<h2>Generation 1</h2> We see two methods of creation of new Transformers. Initially, we see Wheeljack "build" [the Dinobots](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Dinobot_%28G1%29). Exactly where the programming/personalities come from is left unclear. While we later see that personality modules can be transplanted from one body into another (seen with [the Combaticons](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Combaticons)), nothing of this sort is mentioned with the Dinobots. [![the hip bone is connected to the thigh bone][1]][1] However, being able to build new Transformers from scratch is seemingly retconned later with the introduction of [Vector Sigma](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Vector_Sigma), which gives life to machines - as we see with [the Aerialbots](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Aerialbot_%28G1%29) and [the Stunticons](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Stunticon_%28G1%29) [![the aerialbots are born][2]][2] When newly "born", the Transformers are largely unprogrammed. They have personalities, but don't know much about the world or situation, and have no particular inherent alignment or allegiance. <h2>Beast Wars/Machines</h2> Beast Wars introduced the ideas of [Sparks](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Spark) and [Protoforms](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Protoforms#Beast_Wars_cartoon_continuity). Sparks are essentially the "soul" of a Transformer. Exactly where these sparks come from is never fully explained, but sparks can exist outside of bodies (as we see with Starscream's ghost, and with various body swaps/spark merges later in the show). A protoform is a blank body/shell of a Transformer. In the show, we see both protoforms that already had sparks installed, and some that were empty. Specifically how/why some had sparks or not is never fully explained. The Maximals/Predacons often fight to claim protoforms that fall to the planet, as activating the protoform immediately automatically sets their alignment, though the programming can be interfered with. [![protoform in a statis pod][3]][3] <h2>Live Action</h2> The movies take a page from G1's Vector Sigma, and has [the Allspark](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/AllSpark_%28Movie%29#Live-action_movie_universe) which can create Transformers out of inanimate objects, like [the Nokia Bot](http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Nokia_robot). As discussed [here](https://scifi.stackexchange.com/q/3794/5184), newly born Transformers are effectively wild animals with no programming or allegiance. [![those darned japanese phone makers!][4]][4] But we also see [Hatchlings](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hatchling), which appear to be newly/recently born Transformers, who were unlikely to have been created by the Allspark (we see them on [the Nemesis](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Nemesis_%28ROTF%29) and in Africa - in both instances, the Decepticons have not had access to the Allspark to be able to create new life). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AQnWb1ijrg Once again, we see the concept of protoforms, but the protoforms here are very different, as they are the bodies of existing Transformers, just awaiting a new appearance/design and alt-mode. <h2>Transformers: Animated</h2> We see a mashup of previous origins here. [Protoforms](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Protoform#Animated_cartoon) are created from materials mined from certain areas. The bodies are then given life from either [the Allspark](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/AllSpark#Animated_cartoon) *or* [Vector Sigma](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Vector_Sigma#Animated_cartoon). Like with Beast Wars, the protoforms are blank slates, awaiting programming and an allegiance. Megatron attempts to steal a number of them in order to create clones of himself. [![whats that on your face? oh, nothing.][5]][5] <h2>Transformers Aligned Continuity</h2> In this continuity, [the Allspark](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/AllSpark#Aligned_continuity_family) exists, and is said to give life to Transformers, but has stopped doing so. We are told that Bumblebee is one of the last Transformers given life by the Allspark. We never see new Transformers being built, but we see an endless number of [Vehicons](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Vehicon_%28Prime%29), who are all fully programmed and aligned with the Decepticons The concept of sparks appears, but this time we also see the idea of [CNA](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/CNA), or genetic material. Protoforms appear again, but the only time we see them coming online is in when Starscream uses his CNA to create [clones of himself](http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Starscream_clone_%28Prime%29). [![i shall call them mini-me's][6]][6] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/DT0ab.gif [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/Ksjio.jpg [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/g3auy.jpg [4]: https://i.sstatic.net/OIJIG.jpg [5]: https://i.sstatic.net/WnrTC.jpg [6]: https://i.sstatic.net/LnVw9.jpg