# Set your project to 2D or 3D mode

> Define whether your project is a 3D or 2D project.

When creating a new Project, you can specify whether to start the Unity Editor in 2D mode or 3D mode. However, you also have the option of switching the Editor between 2D mode and 3D mode at any time. You can read more about [the difference between 2D and 3D Projects here](/engine/6000.6/manual/get-started/first-time-user/2dor3d.md). This page provides information about how to change modes, and what exactly changes within the editor when you do.

## Switching between 2D and 3D modes

To change modes between 2D or 3D mode:

1. Open the [Editor](/engine/6000.6/manual/unity-editor/editor-settings-reference/comp-manager-group/class-editor-manager.md) project settings (**Edit > Project Settings**, then select the **Editor** category).
2. Set **Default Behavior Mode** to either **2D** or **3D**.

## Comparison of the different modes

2D or 3D mode determines some settings for the Unity Editor as follows:

| **Setting**                 | **2D mode**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | **3D mode**                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Images**                  | Imported images are assumed to be 2D images (**Sprites**) and set to **Sprite** mode.                                                                                                                                                        | Any images you import aren't assumed to be sprites.                                                                                                                                                     |
| **Scene View**              | Set to 2D mode.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Set to 3D mode.                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Default GameObjects**     | Don't have real time, directional light.                                                                                                                                                                                                     | Have real time, directional light.                                                                                                                                                                      |
| **Default camera position** | 0,0,−10                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 0,1,−10                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **Camera perspective**      | **Orthographic**                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | **Perspective**                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Lighting**                | **Skybox**: Disabled for new scenes.**Ambient Source**: Set to **Color**, with the color set as a dark gray (RGB: 54, 58, 66).**Realtime Global Illumination**: Disabled.**Baked Global Illumination**: Enabled.**Auto-Building**: Disabled. | **Skybox**: The built-in default **Skybox Material**.**Ambient Source**: Set to **Skybox**.**Realtime Global Illumination**: Enabled.**Baked Global Illumination**: Enabled.**Auto-Building**: Enabled. |

## Additional resources

* [Editor project settings reference](/engine/6000.6/manual/unity-editor/editor-settings-reference/comp-manager-group/class-editor-manager.md)
* [2D and 3D projects](/engine/6000.6/manual/get-started/first-time-user/2dor3d.md)
* [Get started with 3D game development](/engine/6000.6/manual/get-started/first-time-user/quickstart3d.md)