Expressions

Expressions are a feature of VRChat avatars. They let you run actions or toggles on your avatar, mainly through the action Menu or the Expressions wing on the quick menu or main menu. They are user-customized menus and actions designed for flexible, easy access to avatar features.
More information is available at Avatar Creators Docs.
The in-game Expressions menu is accessible through the Action Menu or the Expressions wing on the Quick Menu or Main Menu in any version of VRChat. Changes are transferred globally to other users, ensuring synchronization.
Expressions in the SDK
Expressions are edited using parameters in the VRChat SDK.
Base expressions
When no expressions are configured, a default expression menu with base animations is added to the avatar, containing:
- Wave
- Clap
- Point
- Cheer
- Dance
- Backflip
- Die
- Sadness
Custom expressions
To add custom expressions, create an Expression Menu file and an Expression Parameter file, then attach them to the VRChat Avatar Descriptor. The menu defines parameter entries shown on your avatar’s Expression menus. The parameters are the variables the menu controls. You also specify details such as whether parameters must be synchronized for other users.
Controls
You can create up to 8 controls per page. When creating a control, choose its type:
- Button
- Toggle
- Sub Menu
- Two Axis Puppet
- Four Axis Puppet
- Radial Puppet
Puppet Menu Example
As you move your joystick, touchpad, or mouse in different directions, you change animation parameters to blend between moods (e.g., "happy" and "surprised"). Any parameter can be controlled from this menu.
You can open one menu on either hand (or both). By default, flick to select an option. In Action Menu settings, you can choose to use the Trigger. To back out of a selection in the Expressions menu, pull the trigger.
Official resources
Avatar 3.0 Hub world on VRChat
- Expression Menu and Controls on Creator Docs
- Playable Layers on Creator Docs