This comprehensive, clear, and easy-to-understand guide will walk you through uploading a VRChat avatar. Whether it's your first time using the Unity game engine or you're just looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide has you covered. Everything is timestamped with straightforward explanations of each topic. However, I highly recommend you watch all the way through without skipping around, even if you are familiar with some topics, to grasp the full picture of how each part works together.
Before we dive in, let's cover some essential vocabulary:
Ensure your VRChat account isn't too new, or you won’t be able to upload content. You need to achieve the 'New User Rank' by playing a while on an official VRChat account. The VCC is VRChat's easy way to organize your projects and keep them updated.
VRChat uses Unity as its game engine. VCC will prompt you to download the correct Unity version. The current migration is from a 2019 version to 2022. Make sure to include Android support for Quest compatibility.
Get familiar with Unity's basic controls:
Import a blank FBX model to gain valuable customizable knowledge:
Create folders for organization, import your textures, and create materials with shaders. Poyomi shaders are recommended and can be downloaded from GitHub. Assign each texture to its material, enabling Alpha for transparent parts and assigning shaders accordingly.
Add PhysBones for movable or interactable parts:
Create animations using blend shapes:
Add an Avatar Descriptor to your overall object in the hierarchy and set:
Open the SDK tab to fix errors and test your avatar. For Quest compatibility, create an optimized second version. Switch the build target to Android.
For VRM models including Vroids:
For prefabs:
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Q: What formats do VRChat avatars come in? A: Avatars typically come in FBX or VRM formats. FBX is directly supported by VRChat, while VRM models need conversion.
Q: How do I set up the VRChat Creator Companion? A: Download the required Unity version prompted by VRChat, ensure Android support for Quest compatibility, and follow the setup instructions in the VCC.
Q: What are PhysBones, and how do I use them? A: PhysBones add movable or interactable properties to bones. Add the PhysBone component to a bone and adjust settings in play mode.
Q: What is involved in setting up facial animations? A: Use the Animation window to create animations from blend shapes and configure the FX layer for playable layers.
Q: How do I ensure my avatar is Quest compatible? A: Create an optimized second version of your avatar, adhering to VRChat's optimization requirements, and use only built-in mobile shaders.
Q: How do I convert VRM models to use in VRChat? A: Use the VRM for VRChat converter to import and convert VRM models. Follow setup steps for shaders, PhysBones, and more.
Q: How can I quickly upload a prefab model? A: Import the necessary shaders and dependencies, drag in the prefab, check the Avatar Descriptor, and upload via the SDK.
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