can:
Instantiate a prefab using one line of code. Creating equivalent GameObjects from scratch requires many more lines of code.
Set up, test, and modify the prefab quickly and easily using the SceneA Scene contains the environments and menus of your game. Think of each unique Scene file as a unique level. In each Scene, you place your environments, obstacles, and decorations, essentially designing and building your game in pieces. More info
See in Glossary view, Hierarchy, and InspectorA Unity window that displays information about the currently selected GameObject, asset or project settings, allowing you to inspect and edit the values. More info
See in Glossary windows.
Change which prefab is instantiated without changing the code. You can make a simple rocket into a super-charged rocket, without any code changes.
Note: You can download a Unity Project containing all the examples in this section here:
InstantiatingPrefabsExamples.zip
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to instantiating prefabs | Introductory context and common scenarios in which instantiating prefabs is useful. |
| Build a wall with prefabs | Use prefabs to instantiate several copies of a block prefab to construct a wall. |
| Instantiating projectiles and explosions | Use prefabs to instantiate exploding projectiles. |
| Simulating character destruction | Use prefabs to replace an intact version of an object with a wreck to visualize object destruction. |