Tags and Layers

Learn Tags and Layers and their role in collision filtering.

Tag concept

A Tag is a reference word used to identify and group GameObjects in the scene. For instance, the main character is tagged "Player", while enemies are tagged "Enemy".

// Safely checking an object's tag
if (collision.gameObject.CompareTag("Enemy")) {
    Console.WriteLine("Enemy detected!");
}

In code, the CompareTag method is much faster and more memory-friendly than direct string equality.

Layer concept

Layers are used to filter objects for physics collisions or camera rendering. For example, using the Layer Collision Matrix, you can prevent bullets from colliding with other bullets.

// Filtering specific layers using LayerMask
int uiLayer = LayerMask.NameToLayer("UI");

In short: Tags identify objects logically, while Layers group objects for physics and camera operations.

Exercise Print Tag and Layer information

Assign "Player" to tag and "Default" to layer. Print Tag: Player | Layer: Default to the console.

Show example solution

using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string tag = "Player";
        string layer = "Default";
        Console.WriteLine("Tag: " + tag + " | Layer: " + layer);
    }
}

Test yourself

What is the most performant and recommended way to check a GameObject's tag in code?
- Calling gameObject.CompareTag("Player")
- Deleting and reloading all components
- Recreating all objects in the scene with a loop
- Searching the object with the mouse in Hierarchy
Show answer

Calling gameObject.CompareTag("Player") — CompareTag is the most efficient approach because it performs tag checks without internal string allocations.

Check object tag

if (target.____("Player"))

Show answer

if (target.CompareTag("Player"))

Tag and Layer differences

Tag

Label for logically identifying objects
Layer

Layer for physics and camera filtering
CompareTag

Performant tag comparison function
Collision Matrix

Matrix defining which layers collide

Next lesson: Summary - GameObject

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