Spine to Unity

Now the animation can be exported from Spine.

However, the “Spine Unity Package” is required before importing from Spine to Unity. This can be easily downloaded from the official Spine website: de.esotericsoftware.com/spine-unity-download

Once the package is installed, you can finally import the animation into Unity. It is important to check that all files are present. As soon as the “atlas.txt”, the “json.txt” and the “.png” have been imported, Unity creates additional files. The following files should therefore be in the animation folder:

• “.png”
• “.atlas.txt”
• “Atlas.asset”
• “.json.txt”
• one or more materials

Sometimes, however, Unity may not create these files. These must then be created manually. The “Atlas.asset” file can be found by right-clicking in the project folder under “Create -> Spine -> Spine Atlas Asset”.

The “atlas.txt” file should be referenced within this file. You can simply drag and drop this in. In addition, the atlas asset also needs a reference to all materials. To do this, enter the amount of material in “Size” and then drag and drop it in.

However, if you need to create your own material within Unity, don't forget to set the shader to "Spine/Skeleton".

Last but not least, only the “skeleton data asset file” is missing. Unity does not create this itself, which is why it must be created manually. To do this, “Right-click -> Create -> Spine” again and this time click on “Skeleton Data Asset”. The “.json.txt” file belongs in the first field. This is followed by the “Atlas asset file”. Here you are again asked for the number of files before you can drag and drop them in.

At this point, all preparations are complete and the animation can be inserted into the scene. To do this, a skeleton animation must be created under “GameObject -> Spine” (“Alternatively right-click -> Spine”). The “Skeleton Animation Object” has a “Skeleton Animation Component”. However, if you do not want to write a lot of code, it is advisable to remove this component and replace it with a “Skeleton Mecanim”. This allows you to use the normal animator from Unity.

The “Animator controller” is of course required for the Animator. This must be created manually in the project folder. You can then add it to the “Animator Component” of the animation in the scene. In addition, the “Skeleton Mecanim Component” also needs a “Skeleton Data Asset” as a reference. This can also be inserted using drag and drop. Last but not least, the “Skeleton Data Asset” needs a reference to the “Animator Controller”. This can be inserted in the “Skeleton Data Asset” in “Slots” under “Skeleton Mecanim”.

Now you can click on the “Force Update Animation Button” and the animator will receive the animation. This can be inserted into the Animator window and edited as usual.

The animation has now been successfully imported and can be used in the project. Good luck!