---
title: "Assign colors"
content_type: tutorial
url: "https://learn.unity.com/tutorial/assign-colors?language=en"
language: en
difficulty: foundational
duration_minutes: 10
supports_all_unity_versions: true
last_updated: "2026-08-04T14:24:34.000Z"
---

# Assign colors

Learn vertex coloring to assign colors directly to a model’s vertices without creating separate materials.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to assign colors to a model by applying color data to the vertices without separately setting up materials.

## Vertices and color data

So far, you have altered models by working on their fundamental components: vertices, edges, and faces.

When it comes to assigning colors to shapes, the vertices are the most important component of a 3D model.

Vertices come together to form an edge, and edges come together to form a face. This is why vertices save very important data of the 3D model. One of which is the **color** data.

## Change selection mode

To change colors of various faces more easily, it can be helpful to select the vertices hidden behind other faces as well.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/learn/images/d5fb0b0a-119f-4535-a7ec-9e7268fcf2d5_G00.png)

There is a **Select Hidden** toggle among the **Select** tools that allows you to select all the hidden components when turned on. Turn the toggle on before the next step.

## Color palette

The **Vertex Colors** tool is at the top of the **ProBuilder** window. Select this to open the **Vertex** **Colors** editor.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/learn/images/5b2bf7eb-3c21-4506-96b3-e795736ebf7d_G02.png)

These colors are the default palette in ProBuilder. You can select each color and change them to another to create a custom palette.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/learn/images/0fd9c50c-e6cb-44d5-b4f6-bb03112b35ec_G03.png)

## Apply colors

It's easy to apply colors. You can apply them to having **Face Selection** on to create sharp edges between changes of colors.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/learn/images/eb3be467-2263-44de-ad4b-8c71fca616c3_G04.gif)

However, when you select the faces you want to color by dragging over the area with the **Vertex Selection** on, you can create a softer change between colors. Select the **Apply** button of the color you want in the **Vertex Colors** window.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20230422/learn/images/b9e50258-c4f4-40dc-a80d-f144967861e1_G05.gif)

You'll see that in this case applying different colors results in the blending of those colors on the surface between them.