To change the color of your Unity editor while in play mode, you need to adjust a specific setting within the Unity Preferences. This provides a clear visual indicator that your game is currently running, helping you avoid making unintended changes to your scene or project settings while testing.
Steps to Change Play Mode Color in Unity
Changing the play mode tint is a straightforward process found within Unity's editor settings. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Preferences window in Unity.
- On Mac, you will find Preferences under the Unity menu.
- On Windows, you will find Preferences under the Edit menu.
- In the Preferences window, look at the options on the left-hand side. Click on Colors.
- On the right side of the Colors settings, locate the General category.
- Within the General category, you will find the Playmode Tint option.
- Click on the color swatch next to "Playmode Tint" to open a color picker.
- Choose your desired color and alpha (transparency) value. A subtle tint is often preferred so it doesn't obscure editor UI elements.
- Close the Preferences window. The change is applied immediately.
Why Change the Play Mode Color?
Setting a distinctive color for your editor in play mode is a highly recommended practice for improving workflow and preventing errors.
- Clear Visual Cue: It provides an immediate visual signal that the editor is live and running your game logic.
- Avoid Accidental Changes: It helps prevent you from inadvertently modifying scene objects, scripts, or project settings while testing, which can lead to lost work or unexpected behavior.
- Improved Focus: It helps you stay focused on testing and debugging rather than editing.
By following these steps and choosing a noticeable tint, you can significantly enhance your development experience in Unity.