How To Make Your First VRChat Avatar, Part 1: Blender

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your first VRChat avatar using Blender and the CATS Blender Plugin. You'll learn how to install the necessary software, set up your environment, and start building a basic avatar. This is ideal for beginners looking to dive into avatar creation in VRChat.

Step 1: Install Blender

1. Go to the Blender official releases page: Blender Downloads.
2. Click on "Previous Versions" to find Blender 3.5.0 (recommended).
3. Select the appropriate version for your operating system, such as "Blender 3.5.0 Windows x64".
4. Download and unzip Blender into a folder on your computer.

Step 2: Install CATS Blender Plugin

1. Search for the CATS Blender Plugin on Google or visit its GitHub page: CATS GitHub.
2. Join the CATS Discord server to access the development version, which supports Blender 3.0 to 3.5.
3. Download the developmental version zip file from the Discord server.
4. Open Blender and run the blender.exe application.
5. Go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
6. Click on Install, locate the CATS zip file you downloaded, and install it.
7. Activate the CATS Plugin by checking the box next to it in the Add-ons menu.

Step 3: Set Up Your Blender Workspace

1. When Blender opens, delete the default cube, light, and camera from the scene.
2. Go to File > Defaults > Save Startup File to create a clean starting workspace.
3. Ensure your workspace is empty for easier avatar creation.

Step 4: Find and Import Assets

1. Look for avatar base models and assets on websites like:
   • Jinxy (VRChat Marketplace)
   • Gumroad
   • Booth
2. Import your chosen base model into Blender.
3. Use the following hotkeys for navigation:
   • Scroll mouse wheel to zoom in/out.
   • Hold middle mouse button to pivot the camera.
   • Press G to move objects, S to scale them, and Tab to switch between modes.

Step 5: Fit the Head and Body

1. Import the head model and select the Armature.
2. Use G to adjust the position of the head to fit the avatar.
3. Remember that in Blender, the Y and Z axes are switched compared to Unity:
   • Use G + X for the X-axis.
   • Use G + Y for the Y-axis.
   • Use G + Z for the Z-axis.

Step 6: Import Clothing and Accessories

1. Import clothing items, making sure to select the Armature to move them.
2. Fit clothing items to the avatar using the same G movement techniques.
3. Use the CATS Plugin sparingly; it’s better to learn manual adjustments.

Step 7: Merge Armatures and Optimize

1. Ensure all clothing, the head, and hair are fitted correctly.
2. Use the CATS Plugin to merge Armatures:
   • Go to Custom Model Creation.
   • Uncheck Join Meshes, Z Weight Bones, and Clean Up Shape Keys.
   • Check Merge All Bones and select the base Armature.
3. Test the merged Armature in Pose Mode to ensure everything moves together correctly.

Step 8: Set Up Materials

1. Switch to the Shading tab to set up materials.
2. Create materials for each part of your avatar (body, hair, clothing).
3. Use the proper shader setup to ensure your avatar looks good in VRChat.

Step 9: Export the Avatar

1. Once everything is organized and optimized, go to File > Export > FBX.
2. In the export settings:
   • Set Apply Scalings to FBX Units Scale.
   • Check Apply Transform.
   • Uncheck Add Leaf Bones.
3. Choose a file name and export your model.

Conclusion

You've successfully created your first VRChat avatar using Blender and the CATS Plugin! Key steps included installing the necessary software, setting up your workspace, importing and fitting assets, merging Armatures, and exporting your final model. For further refinement, consider exploring the Unity setup process for your avatar in the next tutorial. Happy modeling!