How to make a custom booth VRChat avatar in under 10 minutes!

Introduction

Creating a custom VRChat avatar from Booth can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it’s actually a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own avatar quickly, focusing on a popular model called Manuka.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start, you’ll need to gather your assets. Import all necessary assets into Unity; this may take some time (around 30 minutes) but isn’t included in our 10-minute build focus. It’s also important to note that this guide won’t leverage free assets.

Step 2: Unpacking the Model

Begin by unpacking the prefab of the avatar model completely.

1. Delete any clothing items currently loaded on the model to start fresh.
2. Select the body and navigate to blend shapes--set all the values to zero to reset any morphing features.

Step 3: Customizing Textures

You can customize your avatar’s appearance by adding custom textures.

1. Go to the advanced settings and enable the second color. Adjust the options until you achieve the desired look.
2. Adjust body shapes, such as increasing the breast size to fit the shirt, creating a tailored appearance.

Step 4: Dressing the Model

You can then add clothing to your avatar:

1. Use dressing tools to drag clothing items into the hierarchy, ensuring they fit well with the model.
2. Make sure the clothing is connected properly by adjusting the weights.

Step 5: Updating Facial Features and Hair

To personalize the facial features:

1. Replace the existing eye texture with one that fits your aesthetic preferences.
2. For applying hair:
   • Drag the hair model under the head joint in the hierarchy.
   • Adjust the position to prevent any clipping between the hair and other elements like hats.

Step 6: Final Touches

Ensure that shoes and other accessories do not clip with the base model. Adjust any settings to make everything align well visually.

Step 7: Using Gesture Manager

By using the gesture manager, you can add custom expressions and hand gestures. This will further personalize your avatar, allowing for more interactive features.

Step 8: Optimization

Once you’ve created the initial model, you can optimize it by deleting unused bones and unnecessary colliders. This will help in maintaining performance during gameplay.

Step 9: Adding Toggles

If you want to include clothing layer toggles:

1. Use the "Miy3 Creator" to enable simple toggling for layers, such as hats or outfits.
2. After setting these features, upload your completed model to your VRChat account.

Additional Tips

• Make sure to have at least 36 hours of playtime on your VRChat account to upload custom models.
• Tools like Module Avatar and VC Fury can simplify the process and provide pre-made prefabs for your customization needs.
• Always check compatibility when purchasing assets to ensure they work properly with your model, primarily focusing on the intended base model.

This method offers a quick way to make a custom VRChat avatar with a bit of practice and familiarity with the tools can turn this into a fun and engaging process.

Keyword

• Custom VRChat Avatar
• Booth Model
• Unity
• Custom Textures
• Gesture Manager
• Model Optimization
• Toggles
• Accessories

FAQ

Q1: How long does it take to create a custom VRChat avatar?
A1: The avatar creation process can be completed in under 10 minutes but doesn't include time spent importing necessary assets, which may take approximately 30 minutes.

Q2: What tools do I need for creating a VRChat avatar?
A2: You will need Unity, along with tools like Miy3 Creator, Module Avatar, and VC Fury for efficiently setting up your model.

Q3: Can I use free assets to create my avatar?
A3: In this guide, the focus is on custom paid assets from Booth; however, free assets can also be utilized for avatar creation.

Q4: How do I add facial expressions and gestures?
A4: You can use the gesture manager feature within Unity after adding your base model to incorporate facial expressions and gestures.

Q5: What is the importance of model optimization?
A5: Optimizing your model improves performance while playing VRChat, helping to ensure smoother gameplay.

This article aims to simplify the process of creating a custom avatar for VRChat, making it an approachable task for enthusiasts, regardless of their experience level. Happy avatar crafting!