New VFX Graph Learning Templates in Unity 6
The VFX Graph team is thrilled to introduce our brand-new VFX Graph Learning Templates, available for import now in Unity 6. Whether you’re an experienced VFX artist or someone eager to explore the mesmerizing world of VFX Graph, this learning sample is crafted to elevate your skills and deepen your understanding. Featuring over 25 VFX Graph assets, it provides a comprehensive overview of VFX Graph features and concepts. Best of all, this learning sample is compatible with both HDRP and URP.
Key Takeaways from This Sample Set
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Step-by-Step Learning: Our sample set offers structured learning materials that guide you through VFX Graph, one step at a time.
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Creative Examples: Discover various creative examples that demonstrate what each feature and attribute does, and how to effectively use them.
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Practical Discovery: This sample package allows you to explore VFX Graph in a hands-on manner. Dive into the various examples, detailed notes, and helpful links designed to facilitate your learning journey.
Sample content
Here’s a breakdown of the content available in the VFX Graph Learning Sample :
VFX Graph Core
This set of examples provides valuable insights into VFX Graph logic and some essential properties that are crucial for getting started. How is VFX Graph data flow structured? What are the roles of Spawn, Initialize, Update and Output Contexts? How do Bounds or Memory Allocation work in this context? If these questions seem daunting, these VFX examples will help you understand these concepts and the significant roles they play within VFX Graph.
Orientation
Understanding how to properly orient particles in VFX Graph is essential, whether you’re working with regular billboard quads or custom particle meshes. These examples demonstrate how to use the Orient block, explore its various modes, and understand its relationship with Axis attributes. From basic facing quad orientation to more advanced techniques, these VFX examples and embedded notes will guide you in customizing particle orientation to suit your needs.
Pivot and Rotation
Learn how to control rotation and add spinning motion to your particles. What are Pivot attributes, and how do they affect scaling and rotating your particles? These examples will help you master these topics without making your head spin.
Flipbook and Spritesheets
Learn how to add internal motion to your particles using flipbook textures. What is the TexIndex attribute, and how can you control it to add visual variations? Additionally, discover how to achieve smoother flipbook animations through frame blending and optical flow. These examples will teach you how to make the most of your flipbook textures.
Sampling
These examples focus on the art of sampling! Whether it’s mesh, Skinned Mesh, Texture, or Signed Distance Field, VFX Graph enables you to sample various data and extract information to drive particle motion and visuals.
Collision
When it comes to creating grounded effects, nailing that interaction with the environment is key. These examples will show you how to use different collider blocks, experiment with collision properties, and even spawn new particles upon collision.
Strip / Trails
Strips, also known as ribbons or trails, are ubiquitous in VFX workflows. These examples show you different ways to set up strips and make the most out of this feature.
How to install
Install the new sample assets using the Package Manager by following these steps:
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Open Package Manager:
- Access the Package Manager window from the Unity Editor’s Window menu.
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Select Visual Effect Graph Package:
- Browse your package list and select the Visual Effect Graph package.
- Browse your package list and select the Visual Effect Graph package.
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Select the Samples tab:
- With the VFX Graph package selected, navigate to the Samples tab.
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Import Learning Templates:
- Click the Learning Templates Import button to bring the new Learning Templates sample set into your project.
With these steps completed, the VFX Graph assets will show up in your project under:
Assets/Samples/Visual Effect Graph/<your version>/Learning Templates.
Exploring the Samples
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Open the Scene:
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In your project folder, find the scene that corresponds to your project’s render pipeline:
URP:
Assets/Samples/Visual Effect Graph/<your version>/Learning Templates/Scenes/URP_VFX_Learning_TemplatesHDRP:
Assets/Samples/Visual Effect Graph/<your version>/LearningTemplates/Scenes/HDRP_VFX_Learning_Templates
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Select the Sample Showcase:
- At the top of the Hierarchy panel, select the Sample_Showcase GameObject and follow the descriptions in the Inspector.
- At the top of the Hierarchy panel, select the Sample_Showcase GameObject and follow the descriptions in the Inspector.
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Browse the Sample:
- Use the Samples’ dropdown box or the arrow icons to browse through the samples.
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Read the Notes:
- To get the most out of this sample, read the notes for each sample and follow the links to related documentation. The Show VFX action link helps you locate the VFX in the Hierarchy Panel, while Open VFX will open the VFX asset.
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Dive Into the Assets:
- Finally, open the assets! Each one contains insights and tips to help you gain a deeper understanding of VFX Graph.
Additional resources
This sample is packed with resources to give you a solid start in your VFX Graph learning journey. We hope you have fun exploring it and that it helps you achieve your future effects.