ui_skill

Overview

This skill creates Unity UI elements (Canvas, Panel, Button, Text, Image, InputField, Slider, Toggle) and supports efficient multi-element creation via a batch API. It auto-detects TextMeshPro and returns which text system was used. Use ui_create_* for single items and ui_create_batch for two or more elements to minimize calls and keep hierarchy consistent.

How this skill works

Each ui_create_* call instantiates a configured UI GameObject with sensible defaults (names, sizes, colors, positions) and optional parent assignment. ui_create_batch accepts an items array of element configs to create many objects in one call. The skill inspects the project for TextMeshPro; if present it creates TextMeshProUGUI objects and includes a usingTMP flag in responses.

When to use it

• Create a single UI element quickly (ui_create_button, ui_create_text, etc.).
• Build a menu, HUD, or dialog with multiple elements using ui_create_batch to reduce API calls.
• Initialize a Canvas or switch between ScreenSpace and WorldSpace rendering.
• Generate grouped UI under a Panel for layout and scripting access.
• Create runtime UI dynamically (settings panels, tooltips, in-game HUD).

Best practices

• Always create a Canvas before other UI elements to ensure correct rendering.
• Use ui_create_batch whenever creating two or more elements to improve performance and keep hierarchy changes atomic.
• Assign meaningful names and set parent to simplify Find and runtime scripting.
• Use Panels to group related elements and control layout or visibility.
• Prefer WorldSpace Canvas for 3D UI like floating health bars.

Example use cases

• Build a main menu: create a Canvas, then use ui_create_batch to add a panel and multiple buttons (Start, Options, Quit).
• Spawn an in-game HUD: batch-create health bar (Image), score text, and minimap panel at runtime.
• Quickly add a settings section: create toggles, sliders, and input fields grouped under a Panel.
• Convert legacy projects: detect TextMeshPro and create TMP text objects automatically when available.
• Prototype UI layouts in code without manually creating GameObjects in the editor.