PPU vs Canvas Size vs Resolution

Unity Engine
1

Hi there,

My name’s Cat. I’m new to game making and just had a few questions about 2D art, before I start in earnest on my first project.

I am using Aseprite for the art - I’m going to make a fairly simple 2D exploration game, using minimally animated ‘flip-screen’ background art for the game world, displayed one at a time (inspired by ZX Spectrum etc).

The only other art will be the player character, who will be small in relation to the game world.

I would like the background/ world art to fill a typical 16:9 monitor, no borders.

I’m using Aseprite, and I’m still a bit confused as to what PPU and resolution I should be using for the game. Aseprite seems to suggest that PPU and canvas size are the same thing.

E.g I type 480x270 for PPU, and it generates a canvas this size as well.

My question is: is PPU, canvas size and resolution all the same thing?

Will I run into problems if, say, I paint all my backgrounds at 1920x1080, but my character sprites as 32x32?

Any clarification would help immensely.

Thanks!
Cat.

2

  1. ppu has nothing to do with resolution its an arbitrary number that you decide. In unity space is measured in “units” how many pixels = 1 unit? thats ppu. if you want 1 unit = 1pixel then you write 1PPU. It can just aswell be 1 unit = 1000 pixels, you decide.

  2. if your background is 1920x1080 and your character 32x32 your character will be insanely small in relation to the background