1. A layered PSD
The PSD is what the rig is built from, so it matters most. Every part that moves needs its own layer, covered areas need to be painted in, and effects and clipping masks should be merged. The full checklist is in How to prepare a PSD for Live2D rigging. Send a flat PNG of the whole character along with it.
2. References
- A character sheet or turnaround, if you have one.
- Close-ups of details that matter to you: eyes, accessories, hair ornaments.
- Motion references: clips of rigs you like, showing how far the head turns, how bouncy the hair is, how the model blinks and talks.
3. A short brief
Write these down up front:
- the expressions you want (Base includes 3 static ones);
- toggles and extra features, for example removable clothing, a sleep animation or VBridger;
- physics wishes: what should sway, and how much;
- where you’ll stream: VTube Studio, plus an iPhone if you want VBridger (ARKit) tracking;
- how the model will be used, because commercial use (merch, ads, paid content) has to be mentioned before work starts;
- your deadline or debut date, and whether the model has to stay private until then.
Keep your notes in one list, both in the brief and during the work. It makes it much less likely that something gets missed.
What you get back
A finished rig arrives as a model folder that loads straight into VTube Studio. Inside you’ll usually find:
- model3.json: the file VTube Studio opens, which links everything else;
- .moc3: the rigged model itself;
- textures: the art packed into texture sheets (PNG);
- physics3.json: hair, clothing and accessory physics;
- exp3.json files: the expressions.
You also get setup instructions. The Cubism working files (.cmo3 for the model and .can3 for animations) and the source PSD are handed over only by agreement, so say up front if you need them. Keep your own backups of everything you receive.
After delivery you have 14 days to check the rig, and technical errors found in that time are fixed for free.
Quick checklist
- Layered PSD plus a flat PNG
- Character sheet and close-ups
- Motion references
- A list of expressions, toggles and extras
- Where you’ll stream and how the model will be used
- Your deadline