How to Make an VRchat Avatar using Scratch [2022 GUIDE] -

Nov 5, 2022

Virtual reality has taken the world by a storm. There are an estimated 171 million VR users around the world. As of 2022 it is estimated that the VR gaming sector will be valued at $12.13 billion.

In this piece we'll go over the VR chat platform VRChat, how you can create an avatar for a VRchat avatar, and an easy-to-follow guide to how to sell VRchat avatars online.

Here's a short list of hyperlinks that allow you to skip into specific subjects:

What is VRChat and VRChat Avatars

VRChat is an internet-based virtual reality platform where users can interact with others with user-created 3D VRChat avatars as well as worlds. VRChat has a massive fanbase and allows users to build online avatars, or even whole worlds that could be whatever they like.

While VRChat was designed specifically for use with virtual reality headsets, such as those from the Oculus Rift, users will still be able to utilize VRchat using the "desktop" mode designed for the traditional keyboard and mouse.

How do I Make an avatar for VRChat

There are two primary ways to make VRChat avatars:

  • If you're familiar working with 3D models with 3D software, let us discuss how you can create an avatar for VRChat avatar completely from the ground up
  • If 3D modeling isn't your area of expertise, you can make VRChat avatars by using avatar creators on the internet or buying pre-designed 3D model from the internet.

VRChat offers a complete guide about how to create VRChat avatars. However, here are the main steps:

1. Make a 3D model, or find a model in 3D

If 3D modeling doesn't appeal to you then you could get a 3D model using a variety of options:

  • Use avatar creator platforms such as Ready Player Me, Tafi and MakeAvatar.

The Ready Player Me allows you to make a completely free VRChat avatar using a picture or selfie. Tafi allows you to create customized VRChat avatars that are already optimised for PC and Oculus Quest. However, some customization options are paid-only.

  •   Commission VRChat avatar creators on Fiverr or Upwork.  

It could cost you anywhere from 50 to several hundred dollars to create a satisfactory avatar. Certain Fiverr or Upwork artists may develop their 3D designs using free platforms we have mentioned above, so we recommend clarifying this with the artist that you're going to work with. If necessary, be sure that you have the proper rights to commercialize in case you plan to sell the work of artists.

VRChat advises you to download an avatar in 3D from the Unity Asset Store as they are usually already fully rigged. In other words, you won't have to do any special things to get it uploaded.

--

Whatever method you choose for the 3D model, ensure that the 3D model is fully rigged and is in a format Unity recognizes. In addition, make sure that you obtain a license to use the model that you bought or downloaded for free. Don't use any artist' 3D models without understanding exactly what permissions to use, and definitely never resell other artist's 3D models without having the commercial rights to be able to do so.

Once you have a 3D model in hand All you need to do is personalize your character with a variety of choices for facial features, outfits hairstyles, skin tone, and other customization options.

If you are already familiar working with 3D assets, you can create your 3D model by hand using software such as Blender as well as Maya to create an 3D model. It is the most flexible option for creating VRChat avatars. You are able to build any thing!

2. Import 3D Model into Unity project

TIP: From this stage to the next, you'll likely have to download VRChat's Unity Hub that VRChat uses as well as the VRChat SDK

Once you've obtained the 3D model that you're happy with, it's time to import it into your Unity project. Be sure to import all relevant textures into your assets folder.

Choose your model Click on the Rig tab and then check that you have the Animation Type is set to Humanoid. You may want to click configure and review to ensure that your model's skeleton has been correctly drawn.

3. Add 3D Model into a Scene

Drag the 3D model you created into your Hierarchy or directly into your scene. VRChat recommends having only one scene for each avatar, and placing it at zero, 0. If the avatar isn't standing up straight, rotate the model until it's. Check that the avatar is approximately the size of a unity cube, which is 1x1x1m. Don't go over 5x5x5m.

4. Add an Avatar Descriptor

Select your 3D model on your viewport or hierarchy, and a component VRC_AvatarDescriptor.

You'll start by setting the viewpoint position, by altering the values of Y and Z. If your avatar has head, the suggested location for your viewing point (i.e. the gray sphere anchor) lies the area between the eyes of your avatar.

Then, set up your avatar's lip sync so that your avatar's mouth (and other facial features) will move/react when you are talking. Other customizations are available like jaw bones eyes, types of eyelids, and other options on this tutorial video.

5. Review Your Avatar on The Build Tab

Once you've finished customizing your avatar, the final step is to review that your avatar is good to be displayed in the build window. Navigate to VRChat SDK, then Show Control Panel, and finally Builder. Examine and correct any errors and warnings that appear. Here's the information that VRChat has listed as one the most common errors:

Most often, the issue is that there are too many polygons, however to fix this you will have to reduce your avatar's mesh(es) which if you know how to do then go make it happen, but if not just go back and choose other models for now.

6. Upload Avatar

When your avatar is prepared for upload, go to the control panel for VRChat's SDK, and click on the Build & Publishbutton. The SDK will then build your avatar and have it uploaded.

After that, you'll be taken to the upload page where you'll have the option to choose the avatar you've chosen, add images or write descriptions and more.

That's it! Your avatar will now be uploaded to VRChat. You'll be able to view it within the game or through the Content Manager inside the SDK by clicking VRChat SDK > Show Control Panel Content Manager.

How do you sell VRChat Avatars online

There are many creators who make thousands or hundreds of dollars per month by designing and selling custom user avatars on VRChat. Virtual reality is a growing market with increasing numbers of users turning to the virtual realm to socialize and relax.

This is a step-by-step tutorial on selling VRChat avatars on the internet:

1. Make sure you have your VRchat avatar ready for sale

  • Product file- The file that you'll be selling is essentially a Unity Package that contains your avatar. Certain creators might also opt to add project files (Blender projects, etc.) as an optional download. Think about including a PDF with terms of usage in order to give your clients an understanding of the terms to expect when purchasing the documents (i.e. individual use rights and commercial use rights).
  •   Photo thumbnail - Upload an appealing product photo of your avatar. It is likely to be one of the main factors that will convert the customers visiting your store into customers.
  • Preview of video(Optional) You can provide the short video of your avatar to ensure that customers are able to visualize what your avatar will appear like.
  • Product description - Create a short description to describe your avatar. Consider the specific audiences that your avatar would attract. Include important instructions, like hyperlinks to VRChat SDK and Unity if you require.

Sell VRCHAT AVATARRS ONLINE

Join over 130,000 sellers who have launched online their businesses using

2. Determine a cost

VRChat avatars typically sell at prices ranging from $15- hundreds of dollars, depending on the sophistication of your model.

If you're selling the avatars you have created on VRChat avatars, then you can sell your avatars with Pay-What-You-Want pricing. It lets you set the minimum amount for your listing on your website however, it also permits your clients to purchase extra if they'd prefer to. If you've built a strong following who loves your 3D models, this is the best way to convince your customers to support the business more!

Separately, you can also use 's subscription feature to charge your customers per month. For the monthly fee that you offer to your loyal followers free avatars per month. Consider this as forming your own personal avatar fan club!

3. Upload your avatar for sale

After you've got your VRChat avatar ready and set the cost, it's now time to offer it to customers to buy. This is straightforward to complete. Just go to the home page, type in your email address and click the 'Get started' button to register for an account for free. No payment information required.

By default, you will get a custom domain for your store that looks like this .com/[yourstorenamehere]. You can connect a custom domain (www.yourstorename.com) to make the website feel more like your own. It's completely free to join your custom domain , but you'll need your own domain before you can connect it.

Visit the product tab and add a new product. Add your Unity package to your VRChat avatar. will instantly deliver your files to your clients as soon as they complete the payment in your store. It is not necessary to be involved in the selling process as all of the work is automated (say"hello" to making money passively while you sleep! ).

Check out this article for more information on how to start setting up your store from the beginning (for absolutely nothing! ).

Here's a quick list of features that can be accessed when selling VRChat avatars by using :

  • Forever-free platform. It will only cost you 5percent when you complete sales, but you'll be able to keep your shop for free!
  • Integration of payment via Paypal and Stripe
  • Instant file delivery
  • Supports multiple or one file using a variety of file formats
  • Option to show a video preview of the VRChat avatar in the listing of products
  • Automated UK & EU VAT management for international sales

4. Personalize your storefront (optional)

It is possible to create an entire site or customize your storefront using 's free drag-and drop store builders. provides a lot of prebuilt sections you can modify with no programming skills or design skills needed.

5. Promote your avatar

Note that publishing your VRChat avatar as an item listing is the very first step to selling. But you'll need to get your item in front of your target audience to get the sales!

Here are a few ideas about how you can advertise the value of your VRChat avatars:

  • Create Youtube videos to showcase what your VRChat is like in various settings or create short videos for Tiktok and other social media channels
  • Be part of the relevant Discord communities to VRChat and advertise your avatar
  • Create marketing campaigns including discount coupons, referrals, cross-sell, and many more, to draw greater customers' attention.

FAQ

What is VRChat SDK?

VRChat SDK VRChat SDK provides users with the ability to create avatars, interactive environments and worlds in VRChat using Unity3D. VRChat gives a tutorial on how to select your preferred SDK by clicking in this article. The majority of the tools Unity has to offer should work with VRChat, including lighting, nav meshes, particles, animations, and other standard Unity capabilities. You can install the SDK with VRChat Creator Companion. VRChat Creator Companion.

Do I have the ability to create my own world on VRChat?

As well as having the ability to design your own VRChat avatar, users can also create your own universe using the VRChat Unity SDK. It will start off as a private world, meaning you can only bring people into your world by opening an account or inviting your friends. Once you are ready to open your world to the public, you first have to follow the steps of submitting your world in the Community Labs.

A Quick Overview: Here's a step-by-step instructions on how to create a VRChat avatar:

  1. Create 3D model or find 3D model online
  2. Import 3D model into Unity
  3. Add 3D model into a scene
  4. Add an avatar description
  5. Examine your avatar's tab for building
  6. Upload avatar

Quick Summary: Here's the step-by-step guide on how to view VRChat avatars in the online world:

  1. Have your VRChat avatar set to sell
  2. Set a price
  3. Upload your avatar for sale (free platform recommendation)
  4. Make your storefront unique (optional)
  5. Promote your avatar

Final Reflections

Whether you're an aspiring 3D artist or a VRChat fan, selling VRChat avatars is an excellent way to earn an extra income (while having tons of fun!). I hope that the tips that you've read here can help you know what you can do to create VRChat avatars as well as selling them on the internet.