How to Make Your FIRST VRChat Avatar in Blender | Part 1 - Base and Head

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your first VRChat avatar using Blender. We will cover downloading necessary software, setting up your workspace, and basic modeling techniques, focusing on adding a base body and head for your avatar. Let's get started!

Step 1: Download Blender and the Cats Plugin

1. Download Blender

   • Go to Blender's official website and download the version compatible with your operating system.

2. Download the Cats Plugin

   • Visit the Cats Blender Plugin GitHub page and download the latest version.

Step 2: Install the Cats Plugin

1. Open Blender

   • Start Blender and navigate to Edit > Preferences.

2. Add the Cats Plugin

   • In the Preferences window, go to the Add-ons tab.
   • Click on Install, locate the downloaded Cats plugin file, and add it.
   • Enable the plugin by checking the box next to its name.

Step 3: Organize Your Files

• Create a dedicated folder for your avatar project. Inside this folder, organize subfolders for:
  • Models
  • Textures
  • Blend Files
• This will make it easier to keep track of your assets and avoid confusion.

Step 4: Import Your Base FBX Model

1. Importing the Model

   • Go to File > Import > FBX.
   • Locate and select your base model FBX file to import it into Blender.

2. Adjust the Model

   • If the model does not appear correctly, check the import settings and adjust the scale or rotation as necessary.

Step 5: Overview of Blendshapes and Shape Keys

• Blendshapes and shape keys allow for facial expressions and other deformations.
• Familiarize yourself with how to add and edit shape keys by selecting the object and navigating to the Object Data Properties.

Step 6: Fix Your Model

• Inspect your model for any issues after import, such as:
  • Non-manifold edges
  • Incorrect normals
• Use Blender’s cleanup tools found under Mesh > Clean Up to resolve these issues.

Step 7: Material Overview

1. Accessing Materials

   • Select your model and go to the Material Properties tab.
   • Click on New to create a new material.

2. Editing Materials

   • Adjust properties such as base color, roughness, and metallic settings to achieve the desired look.

Step 8: Importing the Head FBX Model

1. Import the Head Model

   • Similar to the base model, import the head FBX file using File > Import > FBX.

2. Position the Head

   • Use the move and rotate tools to align the head with the base body.

Step 9: Moving and Scaling in Blender

• To move an object, select it, press G, and drag the mouse.
• To scale, press S and adjust to the desired size.
• Use the numeric keypad to constrain movement to specific axes.

Step 10: Setting Up Alpha Textures and Materials

1. Use Alpha Textures

   • In the material settings, enable transparency by adjusting the Blend Mode under Settings.

2. Import Texture Images

   • Add texture images by going to the Base Color and selecting Image Texture, then loading your image file.

Step 11: Edit Hidden Shape Key Materials

• If you have hidden materials for blendshapes, make sure to access them via the Object Data Properties and adjust as needed.

Step 12: Merge the Armatures

1. Select Armatures

   • Select both the body and head armatures.

2. Merge Armatures

   • Use Ctrl + J to join the selected armatures into one.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully set up your first VRChat avatar in Blender. Key steps included downloading Blender and the Cats plugin, importing your models, and setting up materials. For further exploration, consider learning more about animations and advanced texturing techniques to enhance your avatar. Happy blending!