# identity

> The identity rotation (Read Only).

## Definition

* **Type:** Property
* **Namespace:** [UnityEngine](/engine/6000.5/script-reference/unityengine.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEngine.CoreModule

```csharp
public static Quaternion identity { get; }
```

### Remarks

This property represents zero rotation. For example, if you assign `Quaternion.identity` to a transform's world rotation, the transform's axis (**right**, **up**, **forward**) aligns with the world axis (**x**, **y**, **z**). If you assign it to the transform's local rotation, the transform aligns with the axis of its parent.

Key property characteristics:

* Setting `transform.rotation = Quaternion.identity` aligns the object with the world axes.
* Setting `transform.localRotation = Quaternion.identity` sets the object's local rotation to match the parent's orientation (no local rotation relative to the parent).
* Multiplying by `Quaternion.identity` has no effect.

Common use cases:

* Instantiate objects with neutral rotation: `Instantiate(prefab, position, Quaternion.identity)`.
* Reset object rotation to world-aligned state.
* Use as a starting point for rotational calculations.

### Examples

```csharp
using UnityEngine;

public class QuaternionIdentityExample : MonoBehaviour
{
    public Transform parentObject;
    public Transform childObject;

    void Start()
    {
        // Quaternion.identity represents zero rotation relative to world coordinate system, aligned with world axes.
        transform.rotation = Quaternion.identity;

        // Demonstrate the difference between world rotation and local rotation:
        if (parentObject != null && childObject != null)
        {
            // Set child to identity rotation
            childObject.rotation = Quaternion.identity;

            // Child is aligned with world axes, not current parent's rotated axes.
            Debug.Log($"Child rotation: {childObject.rotation}");
            Debug.Log($"Parent rotation: {parentObject.rotation}");

            // To align with current parent axes, use:
            // childObject.localRotation = Quaternion.identity;
        }
    }
}
```