How to build your own 3D avatar
Tags: readyplayerme, 3d, threejs, tutorial
Published: 2023-12-08 17:13:16

Have you ever wanted to create a 3D avatar that looks like you? A personalized 3D model just for you that can be opened on Microsoft Paint? How about creating a 3D model based on your selfie? 

The idea to have a personalized 3D avatar is for you to use it in different virtual environments, such as VRChat or LIV or even in Video Meetings in 3D environments such as ThreeJS, Autodesk, or Matterport with [SuperViz SDK](https://superviz.com). 

In this post, I will show you how to create an avatar with [Ready Player Me](https://superviz.readyplayer.me/) in a few simple steps.

## Step 1: the Ready Player Me
First, open the [Ready Player Me](https://superviz.readyplayer.me/) site. You don't need an account for that, but you can create one later in the process.

![Ready Player Me first view after opening the site](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/j2hyrdryn9hon8yhovmp.png)


## Step 2: upload a photo
On the right side, the first option should allow you to create an avatar based on one photo of yours from your model. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/e1j63d5rfglzd0haqqid.png)

You can click on the "Take a photo" to open your device camera, or "choose file" to allow you to use a photo that you already have.

Make sure the photo has good lighting and that you (or your model) have a neutral expression. You can also upload a photo from your device if you prefer.

Another tip is to change the genre if needed, before you upload the photo.


## Step 3: personalize it
After uploading a photo, one model will be made based on the photo.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/d7zwymg2yyyzb9jr4v2h.png)

But it may come with the wrong clothing or with no hair. 

On the navigation bar on the right of the page, you can make final adjustments on the face format (like shape, mouth, nose, eyes and more) to the hair (style and color), the clothes, accessories, makeup, and more.


## Step 4: Finishing 
When you are happy with your avatar, click on the "Next" button. It will ask you to create an account for you to be able to edit it later (recommended), but you can just skip it and download the file.


![Final result](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/c18w3bru83ud7yrwiht7.png)

In the end, you will have a GLB format file. Wait, what is that? 

Alright, let's dive into the GLB format details. It's shortened for Binary glTF (GL Transmission Format), which is a compact file format that stores 3D scenes and models. In a GLB file, you'll find your avatar's geometry, textures, and animations.

Why GLB? Because it's the preferred format for many 3D applications and platforms. It's almost like the universal language that different environments understand. VRChat, LIV, ThreeJS, Autodesk, Matterport, and even Microsoft Paint 3D – all speak GLB fluently.

![Ready Player Me Models rendered in a ThreeJS environment with SuperViz SDK](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/yka96ng9moylhfyibtz9.png)

That's it, congratulations on creating your unique 3D avatar with Ready Player Me! Dive into virtual worlds or elevate your video meetings with this personalized touch across diverse 3D platforms, including [SuperViz SDK](https://superviz.com).