Rect Transform

Learn UI element position and size with Rect Transform.

What is a Rect Transform?

The UI system counterpart to the 3D world's standard Transform is the RectTransform. Beyond position, it governs the width, height, anchors, and pivot of a 2D bounding rectangle.

// Adjusting RectTransform dimensions via code
RectTransform rect = GetComponent<RectTransform>();
rect.sizeDelta = new Vector2(200f, 50f);

All entities residing beneath a Canvas automatically carry a RectTransform rather than a basic Transform.

Anchor and Pivot logic

Anchors define pin points relative to parent edges to prevent elements drifting off-screen when resolutions shift. Pivot represents the element's local origin for rotation and scaling.

// Centering the pivot point to (0.5, 0.5)
rect.pivot = new Vector2(0.5f, 0.5f);

Proper anchor configuration ensures interfaces scale cleanly across mobile screens and ultrawide desktop monitors alike.

Exercise Print Anchor and Pivot info

Assign "TopRight" to anchor and "(0.5, 0.5)" to pivot. Print Anchor: TopRight | Pivot: (0.5, 0.5) to the console.

Show example solution

using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string anchor = "TopRight";
        string pivot = "(0.5, 0.5)";
        Console.WriteLine("Anchor: " + anchor + " | Pivot: " + pivot);
    }
}

Test yourself

Which setting locks a UI element to a specific screen corner (e.g. top-left) across different resolutions?
- AudioListener
- Anchor
- Lightmap UV
- MeshCollider
Show answer

Anchor — The Anchor setting pins a UI element's relative position against parent screen edges or corners.

Access RectTransform component

RectTransform rt = GetComponent<____>();

Show answer

RectTransform rt = GetComponent<RectTransform>();

RectTransform terms

RectTransform

Holds UI position and size
Anchor

Pins UI to parent corners
Pivot

Rotation & scaling origin
sizeDelta

RectTransform width & height

Next lesson: Layout groups

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