Welcome! This guide will show you step-by-step how to quickly and easily import, configure, and bring to life your favorite 3D characters in .vrm format on your desktop using Desktop Engine. You can generally use VRM files created with tools like VRoid Studio or those you've acquired directly, without needing any additional conversion.

Get ready to transform your static desktop background into a vibrant and interactive scene with Desktop Engine! With this guide, you can add your personal VRM characters to your desktop to spice up your streams, enrich your gaming experience, or simply create a unique, dynamic desktop world just for you. We'll cover topics like adding characters, positioning them, and basic as well as advanced animation settings.

Let's get started on personalizing your desktop and interacting with your VRM characters!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJURD1bvjIA



In the Desktop Engine interface, click the "Import" button. This is often found in the character or model view panel.
(See "Import" button at the bottom in Model tab.jpg)
A file selection window will open, allowing you to find and select the .vrm file from your computer. Select your file and begin the import process.


Once your character is imported, you may need to adjust its initial rotation, scale (size), and position to ensure it appears correctly in your scene. Take a few moments to set these up using the "Model Settings" for Position, Rotation, and Scale, often found in the "Model" tab.
(See "Model Settings" and "Model Root Fix" in Model tab.jpg)
A good way to test if the character is oriented correctly is to use a "look at" feature if available, or by observing if the character responds to mouse cursor/camera movements as expected. The "Model Root Fix" section, with options like "Rotate Armature Root," can help here. If your character isn't facing the direction it should (for example, if it's looking backwards or in the opposite direction of your cursor/camera focus), you might need to adjust its root orientation in the model's settings.


Next, navigate to the "Avatar" tab within Desktop Engine. This crucial section is where you'll define if your imported model is 'Humanoid' (with a human-like bone structure) or 'Generic' (for other types of models). You can see the current rig mode and an option to "Change Rig Mode" here.
(Avatar tab.jpg shows Avatar Settings and Rig Mode)

For 'Humanoid' models to animate correctly and exhibit realistic interactions, it's critical that their bones are accurately mapped (assigned) within the software. Desktop Engine often offers an "Auto Find" button or similar automatic bone assignment feature, especially for common VRM formats or rigs created with tools like Mixamo. This feature can significantly speed up the setup process. If the auto-setup doesn't yield perfect results or if you require more precise control, you may need to manually review or adjust the bone assignments from the list (e.g., Hips, Spine, Chest) to ensure animations look natural and features like eye-tracking work as intended.


Desktop Engine provides various tabs and tools to further customize your avatar. After the "Avatar" tab, you'll typically find "Animation," "Physics," and "Publish" tabs.

• Avatar Settings: You can adjust basic properties of your model here (e.g., brightness, color tones). (Covered in Step 3 with `avatar tab.jpg`)
  
• Animation: You can choose from the existing animation library or assign your own custom animations. The "Animation" tab allows you to define states like IDLE, Dance, Taskbar, and Window. Specific tips for Humanoid models regarding different animation states are detailed below.
  (Animation tab.jpg shows animation states and clip list)
  
• Physics: Currently, the Physics menu allows you to define a root bone and its child bones. This adds spring-like physics, causing these parts to sway or jiggle (like a spring) as the character moves. This is useful for adding dynamic movement to elements such as hair, skirts, accessories, etc.

Tips for Humanoid Animations:
Correctly setting up animations for different states will greatly enhance your character's presence and interaction on your desktop:

• Idle State: For Humanoid models, looped idle-type animations are generally used for the 'Idle' state (e.g., Idle01_breathing, Idle02_LookLeftAndRight). These animations will play sequentially, giving your character a natural resting or waiting behavior.
  
• Dance State: For the 'Dance' state, you can assign dedicated dance animations. Alternatively, you can create a more dynamic effect by using animations that react to sound (e.g., moving to the rhythm of music).
  
• Taskbar/Window Interaction: Looped sitting or lying animations are ideal for interactions like your character sitting on the taskbar or leaning against a window edge (e.g., TB_Sit_CrossLegged_Loop).
  (Sit tab.jpg shows an example of a sitting animation and height adjustment visual cues)
  Important Note: For these interactions to look natural, you need to adjust the character's height correctly. This adjustment is usually made in a settings panel on the right, ensuring the animation targets a point slightly above the character's pelvis region for a natural posture.

Take some time to explore these options and animation settings to fully bring your character to life!

When you're happy with your setup, navigate to the "Publish" tab. Here, you can save the model you've imported and customized, and assign it to a category for easy access later.
(Example of the Publish tab area, based on your provided tag)
Once your model is saved, you can start using the character from the settings menu even before publishing it to the Steam Workshop.

After saving (and optionally publishing) your model, your VRM character will appear in the "User Generated" section of your avatar list, ready to be used on your desktop!
(Custom tab.jpg shows the "User Generated" section with character thumbnails)

That's it! You've successfully imported and configured your VRM character in Desktop Engine. Now you can enjoy a more personalized, vibrant, and interactive desktop experience. Don't hesitate to experiment with different models and settings, and unleash your creativity!