---
title: "Build basic shapes"
content_type: tutorial
url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-probuilder/tutorial/build-basic-shapes?language=en"
language: en
container_type: course
container_title: "Get Started with ProBuilder"
container_url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-probuilder.md?language=en"
standalone_markdown_url: "https://learn.unity.com/tutorial/build-basic-shapes.md?language=en"
previous_title: "Install ProBuilder"
previous_url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-probuilder/tutorial/install-probuilder?language=en"
previous_markdown_url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-probuilder/tutorial/install-probuilder.md?language=en"
next_title: "Build custom shapes"
next_url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-probuilder/tutorial/build-custom-shapes?language=en"
next_markdown_url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/get-started-with-probuilder/tutorial/build-custom-shapes.md?language=en"
difficulty: foundational
duration_minutes: 15
supports_all_unity_versions: true
last_updated: "2026-10-15T18:48:11.000Z"
---

# Build basic shapes

Practice creating and editing simple 3D shapes in Unity using ProBuilder tools.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to build various basic shapes using ProBuilder.

## 1. Selecting shapes

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/1e063c35-04bd-41cd-b0a9-3f0a58470c85_B00.png)

To begin building basic shapes in ProBuilder, select **New Shape** in the **ProBuilder** window. The **Create Shape** window will then appear in the corner of the **Scene** view.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/ac688afb-2214-4ca9-8b51-c58b7f14709b_B01.png)

Select a basic shape of your choice. You can choose from the following types:

- Sprite
- Plane
- Cone
- Sphere
- Door
- Prism
- Cube
- Cylinder
- Stair
- Torus
- Arch
- Pipe

## 2. Set up the Snap tool

Before you begin drawing your shape, there’s a tool that will make it much easier for you to adjust the size of the shape later on: the **Snap** tool.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20240628/learn/images/dcb4d553-c296-4539-a795-3e192e5af628_image102.png)

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20240628/learn/images/ccdf31f6-8841-4cd7-8b9b-284d498d1002_image13.png)

By default, the **Snap** tool is disabled. To enable it, select the **Toggle Grid Snapping** icon, then move your cursor over the **Scene** view to check that it's enabled. You’ll see the yellow square that follows your cursor snap to the vertices of the grid in the **Scene** view.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/310eef87-71da-417c-a411-d1a082b0bf6a_B03.gif)

## 3. Draw shapes

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/693f56b7-a37f-4d88-a3fc-1adb8ac4a4dd_B04.gif)

To begin drawing shapes, follow these instructions:

**1.**  Click the point where you want your shape to start in the **Scene** view, then, while still holding the left mouse button drag your cursor across the grid to set the shape's width. Finally, release the left mouse button.

**2.**  For 3D shapes, select one of the corners highlighted in yellow and move your cursor upward holding the left click to set the shape's height. Click the left mouse button again when you reach the desired size.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/282172db-9a08-4db9-8355-de5bd54ab23d_B05.gif)

The **size and rotation interface** allows you to intuitively switch the orientation and adjust the size of completed shapes. To do this, select the arrows on the interface, which look like a directional pad to rotate the shape, and drag the point in the middle to adjust the size of that face.

## 4. Detailed shape settings

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/be601637-243d-43cd-8449-5c48fc84ab2e_B06.gif)

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/67ff4145-ecb6-4383-a860-0e7956d8e71c_B06a.gif)

After you have drawn your shape, you can set up additional properties to alter the shape’s form.

**Note**: The properties available differ depending on the original shape you chose.

When you’re done with the detail’s settings, click an empty space in the **Hierarchy** window to end the selection and complete the **ProBuilder mesh**.

## 5. Editing shapes

Already completed shapes do not have rotation or size interfaces, nor do they have the **Create Shape** window as shown before.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/1e1f61db-74e4-43b6-a062-22f42afa5ec1_image.png)

To edit an already completed shape, follow these instructions:

**1.**  Select the **ProBuilder Shape** component in the **Inspector** window.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20240628/learn/images/f61f7548-fb68-477b-872f-e9ee024c6d04_image108.png)

**2.**  Select the **Edit Shape** button.

The **Edit Shape** window will open.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20240628/learn/images/40469738-de23-444f-b2a2-89d3fefe4b07_image98.png)

You can adjust various properties of the completed shape in the **Edit Shape** window.

**3.**  Click an empty space in the **Hierarchy** window to exit and confirm the final shape.

## 6. Set up pivots

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/3d107d71-5c5e-475b-88f6-83645408849f_B10.png)

3D meshes have pivots, which function as their center points. You can change the pivot type for the shape you are drawing in the **Create Shape** window. Pivot types in ProBuilder are as follows:

- **First Corner**: the corner you first click becomes the pivot.
- **Center:** the center of mass of the complete shape becomes the pivot.

![Pivot (First Corner)](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230421/learn/images/7f7b6bbe-7b80-4542-a7a3-d64bacbb7ddc_B09.png)

When you set the pivot type, make sure you consider that the **Transform controls** (**movement**, **rotation**, and **size**) of the object change depending on the pivot location. Once complete, you cannot make changes using the **Edit Shape** window.

## 7. Check the real-size in real time

**ProBuilder** includes tools that allow you to quickly check the real-size of objects while making them.

To enable the size overlay, go to **Tools** > **ProBulider** > **Dimensions Overlay** > **Show**.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/learn/images/f5b0b3f0-7b42-4ece-b73c-1291d134232c_B11.png)

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/learn/images/612ceb2e-0a25-4391-bac9-a764fe9a3046_B13.png)

## 8. Challenge: Level-design with basic shapes

[Video](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/videos/d686781b-3f1f-488a-bb16-9bcdd6a94262_B10.mp4)

Try to design a simple platform scene based on what you have learned so far. Make a floor, place some stairs to go up, and add shapes that can enrich your world. Use your creativity!