[VRChat Tutorial] How to turn a picture into a 2D avatar

Introduction

Creating a custom 2D avatar in VRChat can be an enjoyable and simple process, even if you don't have prior modeling experience. In this tutorial, I'll guide you through the steps necessary to turn any image into an avatar, using Unity and VRChat SDK.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you'll need the following:

1. Your Picture: Choose any image you want to use as your avatar. Ideally, opt for a transparent image, but non-transparent images will also work.
2. VRChat Account: You must create a VRChat account; your Steam account cannot be used for this purpose. Visit the VRChat website to register.
3. VRChat SDK: Navigate to the VRChat Developer FAQ, locate the SDK download link, and save it to your computer (remember where you saved it!).
4. Unity: Download the correct version of Unity (currently patch 5.6.3p1) depending on whether you’re using Windows or macOS.

Preparing Your Image

To ensure your image fits correctly into your avatar:

• Use an image editing tool to auto-crop the image. This makes it easier to maintain the aspect ratio later in Unity.

Setting Up Unity

1. Launch Unity and create a new project. Organize your project files, preferably in a dedicated 3D objects folder.
2. Import the VRChat SDK by selecting Assets > Import Package > Custom Package and locate where you saved the SDK file.
3. Once imported, go to VRChat SDK > Examples > Sample Assets > Third Person, and drag the sample avatar into the scene. This will serve as a reference for scale and alignment.

Creating Your Avatar

1. Create an Empty Game Object: Right-click in the hierarchy, select Create Empty, reset its position and scale by using the gear button.
2. Rename this empty object (e.g., "MyAvatar") for clarity.
3. Create a Plane: Right-click on the empty object and select 3D Object > Plane. This will be the surface for your image.
4. Drag your image file into Unity. Set its texture import settings to repeat: Clamp, and if it has transparency, create a new Material.
5. Apply the image to the material and adjust the alpha cutoff to manage edge visibility.
6. Scale and position the plane to your desired size while maintaining its aspect ratio by calculating dimensions.

Finalizing the Avatar

1. Adjust the camera view by adding an Avatar Descriptor, setting the height, and ensuring the avatar’s scale aligns with the reference.
2. Duplicate the front plane to create a backplane; apply a negative scale to retain the texture.
3. Organize both planes accordingly, ensuring they are aligned and correctly positioned.

Exporting Your Avatar

1. Go to VRChat SDK > Show Build Control Panel, log in with your VRChat account if prompted.
2. After confirming the build settings, click Build and Publish.
3. Name your avatar and fill in the relevant details. Ensure you check the box indicating you have the rights to upload the image.
4. Finally, upload your avatar. After the upload process is complete, you can check it in your VRChat account under "Manage Uploaded Content".

Testing Your Avatar

1. Load VRChat and select your newly created avatar.
2. Look for a mirror in the VRChat hub to preview how your avatar looks in the game environment.

Remember to avoid using emotes immediately after uploading because they might cause your avatar to become unresponsive.

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Keywords

• VRChat
• Avatar
• Unity
• SDK
• Image
• Transparent
• 2D Avatars
• Game Object
• Material

FAQ

Q: Do I need any modeling experience to create a 2D avatar?
A: No, the process is designed to be simple and does not require prior modeling experience.

Q: Can I use any image for my avatar?
A: Yes, you can use any image you like, though transparent images work best for aesthetic reasons.

Q: Why do I need a VRChat account?
A: A VRChat account is necessary to upload and manage your avatars; Steam accounts do not suffice.

Q: What should I do if my avatar doesn’t appear correctly in-game?
A: Ensure your setup in Unity is correct, check the scale, and confirm that all components are aligned appropriately.

Q: How can I avoid issues with emotes?
A: It is recommended not to use emotes immediately after uploading your avatar to avoid getting stuck.