Hands-On Challenge Overview

• Create a simple 3D model using Blender.
• Add textures and materials using Blender's texture painting tools.
• Upload your custom model to your Horizon World.

What You’ll Need:

• Windows PC
• Access to the Worlds Desktop Editor
• Blender for 3D modeling and texture painting

Challenge Steps:

1. Create Your 3D Model in Blender

• Start by creating a simple object. A primitive shape like a decorated cube or a stylized cup is a great first model. The goal is to get comfortable with the workflow, not to create a masterpiece on the first try.
• Once you are happy with your model's shape, you will need to UV unwrap it. This is a crucial step for texturing.

2. Add Textures and Materials in Blender

• With your model selected, switch to the "Texture Paint" workspace in Blender.
• In the Image Editor, create a new image to be your texture.
• Use the texture painting tools to paint directly onto your model.
• When you are done, make sure to save the texture image from the Image Editor.
• In the Material Properties tab, create a new material and assign it to your model.
• For the material's "Base Color", select "Image Texture" and choose the texture you just created.
• Important: Name your texture file appropriately. For a basic material, the texture name should be in the format MaterialName_BR.png. For example, if your material in Blender is named CupMaterial, your texture should be CupMaterial_BR.png. Avoid special characters and spaces in the name.

3. Upload to your assets

• Export your finished model as a single FBX file.
• Open the Horizon Worlds desktop editor and create a new world.
• At the bottom of the editor, find the “Asset Library” panel and click on "My Assets".
• Click the "Add New" dropdown button and select "Model".
• This will allow you to upload your FBX file and any related textures.
• Once uploaded, you can search for your uploaded model and drag it into your world.

Level Up:

• Try creating a more complex model with multiple components and materials.
• Experiment with different material types by changing the suffix of your material and texture names. For example:
• • Use _Metal in the material name for metallic surfaces.
  • Use _Unlit in the material name for models that should not be affected by lighting.
  • Use _Transparent in the material names for see-through materials. This will require _BR and _MESA texture files.
  • Use the Materials Guidance and Reference to learn more.
• Create a double-texture PBR material by providing both a _BR (BaseColor + Roughness) and a _MEO (Metalness + Emissive + Ambient Occlusion) texture.
• Review the documentation on Performance and Best Practices to learn how to optimize your models for Horizon Worlds.

Need Help?

• Forum Support: Reach out to the MHCP community in the creators forums in the Questions & Discussions ⁠category.

Related links

• Creating a Custom Model | Horizon Worlds
• Materials Guidance and Reference for Custom Models | Horizon Worlds
• Best practices for custom models | Horizon Worlds
• Meta Horizon Creator Program
• Meta Horizon Creator Forum | Meta Community Forums⁠