---
title: "Prefab editing mode"
content_type: tutorial
url: "https://learn.unity.com/tutorial/prefab-editing-mode?language=en"
language: en
difficulty: foundational
duration_minutes: 5
unity_version:
  - "6.0"
supported_unity_versions:
  - name: "6.0"
    url: "https://learn.unity.com/tutorial/prefab-editing-mode.md?language=en&version=6.0"
last_updated: "2026-08-04T14:24:11.000Z"
---

# Prefab editing mode

Get a quick overview of prefab editing mode in the Unity Editor and access links for deeper guidance.

This tutorial is a quick guide to prefab editing mode, with links to additional resources.

The information below might be helpful if you find yourself in prefab editing mode accidentally.

## 1. What are prefabs?

A **prefab** is an asset that acts as a template of a GameObject. From the prefab, you can create multiple copies, called **instances**.

A change to the prefab asset causes all of its instances to change as well. To change many trees into cacti, you can just change a single prefab tree!

In the **Hierarchy** and **Project** windows, blue icons indicate prefabs.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20241025/learn/images/d4206fae-469b-4df6-ad17-f0241e6f3d6a_PrefabHierarchy.png)

## 2. What is prefab editing mode?

In the **Scene** view of the Unity Editor, you can change any GameObject, and only the GameObject you edit will be affected.

However, if you change a prefab, you can easily update all the other instances in your scene and your project.

To change a prefab, you'll enter **prefab editing mode**, where you can edit the prefab by itself, set apart from your current scene. When you are in prefab editing mode, the GameObject will appear in the **Scene** view with a shaded background.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20241025/learn/images/548fccc1-07d8-4b82-81bf-f759c8fc835f_PrefabModeInContext.png)

## 3. How do I enter prefab editing mode?

There are a few ways to enter prefab editing mode:

- In the **Project** window, double-click a prefab.
- In the **Project** window or **Hierarchy** window, select a prefab, then select **Open** in the **Inspector** window.
- In the **Hierarchy** window, select the right-arrow to the right of a prefab instance (as shown below).
- In the **Hierarchy** window, select a prefab instance, then press **P**.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20241025/learn/images/b36c1e41-ed4e-4dbd-b0e6-aeea71863ed6_PrefabModeEnterArrow.png)

## 4. How do I exit prefab editing mode?

To exit prefab editing mode, go to the **Hierarchy** window and select the left-arrow to the left of the prefab name.

![](https://connect-mediagw.unity.com/h1/20241025/learn/images/33fc0436-7a96-40f2-8a05-487792c68324_PrefabModeExitArrow.png)

The **Scene** view will return to the regular view of your scene.

## 5. How can I learn more about prefabs?

To learn more about prefabs, try one of the following resources:

- For documentation, refer to the [**Prefabs**](https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/Prefabs.html) page of the Unity Manual.
- For a guided approach, try [**3D Essentials**](https://learn.unity.com/mission/mission-2-3d-essentials?uv=6&pathwayId=664b6225edbc2a01973f4f19) mission of the [**Unity Essentials**](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/unity-essentials?uv=6) pathway. Prefabs are covered in the [**Make a tower of prefab blocks**](https://learn.unity.com/tutorial/make-a-tower-of-prefab-blocks?pathwayId=664b6225edbc2a01973f4f19&missionId=664be177edbc2a096902980f) tutorial.