VRM - Format Overview

May 15, 2025
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General Information

Format NameVRM
Long Name
Extensions.vrm
Internet Media Type (previously MIME)unspecified
Common Use CasesAnimation, VFX, Games, Architecture
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What is the VRM format, and what is it used for?

VRM is a file format mostly used for animated 3D avatar models.

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Features supported by the VRM format

FeatureSupported?
Morph TargetsYes
Rigid AnimationsYes
Skinned AnimationsYes
AnimationsYes
Free-Form SurfacesNo
Geometry CompressionYes
Quad MeshesNo
Basic 3D GeometryYes
PBR MaterialsYes
Transparent MaterialsYes
Vertex ColorsYes
MaterialsYes
Scene CompositionNo
Hierarchical Scene GraphYes
Scene NodesYes
Standardized FormatYes0
Embedded TexturesYes
Multiple UV ChannelsYes
Normal MappingYes
Procedural TexturesNo
Texture CompressionYes
Texture TransformsYes
TexturingYes

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VRM relies on the glTF format for storage of mesh and texture data.

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Converting and Optimizing VRM Files

There are various ways to convert between VRM files and other 3D formats. With RapidPipeline, you can easily convert and and optimize VRM files, at scale.
It supports VRM, as well as many other file formats (examples: 3dsMax, FBX, glTF, OBJ, PLY, STEP, STL, USD, USDZ), at high quality.

Due to the aforementioned potential limitations of VRM, in principle, one cannot always perfectly convert 3D data between VRM and other formats. In the following, you can find format conversion guides between VRM and the most important other formats, along with a rough score for compatibility of this workflow:

Converting VRM to Other 3D File Formats

Converting Other 3D File Formats to VRM

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Tools that can create VRM files

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3D rendering applications that can consume VRM files

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What's the best way to get VRM files into my 3D applications?

Doing 3D conversion right, especially at scale, can be tricky, as 3D data is in general a rather complex (yet very powerful!) medium. This also applies to VRM files - the conversion guide above gives a rough idea. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to automate the process.

However, especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated expertise, making sure you do not introduce any steps into your 3D workflow that are detrimental to the final output's quality, or that take your team too much time (and money).

If you're interested to hire dedicated expertise from the best in the field to help your company reach your goals fast and reliably, please do not hestitate to contact DGG. Being the creators of RapidPipeline, and ambassadors for open 3D standards for more than a decade, we have been building some of the world's most advanced 3D pipelines, having processed many millions of 3D assets. Therefore, our expertise will help you to reach your goals faster, at scale, and with the least possible friction, since we are focused on maximum interoperability. For a free initial consultation, get in touch here:

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