Free online VRM to DAE converter

What the VRM format is

VRM is an avatar format based on glTF 2.0, usually stored as a binary glTF-style file with the .vrm extension. It is used for humanoid characters in virtual reality, livestreaming, games, and avatar applications.

VRoid Studio is a common source of VRM files. Unity projects can create them with the UniVRM package, and Blender can import or export them with a compatible VRM add-on. A VRM can contain a humanoid skeleton, facial expressions, look-at settings, spring-bone physics, first-person camera settings, licensing information, and materials such as MToon.

What the DAE format is

DAE is the filename extension for COLLADA, an XML-based 3D interchange format. It stores polygon meshes, transforms, materials, texture references, armatures, and, when supported by the application, animation data.

DAE is useful when a modeling tool, simulation package, older game engine, or asset-management system supports COLLADA but does not support VRM or glTF. Its text-based structure is also relatively easy to inspect, but it generally produces larger files than binary glTF and depends heavily on the importing application's COLLADA implementation.

How to convert VRM to DAE

Blender with the VRM Add-on is the most controllable desktop method because it lets you inspect the imported avatar before exporting it.

1. Install a Blender version supported by the current VRM Add-on for Blender, then install the add-on through Edit → Preferences → Add-ons → Install. Enable the add-on after installation.
2. Open Blender and choose File → Import → VRM, then select the source .vrm file. The add-on should import the mesh, armature, materials, textures, and supported avatar settings.
3. Check the model in the viewport. Confirm that the mesh is visible, the armature is attached, facial blend shapes imported as expected, and textures are present. Fix missing texture paths or unwanted scene objects before exporting.
4. Select the avatar, or select all objects that must be included, and choose File → Export → Collada (.dae).
5. In the export options, enable the selection option if only the avatar should be exported. Include the armature and its mesh, enable animation export only when animation data is required, and use the texture or material options available in your Blender version.
6. Choose a destination and save the result as avatar.dae. Keep the exported DAE and any generated image files together if the exporter writes textures as separate files.
7. Open the DAE in the target application and verify scale, bone orientation, material appearance, texture paths, and animations. Re-export with different axis or armature settings if the model imports rotated, mirrored, or at the wrong size.

For a quick conversion without installing software, the free converter at 101convert.com can convert VRM files to DAE. Inspect the resulting model in a 3D viewer or editor afterward, especially when the avatar uses custom shaders, facial expressions, or physics.

Quality and compatibility limitations

DAE does not have standard equivalents for many VRM features. Humanoid mapping, spring bones, look-at behavior, first-person settings, avatar permissions, thumbnail metadata, and VRM license information may be discarded during export. MToon shading may become a basic diffuse or principled material, so the DAE may look different even when the geometry is correct.

Texture handling is a frequent failure point. VRM commonly carries resources inside the file, while DAE often references external PNG or JPEG files. If textures are missing, copy the exported images beside the DAE and relink them in the destination program.

Coordinate systems, unit scales, bone naming, and skin-weight support vary between COLLADA implementations. Apply or adjust transforms only after checking the armature: changing an armature's transforms incorrectly can break deformation. A static mesh usually transfers more reliably than a fully rigged, animated avatar.