Guides Physics 2D Joints Create a 2D Joint in the Editor

Physics 2D Joints 1 min read Updated Apr 2026

Create a 2D Joint in the Editor

Use this workflow any time two 2D rigidbodies need a physical relationship.

This guide focuses on the editor steps. After that, use the joint-specific guides to choose settings that fit the behavior you want.

Start with Two Objects

Create the two objects that will participate in the joint.

Typical pattern:

  1. Create a moving object.
  2. Create the object it should connect to.
  3. Add Rigidbody2D where needed.

Use a dynamic body for the object that should react to physics.

Use a kinematic body when the connected object should stay in place but still act as a proper joint target.

Add the Joint

Select the moving object, then add the joint from:

  • Component > Physics
  • or the Inspector add menu

Available 2D joints include:

  • Distance Joint 2D
  • Hinge Joint 2D
  • Fixed Joint 2D
  • Slider Joint 2D

Connect It to Another Body

In the joint Inspector:

  1. Set Connected Body.
  2. Leave Auto Configure Connected Anchor on if you want a quick starting setup.
  3. Turn it off when you want to place anchors manually.

The shared joint fields you will use most often are:

  • Connected Body
  • Anchor
  • Connected Anchor
  • Auto Configure Connected Anchor
  • Enable Collision

Place Anchors in Scene View

The Scene view is the fastest way to author a joint.

Select the jointed object, then use the joint gizmos to:

  • drag the owner anchor
  • drag the connected anchor
  • drag the slider axis tip for SliderJoint2D

That lets you set the physical relationship visually instead of guessing from raw numbers.

If you add a joint to an object without a Rigidbody2D, the editor will add one for you because joints depend on the 2D rigidbody workflow.

Test in a Safe Order

When a joint does not feel right, adjust in this order:

  1. body type
  2. connected body
  3. anchor placement
  4. limits
  5. motor settings

That usually reveals the setup problem faster than changing several properties at once.

Open the Sample Scene

If you want a working example to inspect, open:

samples/HelloWorld/Assets/Scenes/Joints2D.scene.json

That scene includes:

  • a DistanceJoint2D tether
  • a HingeJoint2D pendulum
  • a FixedJoint2D welded pair
  • a SliderJoint2D rail setup

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