Noob Tutorials: How to Create an Avatar in VRChat

Introduction

• Host: Mondo from Moc cat.tv
• Series: Noob tutorials by noobs for noobs
• Topic: How to create an avatar in VRChat

Steps to Create an Avatar

1. Access VRChat

• Open your browser and go to vrchat.com
• Log in using your credentials or register an account
• May need to enter a one-time email code

2. Download Creator Companion

• Navigate to the download section on VRChat
• Download the Creator Companion
• Install the Creator Companion (click Next to proceed through the steps)
• Open it and hit the 'Show me around' button (can ignore the tutorial)

3. Install Unity

• The Creator Companion will indicate Unity is not found
• Choose "Download Unity from the Unity website"
  • Click 'Download for Windows' and install
  • Similar installation process as above
• Log in to Unity (create an account if necessary)

4. Get the Correct Unity Version

• Dismiss any prompts by Unity to install the wrong version
• Use the VRChat Hub installation guide to find the correct version of Unity
• Compare and ensure you install the correct version
• From Creator Companion, hit the blue button to install the correct Unity version
  • This may take up to 20 minutes

5. Start a New Project

• Open the Creator Companion
• Hit 'Create New Project'
• Select 'Avatars 2022' and click 'Create Project'
• Name your project (packages are included, can be ignored for now)
• Unity may take time to open

6. Get an Avatar Model

• Recommended: Little Saku avatars from Gumroad (some are free)
• Search for and download an avatar (may need a coupon code)
• Enter email, VRChat name, and Discord to get the download link

7. Import Avatar into Unity

• Go back to Unity
• Navigate to 'Import Package' -> 'Custom Package'
• Locate and select the downloaded avatar package
• Folder will have an 'Open Me' file, double click to open
• In the hierarchy, select the avatar name
• In the Inspector, detach the blueprint ID
• Open 'VRChat SDK' and show control panel
  • May need another email verification

8. Finalize Avatar Setup

• Name your avatar in the VRChat SDK control panel
• Generate a thumbnail (capture from the scene)
• Scroll and agree to terms
• Hit 'Build and Publish'
  • Takes time to go through processes

9. Verify in VRChat

• Open VRChat in desktop mode
• Check the uploaded avatar in the avatars tab
• Change to the new avatar
• Verify different options like glasses, whiskers, skin slider, hue sliders

Conclusion

• Host demos using the features in VRChat
• Encourages comments and feedback
• Signs off with a goodbye