Live2D Rigging Tutorials

Welcome to my Live2D Rigging Tutorials! Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or an enthusiast eager to delve into advanced rigging techniques, you are in the right place.

Feel free to make requests for specific rigging tutorials that you would like to see. 

Exploring Live2D Animation

Here is the quick introduction to Live2D rigging and animation to help you get started!

Live2D animation is a technique that transforms your static 2D illustrations into animated creations with an expressive 2.5D appearance.

By breaking the illustration down into layers and parts, you gain the freedom to animate each part independently. This enables you to bring your 2D drawings to life without the complexities of frame-by-frame animation or intricate 3D models.

  1. Create or design original characters/objects and background illustrations.
  2. Cut the illustrations into separate parts.
  3. Use various Live2D animation tools to animate the separated parts.
  4. Integrate the Live2D model/animation into videos, face-tracking (VTuber) or games.

1. Technique:

  • Live2D Animation: A form of 2D animation, employs the technique of rigging 2D illustrations to generate dynamic character movements with a sense of depth.
  • Traditional Animation: Also known as hand-drawn, 2D animation, or frame by frame animation. Involves creating individual frames by hand, with each frame being a separate, hand-drawn image that, when played sequentially, creates the illusion of movement.

2. Process:

  • Live2D Animation: The process entails cutting an image into different parts (e.g., head, body, limbs) as textures, assembling them using an armature skeletal structure. Rigging binds moving parts (e.g., eye blinking) to parameters, and animations are generated by manipulating these parameters or moving parts in real-time. Deformers are used to provide a faux 3D appearance.
  • Traditional Animation: Artists draw each frame by hand, and these frames are played in sequence.

3. Flexibility:

  • Live2D Animation: Offers dynamic and fluid animations, especially for character expressions and subtle movements, making it suitable for interactive applications like games and VTubers.
  • Traditional Animation: Conveys a distinct aesthetic with a handcrafted, artistic quality, though it may lack the same interactivity as Live2D.

4. Efficiency:

  • Live2D Animation: Generally more efficient in production time, especially for certain types of animations, due to rigging. This enables the reuse of assets and smoother creation of various expressions and movements.
  • Traditional Animation: Can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, requiring meticulous frame-by-frame drawing, especially for longer animations.

5. Prep Works:

  • Live2D Animation: Requires more time for setup and planning for character movements, including separating body parts and creating different movements. Once set up, various animations can be produced quickly.
  • Traditional Animation: No need to separate or rig characters separately; animation can commence immediately.

6. File Size:

  • Live2D Animation: Involves a texture sheet with separated parts in a single image file, along with text files detailing how the texture pieces fit together and other text files specifying movements and animations. The file size is relatively small, primarily containing animation data in text files.
  • Traditional Animation: File sizes increase significantly, especially at 24 frames per second, requiring 12 images per second (on twos). This results in a larger file size due to the numerous images per second.

7. Applications:

  • Live2D Animation: Commonly used in VTuber content, mobile games, and digital applications requiring dynamic, expressive characters.
  • Traditional Animation: Historically used in classic cartoons, films, and television shows. While less common in mainstream media today, it is still appreciated for its artistic value.

1. Live2D:

Live2D is animation technique used to create animation from statics image, by separating the image into parts and animating each part accordingly.

2. Live2D Animation:

Live2D animation is the animation created using the Live2D method.

3. Live2D Model:

Live2D model is the characters/items/objects crafted using the Live2D method.

4. Live2D Rigging or Modelling:

Live2D rigging/modelling is the act of animators/riggers creating Live2D models/animations using the Live2D method.

5. Live2D Animator, Rigger or Modeler:

Live2D animator/rigger/modeler is the animator who create Live2D animations using the Live2D method.

6. Cutting:

Cutting is the process of breaking down and separate the illustrations into separate parts – like the head, body, hands and others.

Live2D animation allows your characters to move with a fantastic 2.5D effect while maintaining that authentic original drawing vibe. Moreover, it introduces interactivity to enhance the experience!

Experience this in my Live2D Animation showcase here!

You can use these tools to create Live2D animation:

1. Live2D Cubism

(Free version + Paid subscription)

2. Inochi2D

(Open source + Free!)

3. Spine 2D

(Free trial version, but you can’t save + One time purchase!)

4. DragonBones

(Open source + Free!)

5. Others

**Live2D Cubsim and Inochi2D are compatible with VTubing, but other are not.**

You can use your Live2D animations or model in:

  1. VTubers (Face-tracking)
  2. Games
  3. Visual Novel
  4. Mobile App
  5. Wallpaper Engine
  6. Webpage
  7. Videos
  8. Others

Explore some cool Live2D animations application right here! *Please note that face-tracking is compatible only with Live2D Cubism and Inochi2D.*

Software used for face-tracking:

  1. VTubeStudio
  2. Prprlive
  3. Live2DViewerEx
  4. VUP
  5. Animaze (previously Facerig)
  6. Others

Game engines that are compatible with Live2D models:

  1. Unity Engine
  2. Godot Engine
  3. Ren’Py
  4. Naninovel
  5. Visual Novel Maker
  6. Unreal Engine
  7. RPG Maker MZ (Unofficial Plugin)
  8. Other

**The compatibility of Live2D models is highly dependent on the software and SDKs used in their creation, as well as the respective software versions. Please feel free to inform me if there are additional engines that are compatible with Live2D.**

1. Live2D Cubism is NOT equivalent to Live2D.

  • Live2D is an animation technique.
  • Live2D Cubism is the software used to create Live2D animation.

2. “Live2D animator” can have two meanings:

  • The individual who create Live2D animations, which can also be referred as Live2D rigger or Live2D modeler.
  • The animation software, which is the animator tool in Live2D Cubism.

Absolutely not! Getting into Live2D is actually pretty easy, even if you DO NOT have a background in drawing or animation. If you put in the effort, you can get the hang of the basics in just a week.

Live2D is easy to learn but hard to master. You can read my blog post “Is Live2D Hard to Learn?” for more information.

Live2D Cubism (version 3 and above) utilizes a variety of file formats, each tailored to a specific role in the creation, editing, and deployment of Live2D models. Below is a detailed breakdown:

1. Photoshop File (.psd)

  • Purpose: Stores the layered artwork used as the base for creating the Live2D model.
  • Contents: Multiple layers for each part of the character (e.g., head, eyes, hair, body, accessories) with transparency and organized folders.
  • Editable: Yes, in Photoshop or any compatible software.
  • Usage: Imported into Live2D Cubism Editor as the starting point for rigging and animation.
  • Notes: Properly naming and organizing layers in the PSD file can save time during the rigging process.

2. Project File (.cmo3)

  • Purpose: This is the main editable project file in Live2D Cubism Editor.
  • Contents: Includes model structure, layers, parameters, physics, deformers setups, and animations.
  • Editable: Yes, editable in Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: This file is used during the model creation and editing process.
  • Notes: Always back up .cmo3 files as they are essential for making changes to your model.

3. Scene File (.can3)

  • Purpose: Used for animation projects in Cubism Editor.
  • Contents: Timeline data, keyframes, and sequences for creating animations.
  • Editable: Yes, in the animation workspace of the Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: Primarily for creating animated content for custom animation.

4. Runtime Model File (.moc3)

  • Purpose: The runtime version of the Live2D model for deployment.
  • Contents: Data for rendering the model, including mesh, parameters, and physics settings.
  • Editable: No, this file is not editable in Live2D Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: Used in applications like VTube Studio, game engines, or other software that support Live2D.
  • Notes: Models are exported from .cmo3 as .moc3. Changes require editing the .cmo3 and re-exporting the .moc3.

5. Texture File (.png)

  • Purpose: Stores the visual assets for the model, such as the character’s body parts, accessories, and other elements.
  • Editable: Yes, but edits need to be re-imported into the .cmo3 file.
  • Usage: Texture files are referenced by the model and are essential for its appearance.

6. Motion File (.motion3.json)

  • Purpose: Contains motion data for pre-defined animations, such as blinking or gestures.
  • Contents: Keyframe data for parameters (e.g., eye position, mouth movement, etc.).
  • Editable: Yes, can be edited in the Cubism Editor or other compatible tools.
  • Usage: Applied in runtime applications to animate the model or perform custom animations.

7. Physics File (.physics3.json)

  • Purpose: Contains physics settings for dynamic movements like hair, clothing, or accessories.
  • Contents: Configures the behavior of physics-based components, such as elasticity, weight, and gravity.
  • Editable: Yes, in the Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: Applied as physics to the model to enhance realism in runtime applications.

8. Expression File (.exp3.json)

  • Purpose: Stores predefined parameter configurations for specific expressions (e.g., smile, frown).
  • Editable: Yes, in the Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: Triggered in applications to switch the model’s expressions. Can be used to trigger accessories, changing outfits and poses for VTuber model.

9. Pose File (.pose3.json)

  • Purpose: Defines the relationship between parameters for natural posing (e.g., synchronizing arm movement with body rotation).
  • Editable: Yes, in the Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: Ensures smooth transitions and natural movements during runtime. Rarely used in VTuber models, as expressions often replace this functionality.

10. Model Setting File (.model3.json)

  • Purpose: Serves as a configuration file that references all related model files (e.g., .moc3, textures, physics, motions, etc.).
  • Editable: Yes, can be modified with Cubism Editor and a text editor.
  • Usage: Ensures the runtime environment knows how to load and assemble the model.

11. User Data File (.userdata3.json)

  • Purpose: Stores additional custom meta data related to the model, or trigger events such as visual expressions or sound effects.
  • Editable: Yes, can be modified with Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: Used by developers to add custom behaviors or metadata. Does not used in VTuber model.

12. Display auxiliary file (cdi3.json)

  • Purpose: Stores configuration and metadata (information about parameters) for displaying and integrating Live2D model (references to .moc3, .physics3.json, .exp3.json, and texture files) with other applications.
  • Editable: Yes, can be modified with Cubism Editor.
  • Usage: Ensures that applications and runtimes know how to load and interact with the model.

Summary

Each file format serves a distinct role in the Live2D ecosystem, from creation and editing to deployment. For creators, the .cmo3 .can3 .psd files are used for working files for rigging and animations. After rigging is done, the files will be converted to runtime or associated files like.moc3 .png for deployment in applications or games.

No, it is not possible to convert a .moc3 file back into a .cmo3 file.

Here is why:

  • .moc3 is the compiled, runtime version of a Live2D model, which contains the data needed for rendering and animations in applications like VTube Studio. It is optimized for performance and doesn’t retain the editable project structure.
  • .cmo3 is the project file format used in Live2D Cubism Editor, containing all the editable assets like PSD layers, parameters, physics settings, etc.

The .moc3 file lacks the layered and parameterized data necessary to recreate a .cmo3 project file.

Want your own Live2D model?

Live2D Commission

Live2D Rigging Tutorials – Articles

Check out various articles and blog posts about Live2D rigging and animation.

Latest Live2D Blog posts

Other Live2D Blog posts

Live2D Rigging Tutorials – Videos

Check out my video tutorials for tips, tricks, and techniques in Live2D rigging and animation. Feel free to join my YouTube Channel as well!

Making Hair Looks More 3D

Step-by-step guide to making character hair look better and more 3D in Live2D Cubism

Link Parameters in Physics Window + Secret

How to Link Parameters in Physics Window and secret bug in Live2D Cubism

Fluffy Skirt Movement

How to create a very fluffy skirt movement in Live2D Cubism

Auto Remove Pixel Dirt using Photoshop Script

How to automatically remove pixel dirt from illustrations with a Photoshop script

Create Shuddering Effect

Step-by-step guide to create shuddering effect in Live2D Cubism

Edit After Skinning

How to edit after skinning in Live2D Cubism

Copy Paste Parameter Value

Various applications of copy and paste parameter value function in Live2D Cubism

How to Create Glittering/Shining Effect

Step-by-step guide to create glittering or shining effect in Live2D Cubism

Creating Magnifying Effect

Step-by-step guide to create magnifying effect in Live2D Cubism

Create Dancing Flame Animation in VTube Studio (VTS)

Step-by-step guide to creating a dancing flame animation in Live2D Cubism and making it work in VTube Studio (VTS)