Unity Basics & Terrain Tools - Lecture Notes
1. Unity Interface (Detailed)
The Unity interface is the main workspace where you create and manage your game.
It is divided into multiple panels, each located in a fixed area by default:
- Hierarchy Window (left side): Lists all game objects in the current scene. Used to organize objects into
parent-child relationships.
- Scene View (center): The main 3D or 2D workspace for arranging and designing objects. Navigate using
right mouse button + WASD.
- Game View (tab next to Scene View): Shows the game from the active camera's perspective.
- Inspector Window (right side): Displays and allows editing of the selected object's properties and
components.
- Project Window (bottom): Stores all project assets such as models, textures, audio, and scripts.
- Toolbar (top): Contains Move (W), Rotate (E), Scale (R) tools and Play/Pause buttons.
Understanding these panels ensures efficient navigation and workflow in Unity.
2. Package Manager
Steps to open and use Package Manager:
1. Go to Window -> Package Manager.
2. By default, shows installed packages. Change to 'Unity Registry' to view all official packages.
3. Switch to 'My Assets' to see purchased/downloaded items.
4. Select a package and click 'Install' or 'Update'.
5. Close Package Manager - the package is ready for use.
3. Creating Terrain
Steps to create a terrain:
1. In Hierarchy, right-click -> 3D Object -> Terrain.
2. Select Terrain - options appear in Inspector.
3. Use Raise/Lower tool to shape hills/valleys.
4. Use Paint Texture -> Edit Terrain Layers -> Create Layer to apply textures.
5. Use Paint Trees to add trees from prefabs.
6. Use Paint Details for grass or small plants.
4. Changing Terrain Size
Steps to change terrain size:
1. Select Terrain in Hierarchy.
2. In Inspector, open Terrain Settings (gear icon).
Unity Basics & Terrain Tools - Lecture Notes
3. Adjust Width (X-axis), Length (Z-axis), Height (Y-axis) as needed.
4. Changes apply instantly in Scene View.
Tip: Set terrain size early to avoid stretching features.
5. Installing Terrain Tools
Steps to install Terrain Tools:
1. Go to Window -> Package Manager.
2. Switch to 'Unity Registry' in dropdown.
3. Search 'Terrain Tools' and select it.
4. Click 'Install'.
5. Extra sculpting and painting tools will appear in Terrain Inspector.
6. Terrain Tools - Paint & Sculpt Options
1. Raise or Lower Terrain - Sculpt up or down using brush; Shift lowers terrain.
2. Set Height - Flatten terrain to a specific height.
3. Smooth Height - Soften sharp edges for smoother terrain.
4. Paint Texture - Apply textures like grass, rock, sand.
5. Paint Trees - Place trees with random variations.
6. Paint Details - Add grass, flowers, small rocks.
7. Stamp Terrain - Apply pre-made heightmap stamps.
8. Noise Tool - Generate random terrain patterns.
9. Erosion Tools - Simulate weather-based terrain wear.
10. Terrain Settings - Adjust LOD, base map distance, wind, and material settings.
7. Adding a 3D Object
Steps to add a 3D object:
1. Right-click in Hierarchy -> 3D Object -> choose shape.
2. Object appears at (0,0,0).
3. Use Move (W), Rotate (E), Scale (R) tools to adjust.
4. Create a Material, set color/texture, and apply to object.
8. Creating Animation
Steps to animate an object:
1. Select object in Hierarchy.
2. Go to Window -> Animation -> Animation.
3. Click 'Create' to save a new animation clip.
Unity Basics & Terrain Tools - Lecture Notes
4. Move timeline cursor, adjust object, and Unity adds keyframes.
5. Preview animation in Animation window.
9. Using the Animator
Steps to use Animator:
1. Unity adds Animator component automatically when animation is created.
2. Open Animator Controller from Project window.
3. Add animation clips as States.
4. Connect States with Transitions.
5. Use Parameters (Bool, Float, Trigger) to control transitions.
