Merge & Attach

The Merge & Attach panel (formerly "Custom Model Creation") provides tools for merging armatures and attaching meshes to build combined or customized models.

Overview

This panel has two main modes:

• Armature Mode - merge two complete armatures together
• Mesh Mode - attach individual meshes to an existing armature

A tutorial button at the top walks you through the process step by step.

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Armature Mode

Use Armature Mode to combine two rigged models into one.

Requirements

• At least two armatures in your scene
• Both armatures should have meshes attached

Main Settings

• Merge Same Bones - automatically combines bones with matching names. Ideal when both models share a similar skeleton (e.g. two VRChat-standard models).
• Apply Transforms - applies current transforms before merging. Recommended, prevents scale/rotation issues.
• Join Meshes - combines meshes after merging into a single object.
• Remove Zero Weight Bones - cleans up unused bones after the merge.
• Cleanup Shape Keys - removes duplicate/unused shape keys during the merge.

Merge Selection

• Merge Into - the target (base) armature that receives the merged content (usually your main character).
• To Merge - the armature to combine in (usually clothing, accessories or extra parts).
• Attach to Bone (when "Merge Same Bones" is disabled) - the bone to attach the merged armature to (e.g. wings to the spine).

How to Use

1. Import both models into your scene.
2. Select the Merge Into armature (your base model).
3. Select the To Merge armature (the model to add).
4. Choose your settings:
   • Enable Merge Same Bones if the skeletons match.
   • Enable Apply Transforms (recommended).
   • Enable Join Meshes for a single-mesh result.
5. If not merging same bones, pick Attach to Bone.
6. Click Merge.

Common uses: base body + rigged clothing/hair, adding rigged accessories (wings, tails, props).

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Mesh Mode

Use Mesh Mode to attach a standalone mesh to an existing armature.

Requirements

• At least one armature in your scene
• At least one unrigged mesh object

Settings & Selection

• Join Meshes - combine the attached mesh with existing meshes.
• Merge Into - the target armature.
• Attach Mesh - the (unrigged) mesh to attach.
• Attach to Bone - the bone the mesh will follow (e.g. a hat to the head bone).

How to Use

1. Ensure you have an armature and an unrigged mesh.
2. Switch to Mesh Mode.
3. Select the Merge Into armature.
4. Select the Attach Mesh.
5. Choose the Attach to Bone.
6. Enable Join Meshes if desired.
7. Click Attach.

Common uses: rigid attachments (hats, glasses, props) and simple non-deforming clothing.

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Tips & Best Practices

Before merging: position models correctly, match scale, save a backup, and name bones clearly (helps "Merge Same Bones").

During merging: start with Apply Transforms enabled, prefer Merge Same Bones when possible, and keep Join Meshes off initially so issues are easier to fix.

After merging: check weight painting, test animations, review the bone hierarchy, and optimize via Optimization if needed.

Troubleshooting

• Mesh in wrong location → enable Apply Transforms and retry.
• Bones don't merge → verify names match exactly (case-sensitive) and positions are similar.
• Mesh doesn't follow the armature → confirm it's weighted and vertex groups match bone names.
• Shape keys disappear → enable Cleanup Shape Keys.

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Limitations

• Armature Mode needs at least 2 armatures; Mesh Mode needs at least 1 armature and 1 mesh.
• Very complex merges take time; some custom constraints may need manual fixing.

⚠ Always back up your models before merging. Results vary with model complexity.

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Related Pages:

• Optimization - Post-merge optimization
• Bone Parenting - Managing bone hierarchy
• Troubleshooting - Common merge issues

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Last Updated: July 28, 2026 | Plugin Version: 5.2.3.0 | Blender: 5.1 & 5.2 (5.2 LTS recommended)