Can't Apply Changes to Prefab Asset

Unity Engine
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1

I’m having trouble applying changes from a prefab instance in the scene back to the original prefab asset.

Here’s what I’m doing:

I create a prefab from an object in the scene.

I modify some values on the prefab instance in the scene.

Then I right-click the instance → Prefab → Replace to apply the changes.

However, the prefab asset in the Project window doesn’t get updated.

Additionally, if I click the small arrow on the prefab instance (to open the in-context prefab editing mode) and make changes there, those changes don’t seem to affect the prefab asset either.
But strangely, , it reflects the edited values—despite those changes not being shown in the original prefab asset.

Even if I delete the prefab instance from the scene,still contains the modified values from earlier.

How can I properly apply the changes made to a prefab instance back to the original prefab asset?

Any help would be appreciated!

2

Not sure what the Replace button you’re using does, but the correct way to apply the changes is to click on the Overrides dropdown at the top of the inspector and then Apply Changes.

3

RMB => Replace probably means to replace the prefab with the existing asset version. I never used it but if that’s what it does, it should rather be called “Reset”.

You apply prefab instance overrides via the Inspector of the instance.

See:

4

I tried using the “Overrides” dropdown at the top of the inspector and selecting “Apply Changes”, but it doesn’t seem to update the original prefab asset.

5

Thanks! That makes sense.
I tried using the “Overrides” dropdown at the top of the inspector and selecting “Apply Changes”, but it doesn’t seem to update the original prefab asset.

6

It definitely should. Are you sure this instance is connected to the prefab you’re looking at and not at some other duplicate prefab?

7

You’re right — I double-checked and most changes do get applied using the Overrides > Apply All method.
At the time I posted, I had modified the Shape > Box size in a Particle System component, and that specific change didn’t seem to be applied to the prefab asset.
That made me think the override wasn’t working at all.

Now I realize that some properties, like that Box size in Particle System, might not be treated as prefab overrides in the same way — or just don’t get applied correctly.

So yes, my prefab instance was correctly linked, and most changes apply fine.
The issue seems to be with specific values not being tracked or synced properly.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!