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HOME/USEFUL GUIDES/GUIDE TO 3D FILE FORMATS/VRM FILE FORMAT EXPLAINED
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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.

IconExtensionOriginal SoftwareYearPrimary IndustryGeometryUV MapsTexturesPBRAnimationRiggingOpen Use
VRM Icon.VRMVRM Consortium2018Vtubing
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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