# Upload an Avatar

## What is a "Meta Avatar"?

A "Meta Avatar" is a type of [Meta Prefab](https://reach-cloud.gitbook.io/reach-explorer-documentation/metaverse-cloud-engine-sdk/upload-a-prefab#what-is-a-meta-prefab) that can be uploaded through Unity and linked to your account. Using avatars you can customize how you look within the REACH Explorer across spaces that support custom user avatars.

{% hint style="info" %}
Before getting started, make sure you've properly [installed the SDK](https://reach-cloud.gitbook.io/reach-explorer-documentation/metaverse-cloud-engine-sdk/unity-engine-sdk/how-to-install-the-sdk) and [created an account](https://reach-cloud.gitbook.io/reach-explorer-documentation/metaverse-cloud-engine-sdk/unity-engine-sdk/create-an-account)!
{% endhint %}

Follow the [prefab upload instructions](https://reach-cloud.gitbook.io/reach-explorer-documentation/metaverse-cloud-engine-sdk/unity-engine-sdk/upload-a-prefab) to understand how to create a Meta Prefab first.

{% hint style="info" %}
The only field you need to worry about for Avatars is the `Is Avatar` field. Make sure this is checked.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://2735528886-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYDhReCuCDmCX2y8z9SOE%2Fuploads%2FoMqoFeFKvPL3a2mZNeFH%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=51b9c22e-e827-4d14-9747-bce74550c5dd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Make sure your avatar has an `Animator` component on it, with the `Avatar` field assigned.

<figure><img src="https://2735528886-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYDhReCuCDmCX2y8z9SOE%2Fuploads%2F7DI9v4DtoahEFjx3x5q8%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fd0c97be-5e39-4d8c-83b2-d119f9e5e942" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select the "Build Platforms" that you want this prefab to support, and then select "Build & Upload" to upload the avatar prefab.

<figure><img src="https://2735528886-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYDhReCuCDmCX2y8z9SOE%2Fuploads%2FM8Bek7POmO5K8B9834DU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b3aa6590-2cce-4ec3-8795-f0d1e73bbf03" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Recommended Avatar Setup

{% hint style="info" %}
The following bullet points are just **recommendations** and are not absolutely required. The requirements / guidelines for publicity are [here](https://reach-cloud.gitbook.io/reach-explorer-documentation/metaverse-cloud-engine-sdk/unity-engine-sdk/content-visibility).

Also note, you can still equip a private avatar to test it, others just can't see it.
{% endhint %}

* Make sure your Avatar 3D model is a [Humanoid](https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/AvatarCreationandSetup.html).
* Make your avatar 5'7" (5 feet, 7 inches) (the height can be adjusted by VR players)
* Under 10,000 triangles.

### Guidelines

These are guidelines that must be followed so your avatar can be public or unlisted.

* No pornographic content.
* No realistic gore.
* No racist or discriminatory content.
* 5 MB or less.

{% hint style="info" %}
For more information on content visibility, [click here](https://reach-cloud.gitbook.io/reach-explorer-documentation/metaverse-cloud-engine-sdk/unity-engine-sdk/content-visibility).
{% endhint %}
