Sprite import settings

Learn to add a sprite and set Multiple and Pixels Per Unit options.

Sprite import settings and PPU

Pixels Per Unit (PPU) dictates how many pixels correspond to 1 unit of distance in Unity world space. The default value is 100 (meaning 100 pixels = 1 Unity unit).

// In 16x16 pixel art, 1 Unity unit = 16 pixels
// Pixels Per Unit: 16

In pixel art games, fixed PPU values like 16 or 32 are typically favored to maintain consistent character proportions.

Layer Ordering Logic

Layers render sequentially from top to bottom in settings: the top-most listed Sorting Layer renders first and appears farthest back; the bottom-most layer renders last and appears in front.

// Layer stack example:
// 1. Background (Floor)  -> Order: 0
// 2. Characters (Player) -> Order: 10
// 3. Foreground (Grass)  -> Order: 20

A well-planned sorting structure provides a flawless sense of depth in 2D scenes.

Exercise Print import settings

Assign 16 to ppu and "Point" to filter. Print PPU: 16 | Filter: Point to the console.

Show example solution

using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        int ppu = 16;
        string filter = "Point";
        Console.WriteLine("PPU: " + ppu + " | Filter: " + filter);
    }
}

Test yourself

What should Filter Mode be set to in pixel art retro games to prevent blur and keep pixels crisp?
- Bilinear
- Trilinear
- Antialiased
- Point (no filter)
Show answer

Point (no filter) — Point (no filter) disables interpolation around pixel edges, keeping retro artwork sharp and pixel-perfect.

Read pixel unit value

float ppu = sprite.____;

Show answer

float ppu = sprite.pixelsPerUnit;

Import parameters

Pixels Per Unit

Pixels fitting into one world unit
Point (no filter)

Filter keeping pixels sharp and crisp
Sprite Mode Single

Mode for a single standalone sprite
Sprite Mode Multiple

Mode for multiple sprite frames

Next lesson: Sprite sorting

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