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Mesh To Terrain Converter - User Guide

Overview

The Mesh to Terrain Converter is a powerful Unity tool that converts 3D meshes into fully functional Unity terrains. This allows you to:

  • Import 3D landscape models from external software and convert them to editable terrains
  • Apply terrain features like texture painting and vegetation to your imported meshes
  • Take advantage of Unity's terrain optimization for large landscapes

Quick Start

  1. Select Tools → MeshToTerrain from the Unity menu
  2. Add your mesh to the scene
  3. Select the mesh in the "Mesh Object" field
  4. Click "Convert to Terrain"

Step-by-Step Instructions

Accessing the Tool

  1. In the Unity Editor, go to the top menu and select Tools → MeshToTerrain
  2. The Mesh to Terrain converter window will open

Basic Conversion

  1. Add your mesh GameObject to the Unity scene
  2. Drag your mesh into the "Mesh Object" field
  3. The tool automatically determines the appropriate terrain size
  4. Click "Convert to Terrain" to generate the terrain

Key Parameters Explained

Terrain Settings

  • Auto-size Terrain: Terrain dimensions match the mesh's bounding box
  • Height Multiplier: Adjusts vertical scale relative to the mesh
  • Terrain Size (x, y, z): Manual size controls (when Auto-size is disabled)
  • Override Max Sculpt Height: Limits maximum sculpt height while keeping initial appearance

Resolution Settings

  • Resolution: Heightmap resolution; recommended:
    • Small: 256–512
    • Medium: 512–1024
    • Large: 1024–2048

Height Mapping

  • Height Offset: Shifts terrain up or down
  • Height Scale: Multiplies height values
  • Falloff Power: Adjusts contrast between low and high areas

Edge & Perimeter Controls

  • Edge Handling: Options are Natural, Flatten, Gradual Falloff, or Steep Falloff
  • Edge Width/Height: Adjusts edge effects
  • Control Outer Perimeter: Specialized border control with Perimeter Height and Mode

Best Practices

  • Clean up your mesh before conversion
  • Ensure proper scaling (Y-axis up)
  • Start with lower resolutions for testing

Technical Notes

  • Terrain data sampling by raycasting through the heightmap grid
  • Areas with no mesh hit get zero height
  • Automatic scaling between mesh and Unity terrain units

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Problem: Terrain appears flattened. Solution: Increase Resolution or adjust Height Scale
  • Problem: Holes in terrain. Solution: Repair the mesh in a 3D modeling app
  • Problem: Incorrect terrain size. Solution: Disable Auto-size or scale the mesh
  • Problem: Insufficient sculpting range. Solution: Enable "Override Max Sculpt Height"
  • Problem: Unwanted edge artifacts. Solution: Adjust Edge Handling and Edge Width