The Animator component

Learn how the Animator component works with an Animator Controller.

Working with an Animator Controller

The Animator component manages animations on a GameObject. The Animator Controller determines which animations play and under which conditions they change. Assigning a controller to the Animator component's Controller field establishes this connection.

Animator animator;

void Awake()
{
    animator = GetComponent<Animator>();
}

Verifying the Controller Connection

The runtimeAnimatorController property provides the Animator Controller assigned to an Animator component. You can check this property to determine whether a controller has been assigned.

if (animator.runtimeAnimatorController != null)
{
    Debug.Log("Controller connected");
}

Exercise Check the Controller Connection

Access the Animator component and check whether an Animator Controller has been assigned. If a controller exists, print Controller found to the console.

Show example solution

using UnityEngine;

public class ControllerCheck : MonoBehaviour
{
    private Animator animator;

    void Start()
    {
        animator = GetComponent<Animator>();

        if (animator.runtimeAnimatorController != null)
        {
            Debug.Log("Controller bulundu");
        }
    }
}

Test yourself

What is the main purpose of an Animator Controller?
- Managing animations and transitions between them
- Calculating scene lighting
- Managing physics collisions
- Compressing audio files
Show answer

Managing animations and transitions between them — An Animator Controller manages animation states and transitions.

Check the Controller Property

if (animator.____ != null)
{
    Debug.Log("Controller hazır");
}

Show answer

if (animator.runtimeAnimatorController != null)
{
    Debug.Log("Controller hazır");
}

Match the Animator Structure

Animator Controller

Asset used to manage animations
Animator Component

Component that runs animations
runtimeAnimatorController

Access to assigned controller asset
State Machine

System organizing animation states

Next lesson: Animation Clip

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