Avatar 3.0

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Warning: This page is a work in progress. Expect frequent changes.
This page needs a lot of cleanup and reorganization. I plan to do this as soon as my headache subsides. - N3X15 (talk) 14:37, 11 August 2020 (CDT)

Note: YMMV: This guide was originally written back when Avatar 3.0 was initially released.

Tools

Prerequisites

• Unity 2018.4.20f1 (Download from here using the Unity Hub.)
• A lot of Hard Drive space (Recommended dedicated HDD)

Optional

• Dynamic Bone
• Final IK
• Combo Gesture Expressions
• Just1Int7Toggles OR RadialInventory
• VRCAvatar3Tools
• VRChat/Shaders

The optional tools are exactly what it says on the tin, however they can help by massively simplifying the process of porting an avatar to 3.0 or adding features you like.

Setting up Unity

TODO: Unity shit here

Downloading VRC SDK

1. Log into https://vrchat.com/home/login
2. Navigate to the Download link on the left sidebar, and download the VRCSDK3-Avatar .unitypackage. You MUST use the avatar version.
3. Save the .unitypackage anywhere.

Setting up the project

1. Open Unity 2018.4.20f1.
2. Create a new 3D project on a HDD with plenty of space.
3. Drag the VRCSDK3-Avatar unitypackage into your assets tree.
4. Extract everything.
   • You probably want to do the same with Dynamic Bones and other packages.
5. Disable baked lighting:
   1. Open Window > Rendering > Lighting Settings
   2. Uncheck Mixed Lighting > Global Illumination
   3. Close the dialog

Creating an Avatar

1. Drag your FBX from the Assets Tree into the Scene.
2. Set up your materials.
3. Right-click the avatar's root node in your scene and select "Unpack Prefab".
4. Select your avatar's root node in the scene.
5. In the right component sidebar, select "Add Component".
6. Search for and add a VRC Avatar Descriptor component.
7. Set your viewball to be directly between your eyes. (View > View Position, look for the little white ball)
   • Do not move it forwards to avoid clipping; The game's IK has changed and this old trick will actually cause more problems than it used to solve.

Other Topics

• Visemes
• Eye Tracking

Expressions

• Tutorial
• Speed Sliders

Testing

1. Open VRChat SDK > Show Control Panel
2. Log into your account.
3. Select the Builder tab
4. Select your avatar from the list, if needed.
5. Fix any issues, such as mipmapping.
6. Select Build & Test to compile the avatar and deploy it to your local VRChat install.
7. Open VRChat from Steam, in either VR or Desktop mode.
8. Test as desired.

Note: Nobody will be able to see your avatar in this stage.

Deploying to VRChat

1. Open VRChat SDK > Show Control Panel
2. Log into your account.
3. Select the Builder tab
4. Select your avatar from the list, if needed.
5. Fix any issues, such as mipmapping.
6. Select Build & Publish for Windows to compile the avatar and deploy it to the VRChat servers.