(Unity) Setting up a FBX

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up a model in Unity after editing or creating it in Blender. This step-by-step guide is specifically designed for VRChat users looking to import their FBX models efficiently and correctly, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls during the setup process.

Step 1: Import the FBX Model

• Open Unity and create a new project or open an existing one.
• Import your FBX model into Unity:
  • Drag and drop the FBX file into the Unity Assets folder.
• Click on the imported FBX model in the Assets folder.
• In the Inspector panel, navigate to the Rig tab.
• Set the Animation Type to Humanoid.
• Click Apply and then click Configure.

Step 2: Configure the Model

• Ensure your model has the correct bones:
  • Check for a chest bone; if it's missing, click on spine and drag to add it.
  • Verify you have the ankles, knees, legs, and head bones.
  • For the jaw bone, type anything random and set it to None to avoid issues.
• Check the hands to ensure all bones are present.
• Click Done and apply the changes.

Step 3: Organize Your Project

• Create a new folder in the Assets panel for organization (e.g., name it How to Upload).
• Inside this folder, create additional folders for:
  • Animations
  • Submenus
• Right-click in the Animations folder and create VRChat Avatar Parameters (name it s_param).
• Right-click again to create an Avatar Menu (name it Test Main Menu).

Step 4: Add the VRChat Avatar Descriptor

• Select your model and click Add Component.
• Search for and add the VRC Avatar Descriptor.
• In the descriptor settings:
  • Adjust the Viewpoint to the center of the eyes.
  • Click Edit to confirm visibility (ensure gizmos are on).

Step 5: Setup Lip Sync and Eye Tracking

• If your model has a separate head mesh, drag it above other meshes in the hierarchy.
• If necessary, set up eye bone rotations for blinking and expressions based on your model's specifications.
• For eyelid settings, assign blend shapes for blinking.

Step 6: Create Playable Layers and Parameters

• Import GoGo Loco for playable layers.
• Open the VRChat SDK examples animation controller and duplicate it.
• Rename the duplicate and place it in your Animations folder.
• Configure parameters (make sure they are case-sensitive) such as:
  • Go/Go Loco parameters
  • Jump and fall settings

Step 7: Apply Materials

• Create a new folder for materials in your Assets.
• Import and set up the textures for your model:
  • Right-click and create a Material.
  • Set the Shader to Cutout.
  • Assign the texture to the Main Texture and the normal map to Normal Map.

Step 8: Create Toggles and Animations

• Duplicate your model for backups.
• Set up toggles by clicking on your FX controller and adding animations.
• For each toggle, make sure to configure transitions based on the actions you want (e.g., knife visibility).
• Use the Animation window to create simple on/off animations.

Step 9: Test Your Model

• Use Play Mode in Unity to test animations and toggles without uploading.
• Ensure parameters work as expected and adjust any settings necessary.

Step 10: Prepare for Upload

• Set up social pictures if desired by creating a 3D plane in Unity.
• Align your camera to capture the social picture.
• When ready to upload, go to the VRChat upload settings:
  • Ensure you do not tag the model with inappropriate content.
  • Fill in the model's name and description accurately.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully set up your FBX model in Unity for VRChat. Remember to double-check configurations and test your model thoroughly before uploading. For further enhancements, consider exploring more advanced animation techniques and shaders. Happy modeling!