> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://flora.magneticarcade.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://flora.magneticarcade.com/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

This page is the beginner path. If you are new to BRG and instancing, follow these sections in order.

## Flora

* Flora renders many objects as **instances** using shared prefab/template data.
* You still author with familiar Unity objects (prefabs, terrain, volumes), but Flora owns runtime draw/culling data.
* In current Flora, culling/drawing runs on Unity's **Batch Renderer Group (BRG)** path.

***

## Install

Install Flora from the Unity Asset Store: [Installing Asset Store Packages](https://docs.unity3d.com/6000.1/Documentation/Manual/upm-ui-import.html).

Use the **Flora Package Manager** to install or update Flora modules and optional add-ons.

<figure><img src="/files/953lfs8K9O5eNmwHmADh" alt="Flora Package Manager" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Open the package manager from **Window → Flora → Package Manager**.

**Expected outcome:** Flora menu items and samples are available.

***

## Scene Bootstrap

1. Create **Flora Scene Settings** from **GameObject > Flora > Scene Settings**.
2. Confirm terrain options:
   * `EnableTerrainFoliage` enabled
   * `AutoRegisterTerrains` enabled
3. Open **Project Settings → Graphics** and configure [Runtime Settings](/scripts/runtime-settings.md) if needed.
4. Add Flora overrides to the default volume profile or use **Add Render Settings Volume** in the Scene Settings inspector:
   * [Render Settings](/scripts/render-settings.md)
   * [Density Settings](/scripts/density-settings.md)

<figure><img src="/files/ScG4a87O1FaBz4XCViPZ" alt="Default Volume Profile with Flora settings"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Expected outcome:** scene has global Flora control and default render/density behavior.

***

## Conversion

To convert existing prefab objects into Flora-rendered instances:

1. Select one or more prefab instances in Hierarchy.
2. Right-click → **Convert to Instance Renderer**.
3. Verify converted objects now use [`FloraInstanceRenderer`](/scripts/instance-renderer.md).

> See [Conversion](/getting-started/conversion.md) for all conversion options.

***

## First Run

1. Open [Container Mesh Sample](/samples/container-samples.md#container-mesh-sample) and press Play.
2. Open [Container Prefab Sample](/samples/container-samples.md#container-prefab-sample) and verify `FloraInstanceRenderer` and `FloraInstanceContainer` instances render correctly.
3. Open [Fish Boids](/samples/runtime-samples.md#fish-boids) sample and press Play.
4. Open [Tree Effect](/samples/terrain-samples.md#tree-effect) and verify terrain trees animate.
5. Open [Tree Wrecking Ball](/samples/terrain-samples.md#tree-wrecking-ball) and verify trees are disabled/replaced on impact.

If these pass, your Flora setup is functioning.

***

## Quick Troubleshooting

* Nothing renders: check [`EnableRendering`](/scripts/scene-settings.md).
* Terrain foliage missing: check [`EnableTerrainFoliage`](/scripts/scene-settings.md) and auto registration.
* Motion vectors missing: check [Runtime Settings](/scripts/runtime-settings.md) and [`AllowPerObjectMotionVectors`](/scripts/scene-settings.md).
* Need to inspect what Flora built: open [Rendering Inspector](/rendering/rendering-inspector.md) from **Window > Flora > Rendering Inspector** or the Scene Settings inspector.

> Relevant pages: [Runtime Settings](/scripts/runtime-settings.md), [Scene Settings](/scripts/scene-settings.md), [Samples](/samples.md)