Finding your VRChat photos isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While VRChat doesn’t directly store photos in a dedicated “photos” folder, understanding where VRChat stores its data can help you locate screenshots and other image files associated with your VRChat experience. This guide breaks down the different locations where VRChat data, including potential photo locations, resides.
Understanding VRChat Data Storage
VRChat stores data in various locations on your computer. Knowing these locations is crucial for finding your files.
AppData LocalLow Folder: The Primary Data Hub
The majority of VRChat’s data is stored within the AppDataLocalLow directory on your Windows system. You can access this folder by typing %UserProfile%AppDataLocalLowVRChatVRChat into your file explorer’s address bar.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find inside:
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output_log_yyyy-MM-dd_HH-mm-ss.txt: Contains application logs, including Udon debug output. These logs can be helpful for troubleshooting. Note that older log files are automatically deleted. -
config.json: This file holds your VRChat application settings. Modifying this file can customize your VRChat experience. -
Cache-WindowsPlayer: This is the key location for downloaded assets, including avatars, worlds, and potentially images used in those environments. Although not explicitly photos, textures and images used in worlds might be found here. You can relocate this folder to a larger drive if needed. -
Avatars: Stores locally tested avatars created using the “Build and Test” feature. -
OSC: Contains settings related to Open Sound Control (OSC) functionality in VRChat. -
LocalAvatarData: Stores parameter data for avatars you’ve worn. -
Tools: Contains additional tools used by VRChat, currently including a video URL parser. -
LocalPlayerModerations: Stores your saved moderation actions on other users, such as hiding or showing avatars.
Temporary Files: A Fleeting Location
VRChat and associated processes also utilize temporary folders for storing data. These files are typically deleted automatically after a certain period. One such location is %TEMP%VRChatVRChat, where analytics files are temporarily stored.
Windows Registry: Preference Storage
VRChat stores user preferences within the Windows Registry under HKCUSoftwareVRChatvrchat. This location primarily contains settings related to your VRChat experience rather than media files.
Locating Screenshots
While the locations mentioned above don’t directly store photos taken within VRChat, your operating system likely has a designated screenshot folder. For Windows, check the PicturesScreenshots folder by default. VRChat screenshots, if captured using your system’s screenshot functionality, will typically be saved there. Steam also has its own screenshot functionality, which saves screenshots in a separate location within your Steam user data folder.
Conclusion
While VRChat doesn’t have a dedicated photo storage location, understanding its data storage structure can help you potentially locate related image files. Remember to check your system’s designated screenshot folder and the Cache-WindowsPlayer directory within the AppDataLocalLowVRChatVRChat folder for potential images associated with your VRChat experience. For actual photos taken outside of VRChat and uploaded as avatars or world assets, those would reside within the uploaded files on VRChat’s servers, not locally on your computer.
