DESKTOPMATE

Avatars / community project

Custom Avatar Loader

Custom Avatar Loader is the best-known community mod for loading VRM 0.x character files into legacy Desktop Mate builds. Its original repository was archived on December 4, 2025, so current Steam compatibility should not be assumed.

Download legacy release Original repository

Independent fan resource. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by infiniteloop Co., Ltd., Valve/Steam, or any character rights holder.

Custom Avatar Loader video tutorial showing a VRM character in Desktop Mate.
Real tutorial thumbnail published for Custom Avatar Loader.Original author material
Legacy

Archived / legacy app build

Built for an older Desktop Mate or loader version. Verify compatibility before using it.

Version
1.0.4
Author
YusufOzmen01
Platform
Windows
Loader
MelonLoader 0.6.6
License
MIT
Published

WHAT IT DOES

Custom Avatar Loader features

The mod adds an F4 file picker that replaces the active character with a VRM file stored on your PC. It was built around MelonLoader 0.6.6 and .NET Desktop Runtime 6, and its GitHub release passed 250,000 downloads before the repository was archived on December 4, 2025. That popularity does not make it an official feature: infiniteloop does not support this loader, third-party VRM licenses still apply, and Desktop Mate updates can break it.

  • Loads a local VRM model through an F4 file dialog.
  • Applies the selected model without repackaging Desktop Mate or official DLC.
  • Supports the original author's documented MelonLoader workflow.
  • Ships as a ZIP containing the mod and its required folder structure.
Custom Avatar Loader video tutorial showing a VRM character in Desktop Mate.
Real tutorial thumbnail published for Custom Avatar Loader.

REQUIREMENTS

Check the stack before installing

  • Platform: Windows
  • Loader or runtime: MelonLoader 0.6.6
  • Release: 1.0.4
  • License: MIT
  • File: CustomAvatarLoader.zip (69 KB)

How to install Custom Avatar Loader

  1. Install Desktop Mate from Steam and launch it once before modifying files.
  2. Back up the Desktop Mate folder or use Steam's file verification as your rollback plan.
  3. Install MelonLoader 0.6.6 and Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 6 x64, following their original publishers.
  4. Download CustomAvatarLoader.zip from the original GitHub release link on this page.
  5. Extract the ZIP into the Desktop Mate installation folder, preserving its Mods and UserLibs paths.
  6. Launch the game. The first MelonLoader start can take longer while IL2CPP files are prepared.

How to use it

  • Click the active Desktop Mate character and press F4.
  • Choose a VRM file from a folder your Windows account can read.
  • Confirm that the model's license permits your intended use before loading or sharing screenshots.

Desktop Mate compatibility

The repository was archived on December 4, 2025. Its documentation targets MelonLoader 0.6.6 and an early Desktop Mate build; it does not claim support for the current Steam release. Do not downgrade Desktop Mate unless you understand the security, update, and DLC consequences.

Official Desktop Mate screenshot showing a character interacting with a desktop window.
Official product context: app updates can change the window and character behavior that mods depend on.

How to remove the mod

Remove the Custom Avatar Loader files from MelonLoader's Mods and UserLibs folders, then use Steam > Desktop Mate > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity if the base app no longer starts.

Troubleshooting

  • F4 does nothing: check MelonLoader logs and confirm the DLL is in the actual Steam installation, not a duplicate folder.
  • Model fails to load: test a known-valid VRM 0.x file and move it to a simple local path without restricted permissions.
  • Game fails after an update: remove the mod first. The archived loader may no longer match the game's assemblies.

Custom Avatar Loader FAQ

Does Custom Avatar Loader work with the latest Desktop Mate?

The archived repository does not confirm current-version support. Treat it as a legacy mod until a reproducible current-build test says otherwise.

Can I load any VRM model?

Technically compatible VRM files may load, but you must also follow the model creator's license and character rights.

Is the download hosted here?

No. The button uses the original author's GitHub release asset, so the source chain remains visible.

Sources and verification

Page checked against the linked project material on 2026-07-22. Compatibility can change after Desktop Mate, MelonLoader, BepInEx, or the mod updates.

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