How to install Unity Editor 2019.04 LTS on a Chromebook

Installing Unity Editor 2019.04 LTS on a Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The world of game development has continuously evolved, with Unity often standing out as one of the leading platforms for developers. However, Chromebooks, known for their simplicity and lightweight operating systems, have not traditionally been viewed as game development powerhouses. Fortunately, with the advent of Linux on Chromebooks, installing applications that were once exclusive to Windows and macOS is now possible. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of installing Unity Editor 2019.04 LTS on a Chromebook, enabling budding game developers to harness the full potential of this robust engine.

Understanding Unity Editor

Unity is a versatile game development engine that allows developers to create 2D and 3D games across various platforms. The 2019.04 LTS (Long Term Support) version is particularly appealing due to its stability and the fact that it receives support and updates for an extended period, making it an ideal choice for developers who value reliability over cutting-edge features.

Preparing Your Chromebook for Installation

Before diving into the installation process, it is essential to prepare your Chromebook. The steps below will guide you through the necessary configurations.

Activating Linux (Beta) on Your Chromebook

1. Open Settings: Click on the time at the bottom right corner of your Chromebook, then click on the gear icon to access Settings.
2. Locate the Developers Section: Scroll down to the “Developers” section and click on it.
3. Turn On Linux (Beta): You will see an option for Linux development environment. Click on “Turn On” and then “Install.” This process may take several minutes as it configures your Chromebook for Linux.

Updating Linux Packages

After installing Linux, it’s crucial to ensure all packages are updated:

1. Open the Terminal app from your Chromebook’s app launcher.
2. Type the following commands one after another, hitting Enter after each:
   bash
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

Downloading Unity Editor 2019.04 LTS

To begin the installation process, you need to obtain the correct version of Unity.

Visiting the Unity Download Page

1. Go to the Unity Download Archive.
2. Locate the 2019.04 LTS version and select the appropriate download link for Linux.

Downloading via Terminal

For a smoother process, you can also use the Terminal to download Unity:

1. Copy the link for the Linux version of Unity.
2. Open the Terminal and type the following command, replacing LINK_HERE with the copied URL:
   bash
   wget LINK_HERE

Installing Unity Editor

Once the download is complete, you can start the installation process.

Making the Installer Executable

1. In the Terminal, navigate to the directory where the installer is located. By default, it is usually in the “Downloads” folder:
   bash
   cd ~/Downloads

2. Change the permission of the installer to make it executable:
   bash
   chmod +x UnityInstaller*.sh

Running the Installer

To launch the installation wizard, run:
bash
./UnityInstaller*.sh

This command will start the graphical installation interface where you can follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Choosing Installation Options

During the installation, you will encounter several options:

• Components to Install: Select the platforms you intend to target (PC, Android, etc.).
• Installation Path: Specify where Unity will be installed (the default path is usually fine for most users).
• License Agreement: Read and accept the terms of service to proceed.

Setting Up Unity Hub

Unity Hub is a management tool that simplifies the process of installing and launching multiple Unity versions and projects.

Downloading Unity Hub

You can download Unity Hub from the official Unity website. Follow similar steps as before by obtaining the link and using wget for a smoother installation.

Installing Unity Hub

After downloading, follow these steps:

1. Make the Unity Hub installer executable:
   bash
   chmod +x UnityHub*.AppImage

2. Launch it:
   bash
   ./UnityHub*.AppImage

Using Unity Editor on Chromebook

After completing the installation, you can start creating games.

Launching Unity

Open Unity Hub and sign in or create a Unity ID if you don’t have one. From there, you can create new projects, open existing ones, and manage other Unity installations.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

While the process is fairly straightforward, some users may encounter issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

1. Unity Won’t Open: Ensure that all dependencies are installed. You may need to install additional libraries like libglu1-mesa.
2. performance issues: Since Chromebooks have varying hardware specifications, consider optimizing your project settings or using simpler assets for smoother performance.
3. Missing Components: If you forget to install certain components, you can add them later via Unity Hub by selecting your existing installation and clicking on ‘Add Modules.’

Conclusion

Installing Unity Editor 2019.04 LTS on a Chromebook opens up new avenues for game developers who prefer a lighter operating system without sacrificing functionality. By following the outlined steps, you can harness the full power of Unity on your Chromebook, paving the way for your next creative endeavor.

FAQ

1. Can I use Unity fully on a Chromebook?
Yes, while there may be some limitations compared to a traditional Windows or macOS setup, Unity can run on a Chromebook with Linux (Beta) installed.

2. Does Unity support all games on Chromebook?
Unity primarily supports 2D and 3D game development. However, performance may vary depending on your Chromebook’s hardware specs.

3. What if I encounter errors during installation?
Refer to troubleshooting sections or community forums for specific solutions regarding common issues related to Linux installations.

4. Can I connect external devices (like a game controller) to my Chromebook for Unity?
Yes, many external devices, including game controllers, can be connected. Ensure your Chromebook supports Bluetooth or USB connections.

5. Is there a way to optimize Unity performance on low-end Chromebooks?
Consider reducing the graphical settings in your project, using simpler assets, and optimizing your scenes for better performance.

6. Can I develop and publish games directly from my Chromebook?
While you can develop games, you may need a more robust platform for publishing due to potential performance limitations of a Chromebook.