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⬇️ Lesson 1.2: Installing Unity Hub & Unity 6

Let's get Unity onto your computer. You'll install Unity Hub (a small manager app), then use it to install Unity 6 with the right add-ons, and finally create your first project.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Install Unity Hub and sign in with a free Unity account
  • Install Unity 6 (6000.5 LTS) through the Hub
  • Choose the right modules — including WebGL Build Support and a code editor
  • Create a new project using the Universal 3D (URP) template

Estimated Time: 30 minutes (plus download time)

You'll need: A computer with ~15–20 GB free and an internet connection.

In This Lesson

Two Things to Install

New users are often surprised there are two downloads. Here's why:

Unity HubUnity Editor
A small manager app. It installs Editor versions and organizes your projects. You keep it forever. The actual engine — the big download. You can have several versions installed side by side; the Hub keeps them tidy.
graph LR A[Download
Unity Hub] --> B[Sign in
free account] B --> C[Install
Unity 6 + modules] C --> D[Create
new project] D --> E[Editor opens 🎉]

Step 1: Install Unity Hub

  1. Open your web browser and go to the official download page: unity.com/download.
  2. Click Download for Windows (or macOS). This downloads Unity Hub, not the whole engine yet.
  3. Run the downloaded installer and accept the defaults. When it finishes, Unity Hub opens.
💡 Only download from unity.com. Avoid third-party "Unity download" sites — always use the official page above.

Step 2: Sign In With a Free Account

Unity asks you to sign in so it can activate a free license. This is normal and free for individuals.

  1. In Unity Hub, click the account icon (top-left) and choose Sign in.
  2. Create a Unity ID if you don't have one (email + password), or sign in.
  3. When prompted for a license, choose the Unity Personal (free) plan.

⚠️ Account creation & passwords

You'll enter your own email and password on Unity's website in your browser — do this yourself; never share credentials. The Personal license is free; you won't be asked for payment.

Step 3: Install Unity 6

Now the main event. In Unity Hub:

  1. Click the Installs tab on the left.
  2. Click Install Editor (top-right).
  3. Choose the latest Unity 6 LTS release (this course uses 6000.5). "LTS" means Long-Term Support — the stable choice.
  4. On the Add modules screen, tick the extras you'll want. At minimum:
The Add Modules checklist A recreation of Unity Hub's Add Modules screen, with checkboxes for a code editor (Visual Studio), WebGL Build Support (ticked and highlighted), Windows/Mac Build Support, and Documentation. Add modules Microsoft Visual Studio (code editor) WebGL Build Support ⭐ (needed for web builds) Windows / Mac Build Support Documentation (optional, large) Language packs (optional) Continue
Figure 1: The Add Modules screen (recreated). Be sure to tick a code editor and WebGL Build Support — we'll publish to the web in Module 8.
  1. Click Continue, accept the terms, and let it download and install. This is the big download — grab a coffee.

✅ Pro Tip

Forgot to add WebGL support? No problem. In the Installs tab, click the ⚙️ (gear) on your Unity 6 install and choose Add modules any time.

Step 4: Create Your First Project

  1. Click the Projects tab, then New project.
  2. Make sure your Unity 6 version is selected at the top.
  3. Choose the Universal 3D template (this is URP — the pipeline this course uses).
  4. Give the project a name like UnityFundamentals and pick a folder.
  5. Click Create project. The Editor opens with a starter scene. 🎉
💡 Which template? You'll see several. Universal 3D is the right general-purpose choice for this course. The plain "3D (Built-in)" template uses an older render pipeline and won't match our screenshots.

Troubleshooting

⚠️ Common hiccups

  • Download seems stuck: large installs can pause on slow connections — give it time before cancelling.
  • Not enough disk space: Unity 6 plus a project needs well over 10 GB. Free up space and retry.
  • "License not activated": sign in again from the Hub's account menu and select the free Personal plan.
  • Editor won't open: update your graphics drivers and make sure your OS meets Unity 6's system requirements.

Summary

🎉 Key Takeaways

  • Install Unity Hub first — it manages Editor versions and projects.
  • Install Unity 6 LTS (6000.5) through the Hub, with a code editor and WebGL Build Support.
  • Sign in with a free Personal license.
  • Create a project with the Universal 3D (URP) template.

🎯 Quick Quiz

Question 1: What is Unity Hub for?

Question 2: Which template should you choose for this course?

🚀 What's Next?

With Unity installed and a project open, and now that you know your way around the Editor (Lesson 1.3), you're ready to make something. In Lesson 1.4 you'll create and save your very first scene.

🎉 Installed and ready!

The hard part (waiting for downloads) is behind you. Now the fun begins.