prefab_skill

Overview

This skill provides a compact set of prefab management actions for Unity: create, instantiate (single and batch), apply changes, and unpack. It focuses on efficient runtime and editor workflows and highlights a batch-first pattern when spawning two or more instances. Use these actions to manage prefab assets and scene instances from automation or tooling code.

How this skill works

The skill exposes discrete operations that act on prefab assets and scene GameObjects: prefab_create saves a scene object as a prefab asset; prefab_instantiate spawns a single instance; prefab_instantiate_batch spawns many instances in one call for performance; prefab_apply writes instance changes back to the prefab asset; prefab_unpack severs prefab links for unique edits. Each call returns a small result object with success and identifying fields.

When to use it

• Create a reusable asset from a configured scene object (prefab_create).
• Spawn a single object for occasional or manual placement (prefab_instantiate).
• Spawn two or more objects or large groups — always use prefab_instantiate_batch for performance.
• Persist iterative edits back to the prefab asset after testing (prefab_apply).
• Break prefab connections when instances require unique structural changes (prefab_unpack).

Best practices

• Prefer prefab_instantiate_batch whenever instantiating multiple instances to reduce API overhead and improve performance.
• Organize prefabs in dedicated folders and use clear prefabPath strings to avoid path mistakes.
• Make iterative changes on instances, then call prefab_apply to propagate stable updates to the asset.
• Only use prefab_unpack when you need permanent, instance-specific modifications; avoid unpacking by default to retain updateability.
• Include parentName and transform fields in batch items to place many objects with a single call and avoid extra scene edits.

Example use cases

• Level generation: use prefab_instantiate_batch to populate terrain with many props or enemies in one API call.
• Procedural waves: spawn dozens of enemies with varied positions and rotations via a single batch request.
• Editor tooling: convert a placed object into a reusable prefab with prefab_create, then apply later updates with prefab_apply.
• One-off customization: unpack a complex instance, perform unique edits, and keep it independent with prefab_unpack.
• Automated tests: spawn controlled test scenes by instantiating prefabs programmatically, using batch calls for speed.