Why UI Toolkit?

In summary, Unity UI (uGUI) is ideal if you prioritize familiarity or require 3D elements and custom shaders. UI Toolkit is the better choice if you need scalable, high-performance layouts with modern styling options.

Unity's comparison

Unity Comparison

Unity's Comparison (opens in new tab)

Comparison

SubjectUnity UI (uGUI)UI Toolkit
ArchitectureGameObject-based, with each UI element as a GameObject and ComponentDOM-like visual tree (similar to web) with no GameObject overhead
ScalabilityPrefabs provide reusable UI elements but can become cumbersome to manage, especially with complex nested hierarchies and style adjustmentsUXML and USS enable reusable, modular UI components with styles applied globally, making it easier to manage and update UI elements consistently across the project
PerformanceHigher overhead with many UI elements, due to GameObjects and RectTransformsMore efficient due to lightweight visual elements and optimized rendering
Layout SystemUses RectTransforms and anchors, which can be tricky for responsive layoutsFlexbox layout, more intuitive and powerful for dynamic, responsive UIs
StylingCustomization done through scripting and component adjustmentsUSS (similar to CSS), allowing for powerful and reusable styling
Ease of UseFamiliar GameObject workflowDeclarative UI (UXML/USS) more complex but promotes cleaner separation between logic and style
Editor ExperienceVisible and manipulable directly in the Scene viewIntegrated tool called UI Builder
Textureless UINoCreate visually appealing UI without relying on textures
UI positioned and lit in a 3D worldYesYes - UITK now has 3D world-space fully integrated
VFX with custom shaders and materialsYesYes - UITK now has custom shader effects support
Particle effects in UIYes - Possible with pluginYes - Possible with render textures

Settings

Theme

Light

Contrast

Material

Dark

Dim

Material Dark

System

Sidebar(Light & Contrast only)

Light
Dark

Font Family

DM Sans

Wix

Inclusive Sans

AR One Sans

Direction

LTR
RTL