# GetAssetPreview(Object)

> Returns a rendered preview texture for an asset. This is the large image shown in the Project window grid view.

## Definition

* **Type:** Method
* **Namespace:** [UnityEditor](/engine/6000.3/script-reference/unityeditor.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEditor

```csharp
public static Texture2D GetAssetPreview(Object asset)
```

### Parameters

**** (\[Object]\(/engine/6000.3/script-reference/unityengine/object)): The object to get a preview texture for.

### Returns

| Type                                                                  | Description                                                                              |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Texture2D](/engine/6000.3/script-reference/unityengine/texture2d.md) | A rendered preview texture for the given asset, or null if the preview is not yet ready. |

### Remarks

The preview is rendered on demand and loaded asynchronously, so this might return null until the preview is ready. Poll [AssetPreview.IsLoadingAssetPreview](/engine/6000.3/script-reference/unityeditor/assetpreview/isloadingassetpreview.md) and repaint when it finishes. Previews reflect the asset's real appearance (for example a material rendered on a sphere, or a texture with correct color interpretation), so unlike [AssetPreview.GetMiniThumbnail](/engine/6000.3/script-reference/unityeditor/assetpreview/getminithumbnail.md) a normal map or other non-color texture displays correctly. For an efficient, always-available icon instead of a rendered preview, see [AssetDatabase.GetCachedIcon](/engine/6000.3/script-reference/unityeditor/assetdatabase/getcachedicon.md).