--- title: "Creative Core" content_type: pathway url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core?language=en" language: en difficulty: beginner unity_version: - "6.3" supported_unity_versions: - name: "6.3" url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core.md?language=en&version=6.3" - name: "6.0" url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core.md?language=en&version=6.0" - name: "2022.3" url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core.md?language=en&version=2022.3" - name: "2021.3" url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core.md?language=en&version=2021.3" last_updated: "2026-08-04T14:21:10.000Z" --- # Creative Core Creative Core is your next step towards becoming a Unity creator. This free learning path will teach you all the core elements you need to bring your imagination to life with Unity. Once you’ve completed Unity Essentials as an introduction to the fundamentals of Unity Editor, take this pathway to learn VFX, Lighting, Animation, Audio, UI and other creative skills, no programming required. Discover how to use [lighting](https://assetstore.unity.com/search#q=lighting), [VFX](https://assetstore.unity.com/vfx), [audio](https://assetstore.unity.com/audio), and [animation](https://assetstore.unity.com/3d/animations) assets to craft dynamic environments, enhance character movements from basic to advanced, and create stunning visual effects that captivate your audience. ## Prerequisites [Unity Essentials Pathway](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/unity-essentials) or equivalent experience ## [Introduction to Creative Core](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core?language=en&version=6.3) This mission is your first step on the Creative Core pathway. Start here to learn about the topics covered, the activities required, and the skills you will gain along the way. In this mission, you will: - Learn about the topics covered in Creative Core. - Select a guided project in which to apply your new skills. - Create a new project in Unity, and make some technical decisions about that project. - Learn how to use other people’s works in your projects responsibly. - Tour Unity’s technical documentation as another resource for your learning. - Conduct critical evaluation in decision making for creative projects. - [Welcome to the Creative Core Pathway](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/welcome-to-the-creative-core-pathway?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/welcome-to-the-creative-core-pathway.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Get an overview of the Creative Core pathway, its intended learners, and how the learning journey is organized. - [Meet the Creators](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/meet-the-creators?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/meet-the-creators.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Meet industry creators, explore real-time 3D career paths, and define goals and checkpoints for your Creative Core journey. - [Select your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/select-your-guided-project?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/select-your-guided-project.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Choose a Creative Core guided project and learn how design documents support and structure the design process. - [Get started on your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/get-started-on-your-guided-project?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/get-started-on-your-guided-project.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn core real-time rendering concepts, compare Unity render pipelines, and start a new project with the pipeline that fits your goals. - [Copyright for creators](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/copyright-for-creators?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/copyright-for-creators.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn core intellectual property and copyright concepts, Asset Store license terms, and how to choose licenses when reusing or sharing assets. - [Get started with Unity documentation](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/get-started-with-unity-documentation?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/get-started-with-unity-documentation.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn how to navigate Unity documentation, identify its main sections, and quickly find information on specific topics. - [Develop your critical evaluation skills](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/develop-your-critical-evaluation-skills-4?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/tutorial/develop-your-critical-evaluation-skills-4.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Strengthen your decision-making by practicing critical evaluation of information and choices in creative projects. - [Guided project setup checkpoint](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/quiz/guided-project-setup-checkpoint?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/introduction-to-creative-core/quiz/guided-project-setup-checkpoint.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use this checkpoint to confirm you’re ready to continue your Creative Core learning journey. ## [Shaders and Materials](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials?language=en&version=6.3) Shaders and materials let you define how your 3D objects look: their colors, reflectivity, and physical texture. With shaders and materials, you can bring realism into your projects or express your own artistic style. In this mission, you will explore concepts of light and reflection, including common terms that many 3D artists use every day. You’ll apply these concepts to create your own materials and shaders that simulate real-world objects — and even some other-worldly objects. You’ll complete this mission by creating a still life composition in which you can demonstrate a variety of shaders and materials. By the time you complete this learning experience, you will be able to: - Explain how surfaces in Unity are defined and rendered. - Select a type of shader for your own project. - Create materials for a common shader, using a wide variety of properties. - Create your own simple shader using Shader Graph. - [Get started with shaders and materials](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/get-started-with-shaders-and-materials?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/get-started-with-shaders-and-materials.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Get oriented with the art gallery project you’ll use to explore shaders and materials in real-time 3D. - [Explore meshes and rendering](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/explore-meshes-and-rendering?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/explore-meshes-and-rendering.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn how meshes, shaders, and materials work together in Unity’s renderer and how to assign materials to GameObjects. - [Explore shaders](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/explore-shaders?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/explore-shaders.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn core Unity shader types, compare PBR and non-PBR, and choose URP shaders to achieve the lighting and effects your project needs. - [Manage materials in a project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/manage-materials-in-a-project?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/manage-materials-in-a-project.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to create, assign, manage, and troubleshoot materials so you can style 3D GameObjects effectively in Unity. - [Simulate solid surfaces](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/simulate-solid-surfaces?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/simulate-solid-surfaces.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Explore how light interacts with solid materials and configure Specular and Metallic workflows to match real-world surfaces. - [Map materials with textures](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/map-materials-with-textures?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/map-materials-with-textures.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Discover how textures, maps, UVs, and URP/Lit Shader settings work together to create realistic materials in Unity. - [Create translucent and transparent effects](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/create-translucent-and-transparent-effects?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/create-translucent-and-transparent-effects.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to use the URP/Lit Shader for transparency and alpha clipping to create glass-like surfaces and realistic leaves. - [Add physical texture with bump mapping](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/add-physical-texture-with-bump-mapping?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/add-physical-texture-with-bump-mapping.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Discover how bump mapping in URP adds surface detail by applying normal and height maps to a material. - [Refine surfaces with more texture maps](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/refine-surfaces-with-more-texture-maps?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/refine-surfaces-with-more-texture-maps.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Deepen your URP/Lit shader skills by using Detail Inputs and understanding High Dynamic Range color. - [Get started with Shader Graph](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/get-started-with-shader-graph?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/get-started-with-shader-graph.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use Shader Graph to build custom shaders, connect nodes, and create materials with configurable properties. - [Challenge: Create your still life composition](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/challenge-create-your-still-life-composition?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/challenge-create-your-still-life-composition.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply materials and shaders to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/apply-materials-and-shaders-to-your-guided-project?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/tutorial/apply-materials-and-shaders-to-your-guided-project.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply your knowledge of shaders and materials to enhance the visuals of your guided Unity project. - [Creative Core: Shaders and materials quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/quiz/creative-core-shaders-and-materials-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/shaders-and-materials/quiz/creative-core-shaders-and-materials-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Check your understanding of shaders, materials, and Shader Graph with this quiz. ## [Lighting](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting?language=en&version=6.3) Whether you’re exploring the architectural design of your new house, sneaking through a haunted castle in a stealth game, or immersing yourself in the world of a cinematic animation, good lighting takes a real-time experience to the next level. From the basics of illuminating a space to telling evocative stories through your design: lighting will help you get there. In this mission, you will light an indoor and outdoor space in the Unity Editor and learn about the fundamental principles of lighting for Unity experiences along the way. You’ll finish by applying what you’ve learned to complete your own lighting study. By the time you complete this learning experience, you’ll be able to: - Implement appropriate lighting in a scene in a manner that will simulate the real-world behavior of light - Decide the appropriate lighting system in order to achieve common outcomes in a Universal Render Pipeline (URP) project - Configure light sources and shadows in order to functionally light a scene - Configure ambient (diffuse environmental) lighting in order to convey mood or enhance realism - Generate a lightmap in order to implement baked lighting in a scene - Configure Light Probes in order to increase the realism of baked lighting - Configure Reflection Probes in order to achieve accurate reflections - Troubleshoot common lighting errors in order to appropriately light a scene - [Get started with lighting](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/get-started-with-lighting?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/get-started-with-lighting.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Explore lighting fundamentals to understand how light behaves and identify light sources in reference images. - [Get started with lighting in Unity](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/get-started-with-lighting-in-unity?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/get-started-with-lighting-in-unity.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn how direct and indirect light, global illumination, and real-time versus baked lighting work in URP. - [Configure the Directional Light and skybox](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/configure-the-directional-light-and-skybox?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/configure-the-directional-light-and-skybox.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn outdoor lighting basics by configuring Directional Light and a procedural skybox for realistic scenes. - [Add light sources to your scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/add-light-sources-to-your-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/add-light-sources-to-your-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to configure different Light components and ambient lighting to enhance an outdoor amphitheater scene. - [Configure shadows in your scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/configure-shadows-in-your-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/configure-shadows-in-your-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Explore how to configure shadows and post-processing so your scene lighting produces more realistic results. - [Bake a lightmap for your scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/bake-a-lightmap-for-your-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/bake-a-lightmap-for-your-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Set up baked lighting, create a Lighting Settings asset, and configure lightmaps to complete outdoor lighting fundamentals. - [Improve your lighting with Light Probes](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/improve-your-lighting-with-light-probes?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/improve-your-lighting-with-light-probes.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to place and evaluate Light Probes to enhance realistic lighting in your outdoor scene. - [Examine and complete the indoor scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/examine-and-complete-the-indoor-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/examine-and-complete-the-indoor-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn key techniques for realistic indoor lighting, including emissive materials, diagnostic views, and placing Light Probes in 3D. - [Refine and troubleshoot the indoor scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/refine-and-troubleshoot-the-indoor-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/refine-and-troubleshoot-the-indoor-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Refine indoor lighting in Unity by tuning indirect lighting, fixing light leaks, and correcting lightmap UVs on key models. - [Improve reflections in your scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/improve-reflections-in-your-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/improve-reflections-in-your-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn how Reflection Probes improve reflection accuracy in an indoor scene and configure them to enhance realism. - [Showcase your work with lighting](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/showcase-your-work-with-lighting?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/showcase-your-work-with-lighting.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Build on your lighting skills to research lighting principles and configure Light components that showcase a product in Unity. - [Challenge: Complete a cinematic lighting study](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/challenge-complete-a-cinematic-lighting-study?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/challenge-complete-a-cinematic-lighting-study.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply lighting to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/apply-lighting-to-your-guided-project?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/tutorial/apply-lighting-to-your-guided-project.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use your lighting knowledge in a guided project to solidify your understanding. - [Creative Core: Lighting quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/quiz/creative-core-lighting-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/lighting/quiz/creative-core-lighting-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use this quiz to check your understanding of beginner lighting concepts in Unity. ## [Animation](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation?language=en&version=6.3) The world around you is in constant motion. The same is true for digital worlds. A static environment tends to appear unfinished, or cold and unfeeling; animation is all about creating the illusion of life. In this mission, you will learn how to create animations in the Unity editor and how to configure animations imported from an external program. You’ll apply these concepts to add animation to objects and characters in your scenes, and even control when the animation gets played. By the end of this mission, you’ll be able to: - Describe the relationship between different animation components - Create simple keyframed 3D animation sequences - Describe key components of an animator controller - Configure Animation Clips imported from digital content creation (DCC) software or the Asset Store for use in a project - Configure a humanoid rig for use with the Humanoid Animation system - [Get started with animation](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/get-started-with-animation?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/get-started-with-animation.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Get an overview of an animator’s role, set up your project, and identify common rig types and their uses. - [Create your first 3D animations](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/create-your-first-3d-animations?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/create-your-first-3d-animations.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn core animation principles in Unity by animating a ball with Animation Clips, keyframes, and Record Mode. - [Refine your animation](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/refine-your-animation?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/refine-your-animation.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use the curves editor to edit Animation Curves, manage keyframes, and record GameObject animation. - [Control animation with an Animator](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/control-animation-with-an-animator?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/control-animation-with-an-animator.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Build an animated proximity door while learning Animators, Animator Controllers, parameters, and basic state machines. - [Import animation](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/import-animation?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/import-animation.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Configure imported animation, set up humanoid rigs and Animator Controllers, and manage shared clips and parameters in an existing project. - [Challenge: Bring the scene to life](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/challenge-bring-the-scene-to-life?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/challenge-bring-the-scene-to-life.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply animation to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/apply-animation-to-your-guided-project-1-1?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/tutorial/apply-animation-to-your-guided-project-1-1.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply your new animation skills to continue building your guided Unity project. - [Creative Core: Animation Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/quiz/creative-core-animation-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/animation/quiz/creative-core-animation-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Check your understanding of key animation concepts and workflows covered in the Creative Core: Animation mission. ## [VFX](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx?language=en&version=6.3) VFX are simulated motion effects added to enhance a scene, ranging from a subtle splash of water to a massive fiery explosion. In this mission, you will learn to create your own visual effects, including fire, weather effects, and a puff of smoke. By the time you complete this learning experience, you will be able to: - Decide whether to use Unity's Particle Systems or VFX Graph in order to produce an effect in your scene. - Produce environmental and burst effects by configuring Unity's Particle System object. - Interpret a simple VFX graph. - [Get started with VFX](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/get-started-with-vfx?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/get-started-with-vfx.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Explore what VFX are, who creates them, their uses in real-time 3D, and how Unity’s Particle System differs from VFX Graph. - [Play around with a Particle System](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/play-around-with-a-particle-system?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/play-around-with-a-particle-system.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Combine multiple Particle Systems to build a fire effect and tune Emission, Shape, and Renderer modules for unique results. - [Create an environmental Particle System](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/create-an-environmental-particle-system?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/create-an-environmental-particle-system.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Configure a new Particle System and its modules to create convincing rain or snow effects in your scene. - [Create a burst particle](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/create-a-burst-particle-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/create-a-burst-particle-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Create a user-triggered smoke burst Particle System and control particle color, size, and randomness over their lifetimes. - [Experiment with VFX Graph](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/experiment-with-vfx-graph?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/experiment-with-vfx-graph.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use VFX Graph to add and edit visual effects, compare it to the Particle System, and navigate its core context nodes. - [Challenge: Add some magic to your scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/challenge-add-magic-to-your-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/challenge-add-magic-to-your-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply VFX to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/apply-vfx-to-your-guided-project?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/tutorial/apply-vfx-to-your-guided-project.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply your VFX skills to a guided project to reinforce what you have learned. - [Creative Core: VFX Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/quiz/creative-core-vfx-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-vfx/quiz/creative-core-vfx-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Check your understanding of VFX concepts, including Unity’s Particle System and VFX Graph. ## [Cameras](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras?language=en&version=6.3) Cameras are your eyes into an interactive experience. They can be fully dynamic, fixed, or tied to a character. In this mission, you’ll explore the different camera types common to interactive experiences. You’ll also learn some basic camera shot terminology and practice recreating iconic scenes from popular media. By the end of this mission, you’ll be able to: - Decide which Camera setup to use, given a project’s requirements - Configure a single Unity Camera in a 2D or 3D scene - [Get started with cameras](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/get-started-with-cameras?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/get-started-with-cameras.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to choose and configure camera viewpoints to orient users in the Scene view and shape their overall experience. - [Select your camera projection type](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/select-your-camera-projection-type?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/select-your-camera-projection-type.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to configure perspective and orthographic camera views to frame 2D and 3D scenes effectively in Unity. - [Control what your camera sees](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/control-what-your-camera-sees?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/control-what-your-camera-sees.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Control what the Main Camera shows by adjusting its background, frustum field of view, and clipping planes for depth. - [Explore camera views](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/explore-camera-views?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/explore-camera-views.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Compare perspective and orthographic camera views and choose setups that support your scene and user experience. - [Explore camera shot types](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/explore-camera-shot-types?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/explore-camera-shot-types.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to choose and configure perspective and orthographic Camera views to shape scene mood and user orientation in 2D and 3D. - [Challenge: Recreate the scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/challenge-recreate-the-scene?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/challenge-recreate-the-scene.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply cameras to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/apply-cameras-to-your-guided-project-2?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/tutorial/apply-cameras-to-your-guided-project-2.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply your new camera knowledge to enhance the presentation of your guided Unity project. - [Creative Core: Camera Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/quiz/creative-core-camera-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-cameras/quiz/creative-core-camera-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Check your understanding of camera concepts and skills from the Creative Core: Camera mission. ## [Post-processing](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing?language=en&version=6.3) Post-processing is just like applying filters to a photo you take with your phone. This can make your scene look more beautiful and interesting. In this mission, you will use post-processing to achieve a particular look and feel in a scene. By the time you complete this learning experience, you will be able to: - Evaluate whether post-processing is an appropriate tool for a given goal. - Implement a particular visual style in a project by configuring a post-processing profile. - [Get started with post-processing](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/get-started-with-post-processing?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/get-started-with-post-processing.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn what post-processing is, why to use it, and how to set up a post-processing profile to enhance a Unity scene. - [Create your own post-processing profile](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/create-your-own-post-processing-profile?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/create-your-own-post-processing-profile.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to build and adjust a post-processing profile to define a visual style and balance quality with performance. - [Challenge: Create a local volume](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/challenge-create-a-local-volume?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/challenge-create-a-local-volume.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply post-processing to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/apply-post-processing-to-your-guided-project?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/tutorial/apply-post-processing-to-your-guided-project.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply your post-processing skills to enhance the visuals of your guided Unity project. - [Creative Core: Post-processing Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/quiz/creative-core-post-processing-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/post-processing/quiz/creative-core-post-processing-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use this quiz to check your understanding of post-processing effects in Unity. ## [Audio](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio?language=en&version=6.3) Audio is one of the most overlooked aspects of interactive development, but it’s also one of the first things that can disrupt a user’s immersion if it’s done poorly — or worse, completely forgotten about. In this mission, you will learn how to implement audio effects in Unity by creating a soundscape for an outdoor scene. You’ll create ambient audio effects, trigger sounds with events, and modify sounds with special effects. By the end of this mission, you’ll be able to: - Implement audio in Unity - Produce customized results by correctly configuring audio in a scene - Create interactive experiences by synthesizing audio experience design principles - Refine existing audio in a Unity project - Solve accessibility challenges in an audio design - [Get started with audio](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/get-started-with-audio?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/get-started-with-audio.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Bring a scene to life with ambient and event-based audio, file format choices, and inclusive closed captioning. - [Create dynamic sound effects](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/create-dynamic-sound-effects-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/create-dynamic-sound-effects-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Begin building a rich soundscape by adding footstep audio and choosing event-driven or time-based playback methods. - [Create 3D sound effects](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/create-3d-sound-effects-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/create-3d-sound-effects-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Add and tune waterfall audio while exploring its role in narrative, atmosphere, rolloffs, and digital sound design. - [Add special effects to existing audio](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/add-special-effects-to-existing-audio-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/add-special-effects-to-existing-audio-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Create an echo with an audio reverb zone and manage audio effects, atmosphere, and source priorities in a scene. - [Accessibility considerations for audio](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/accessibility-considerations-for-audio-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/accessibility-considerations-for-audio-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to add subtitles, optimize audio, trigger clips, and apply effects to make your project more accessible. - [Challenge: Your own soundscape](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/challenge-your-own-soundscape-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/challenge-your-own-soundscape-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply audio to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/apply-audio-to-your-guided-project-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/tutorial/apply-audio-to-your-guided-project-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply your newly learned audio techniques to enhance your guided Unity project. - [Creative Core: Audio Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/quiz/creative-core-audio-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-audio/quiz/creative-core-audio-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Check your understanding of how audio works and is used in Unity. ## [UI](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui?language=en&version=6.3) A user interface is what allows a user to interact – or interface – with an application. A UI often includes images, text, buttons, toggles, sliders, or dropdowns. In this mission, you will design your own title screen and functional settings menu. By the time you complete this learning experience, you will be able to: - Decide on a user interface approach for a project. - Create and configure visual UI components in a manner that will respond appropriately to different screen sizes and resolutions. - Create and configure interactive UI components such as buttons, toggles, and sliders, in order to implement simple UI functionality. - [Get started with user interfaces](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/get-started-with-user-interfaces?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/get-started-with-user-interfaces.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Explore what UI design is, learn Unity’s uGUI, IMGUI, and UI Toolkit systems, and start customizing the user interface in your scene. - [Add a title to your scene](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/add-a-title-to-your-scene-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/add-a-title-to-your-scene-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Add and style UI text labels in the Inspector while applying core accessibility practices for readable interfaces. - [Manage screen size and anchors](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/manage-screen-size-and-anchors?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/manage-screen-size-and-anchors.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to anchor UI on the Canvas so layouts adapt cleanly to different aspect ratios and resolutions. - [Create a menu background with images](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/create-a-menu-background-with-images-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/create-a-menu-background-with-images-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Add and configure Image elements, UI sprites, and materials to create flexible, high-quality UI backgrounds and buttons. - [Add basic button functionality](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/add-basic-button-functionality-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/add-basic-button-functionality-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to use Unity’s EventSystem GameObject to make UI buttons interactive and implement simple button behaviors. - [Add toggles and sliders](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/add-toggles-and-sliders-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/add-toggles-and-sliders-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Add UI toggles and sliders to control music and volume by using the Event System for simple interactions. - [Challenge: Make a worldspace UI](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/challenge-make-a-worldspace-ui-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/challenge-make-a-worldspace-ui-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) - [Apply UI to your guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/apply-ui-to-your-guided-project-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/tutorial/apply-ui-to-your-guided-project-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply your user interface knowledge to enhance the guided project experience. - [Creative Core: UI quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/quiz/creative-core-ui-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/creative-core-ui/quiz/creative-core-ui-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use this quiz to evaluate your knowledge of building user interfaces with Unity’s UGUI system. ## [Prototyping](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping?language=en&version=6.3) Before you get caught up in developing your dream project, it’s important to start a little smaller and create a prototype. Prototyping gives you the opportunity to work out what should really be at the heart of the real-time experience you want to make and to test out different approaches to achieve that. In this mission, you’ll learn about some different approaches to prototyping and explore an example we’ve created as you work on your own prototype. This learning experience is about process rather than a set outcome; if you’re new to prototyping, we hope you’ll find something useful no matter what you want to create! By the time you complete this learning experience, you’ll be able to: - Determine the appropriate prototyping approach for a specific project - Decide the critical project features required in order to create a functional prototype - Create a functional prototype in Unity - Integrate external assets and tools into your prototype - Refine a prototype environment using ProBuilder and Terrain - Test a basic experience prototype - [Get started with prototyping](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/get-started-with-prototyping-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/get-started-with-prototyping-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn why prototyping matters and how rapid and evolutionary approaches shape your real-time experience. - [Choose a prototype idea](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/choose-a-prototype-idea-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/choose-a-prototype-idea-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to choose a prototype concept, define its target users, and write a clear elevator pitch for your idea. - [Plan and scope your prototype](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/plan-and-scope-your-prototype-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/plan-and-scope-your-prototype-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Plan a detailed prototype by scoping features, defining requirements, and outlining a minimum functional version. - [Create your greybox prototype](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/create-your-greybox-prototype-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/create-your-greybox-prototype-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Start building in Unity by greyboxing a simple 3D prototype and importing a third-party character controller. - [Build on your basic prototype](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/build-on-your-basic-prototype-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/build-on-your-basic-prototype-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Develop your greybox prototype by iterating, evaluating against goals, and organizing assets and third-party resources. - [Enhance your prototype with ProBuilder](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/enhance-your-prototype-with-probuilder-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/enhance-your-prototype-with-probuilder-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Use ProBuilder to model, texture, and set up colliders for basic prototype geometry directly in the Unity Editor. - [Enhance your prototype with Terrain](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/enhance-your-prototype-with-terrain-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/enhance-your-prototype-with-terrain-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Explore how to create and customize Terrain in Unity 2021.3 LTS to support your prototype’s landscape. - [Test your prototype](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/test-your-prototype-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/test-your-prototype-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Learn to apply multiple testing types, run acceptance tests, find unexpected behavior, and conduct user testing for a prototype. - [Challenge: Complete your independent project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/challenge-complete-your-independent-project-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/challenge-complete-your-independent-project-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Apply Creative Core skills from every domain to refine your prototype and showcase your progress. - [Plan your next steps](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/plan-your-next-steps-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/plan-your-next-steps-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Reflect on your project achievements, plan portfolio updates, and identify ongoing real-time 3D learning resources. - [Entry-level freelancing for creators](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/entry-level-freelancing-for-creators-3?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/entry-level-freelancing-for-creators-3.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Identify freelance opportunities in real-time 3D and plan a portfolio to support your career start. - [Creative Core: Prototyping quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/quiz/creative-core-prototyping-quiz?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/quiz/creative-core-prototyping-quiz.md?language=en&version=6.3)) — Test your understanding of beginner-level prototyping workflows in Unity. - [Submit your independent or guided project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/submit-your-independent-or-guided-project-1?language=en&version=6.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/creative-core/unit/prototyping/tutorial/submit-your-independent-or-guided-project-1.md?language=en&version=6.3))