Unity Size Explorer

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Unity Size Explorer for Performance TuningUnity Size Explorer is an invaluable tool for game developers looking to optimize their projects. By understanding how assets contribute to the overall size of a build, developers can make informed decisions that enhance performance without compromising quality. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively use Unity Size Explorer, helping you refine your game’s performance and reduce build sizes.

What is Unity Size Explorer?

Unity Size Explorer is a powerful utility designed to analyze the various elements that contribute to the size of your Unity project. It helps you identify large assets, unnecessary files, and other components that may bloat your build. By utilizing this tool, you can optimize asset usage, streamline your game’s performance, and improve loading times.

Setting Up Unity Size Explorer

1. Download and Install:

   • Unity Size Explorer can be found on platforms like GitHub or Unity Asset Store. Download the appropriate version and follow the installation instructions specific to your platform.

2. Open Your Unity Project:

   • Launch your Unity Editor and open the project you wish to analyze. Ensure that your project is built and that you have a clean build to effectively measure the performance.

3. Access Unity Size Explorer:

   • Navigate to Window > Analysis > Size Explorer to open the tool. This will reveal a new window where you can view various data related to your project’s assets.

Analyzing Your Project

1. Initial Scan

Once Unity Size Explorer is open, you can start the initial scan:

• Click on the Scan button, which will analyze your project for all assets and their sizes.
• Wait for the process to complete; this may take some time depending on your project size.

2. View Asset Details

Once the scan is complete, you’ll see a list of assets, allowing you to delve deeper into their sizes and types:

• Sort Options: You can sort the assets by size or type. This will help you quickly identify the largest contributors to your build size.
• Hierarchy View: Use the hierarchy view to drill down into specific folders or categories of assets like textures, models, scripts, and more.

Identifying and Optimizing Large Assets

1. Texture Optimization

Textures are often the largest assets in a game. Here’s how to manage them:

• Analyze Dimensions: Look for oversized textures that exceed what is required for your project. Consider resizing them to fit the target platform.
• Compression Settings: Adjust the texture compression settings to balance quality and size. Unity provides various options such as DXT, ASTC, and PVRTC.

2. Model Optimization

Large 3D models can significantly inflate your build size:

• Reduce Polygon Count: Simplify models where possible. Use tools like Blender or MeshLab to optimize 3D meshes.
• Level of Detail (LOD): Implement LOD techniques for models. Only the highest detail should be used when the camera is close; lower details should be used at greater distances.

3. Audio File Management

Audio files can also take up substantial space:

• Format Selection: Choose compressed audio formats (like OGG or MP3) instead of uncompressed formats like WAV.
• Clip Length: Analyze and trim audio clips to eliminate unnecessary silence at the beginnings or ends of tracks.

Reviewing Build Reports

After optimizing assets, it’s crucial to review build reports:

1. Rebuild Your Project: After making changes, create a new build to see the impact of your optimizations.

2. Analyze the Build Report: Check the build report generated by Unity for insights into asset size and build time. Compare this with previous builds to gauge improvement.

Continuous Monitoring

Performance tuning is an ongoing process. Utilize Unity Size Explorer periodically throughout your development:

• Regular Scans: As you add new assets or make changes, run scans frequently to ensure your project stays optimized.
• Team Collaboration: If you work in a team, share insights and findings from Unity Size Explorer to promote best practices among all team members.

Conclusion

Using Unity Size Explorer for performance tuning can dramatically enhance your game’s efficiency, leading to smoother gameplay experiences and reduced loading times. By following this guide, you can systematically analyze and optimize your project, ensuring that every asset serves a purpose and contributes positively to the overall performance. Remember, the goal is to achieve a balance between visual fidelity and performance—Unity Size Explorer is your ally in making that a reality.