If you're a VTuber or building a Live2D avatar, your rig is your most valuable asset. Model, expressions, physics files — none of it can be recovered if it's lost. Here's how to bulk-save all your rig files safely.
What Files Make Up Your Rig?
A complete Live2D VTuber rig typically includes:
- .moc3 file: The compiled rig that runs directly in stream software (VTube Studio, vtube-sdk)
- .model3.json file: Config that links moc3, textures, expressions, and motions
- textures/ folder: PNG image files for each model layer
- motions/ folder: Animation files (.motion3.json) for idle, talk, expressions
- .cmo3 file (source): The original Live2D Cubism file — the MOST important one, needed for future edits
- .psd file (Photoshop source): The illustrator's original layers — if provided
Many VTubers only back up the .moc3 and forget the .cmo3 — meaning they can still stream but can never modify the rig later.
How to Bulk Backup Your Rig Files
Step 1: Gather the entire rig folder
Live2D Cubism saves projects as folders. A complete rig usually lives in one root folder like MyRig_v2/ with all subfolders inside. Copy the entire folder — not just the exported .moc3 file.
Step 2: Compress into a timestamped archive
Zip the folder as MyRig_v2_backup_2026-05-01.zip. Add the date to the filename to easily distinguish versions. If using 7-Zip, choose low compression (Fastest) since PNG and JSON files don't compress much further.
Step 3: Store in at least 2 separate locations
- External hard drive or NAS at home
- Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, or Mega — depending on rig size
The .cmo3 source file is typically 50–200MB; Photoshop texture PSDs can reach several GB — plan your storage space accordingly.
Step 4: Archive a video demo of your rig
Record a video demo of the rig running in VTube Studio for future reference. Use OBS to record, or download the demo video if your rigger shared one. You can also use Klypio to download demo videos from platforms and store them alongside your rig files.
Sharing and Resale Considerations
Your rig may have usage terms from the rigger regarding sharing or modification. Before sharing the .cmo3 source with anyone, check the contract or TOS with your rigger. The exported .moc3 is generally fine for streaming, but the .cmo3 source may not be.
Read more: Organizing Your Creator Video Library and How to Bulk Export Your Own OBS Recordings.
Need to download rig demo videos from YouTube or other platforms? Use Klypio YouTube Downloader or klypio.com/app. See the Pro plan at our pricing page.