How to Convert to Universal Rendering Pipeline (URP) in Unity

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of converting your environment to the Universal Rendering Pipeline (URP) in Unity, applicable to both Unity version 2021 and earlier.

Here are the steps we’ll be implementing:

Step 1: Export your project as a starter scene
Step 2: Create a new URP project
Step 3: Import and convert your starter scene to URP

Step 1: Export your project as a starter scene

Before diving into the URP conversion, make sure your project is ready. To create a safety net, export your project as a Unity package to have a starter backup in case anything goes wrong.

To export your project, right-click on your scene and choose “Export Package.” Save the package in a safe location on your computer.

Step 2: Create a new URP project

Start by creating a new project with the Universal Rendering Pipeline (URP) template. Select the 3D (URP) template to initiate the creation of your new project.

Step 3: Import and convert your starter scene to URP

Import your previously exported starter scene into the new URP project. When you do this, a small window will appear. Click on the “Import” button in this window.

After the package is fully imported, you may notice that the Control Room scene appears pink because we’re using the Standard shader.

In order to fix that, we’re going to convert it to URP:

For Unity version before 2021:

1. Navigate to Edit > Render Pipeline > Universal Render Pipeline > Upgrade Project Materials to UniversalRP Materials.
2. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Click the “Proceed” button.

For Unity version 2021 and after:

1. Navigate to Window > Rendering > Render Pipeline Converter.
2. In the window that appears, check both “Rendering Settings” and “Material Upgrade”.
3. Click on “Initialize Converters” and then “Convert Assets”.

Once these steps are completed, your scene should render correctly.

However, there might be instances where some of your assets do not render correctly, as shown below:

To fix this issue, follow these steps for each affected asset:

1. Select the asset.
2. In the Shader section, choose Universal Render Pipeline > Lit.

By doing so, the selected asset should be properly fixed.