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VRM File Format Explained

VRM is an open-source, platform-independent file format specifically designed for handling humanoid 3D avatar data. Built on the glTF 2.0 framework, it serves as a standardized bridge for using consistent characters across various VR applications, platforms, games, and avatar workflows.

	Icon	Extension	Original Software	Year	Primary Industry	Geometry	UV Maps	Textures	PBR	Animation	Rigging	Open Use
		.VRM	VRM Consortium	2018	Vtubing Social VR Metaverse Apps	Mesh	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
VRM File Format Details What It Stores The format encapsulates 3D mesh data, UV maps, textures, and materials. It includes humanoid bone structures, character expressions such as Blend Shape, first-person perspective information, spring bone settings, and metadata such as title, author, and avatar-specific license information. Primary Use Cases VRM-compatible social VR platforms and avatar workflows. VTubing and live-streaming performances. Interoperable metaverse identities. 3D character creation and distribution. Strengths Standardized humanoid bone configuration helps avatars work consistently across supported software. Simplifies avatar deployment by packing textures and settings into a single file. Features built-in license management for creator protection. Limitations Strictly limited to humanoid skeletons; non-humanoid creatures are unsupported. Performance can vary based on the host application's handling of specific shaders such as MToon. Common Software Support Supported by Unity through UniVRM, Blender through the VRM Add-on for Blender, VRoid Studio for VRM export, and VRM-compatible avatar applications such as VSeeFace.

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VRM File Format Details