Difference between V1 and V2 models
The plugin / browser extension maintains two completely independent Live2D loading pipelines. If you're new to the project, please spend two minutes reading this page before deciding which one to use.
In one sentence
- V1 model = the legacy loader based on journey-ad/live2d_src, targeting the Cubism 2.x / 3.x series. The manifest is usually
model.jsonand the main file ends with.moc. Common models include 22 / 33, Pio / Tia, Shizuku, Kantai Murakumo, Hyperdimension Neptunia, etc. - V2 model = the Cubism 4 / 5 series (and any future newer versions). The manifest is
*.model3.jsonand the main file ends with.moc3. This is the format Live2D officially maintains today.
Terminology note: older docs called Cubism 4+ models "v3 or higher". From plugin 2.1 onward we always call them V2. So in this repo "V2" is not Cubism 2 — it refers to the second-generation loader of this plugin. If you see "v3 / V3 model" in old issues, read it as V2.
How do I tell whether my model is V1 or V2?
Just look at the manifest file:
| Type | Manifest filename | Main file | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| V1 (old) | model.json | *.moc | No / arbitrary version |
| V2 (new) | *.model3.json | *.moc3 | "Version": 3 and up (Cubism Web SDK version number) |
The decision logic is: model spec version ≥ 3 takes the V2 pipeline; otherwise V1.
Which features are V2 only?
- Blend shapes (since Cubism 5 SDK for Web R1)
- Super-sampling (sharper rendering on high-DPI displays)
- More fine-grained physics / motion / expression scheduling
- Native support for
.cdi3.json/.userdata3.jsonexported from Cubism Editor 4+
The V1 pipeline became fully self-hosted in 2.1.3 (no longer depends on any third-party source) and is more stable than ever, but no new features will be added to it.
Which one should I pick?
- Just want a cute animated 2D character next to my blog → install the plugin, keep the defaults. It runs the built-in V1 model.
- Want to use various ready-made skins (22 / Pio series) → also V1, see Two ways to use V1 models.
- Have your own / a purchased MOC3 model → go V2: pay first, then follow V2 custom model.
- Want maximum protection against hotlinking → on top of V2, enable Host on this site.
Why does V2 cost money?
Live2D Inc. requires third-party extensibility apps that use Cubism 4+ core to sign a commercial agreement. The author of this plugin has signed a long-term agreement with Live2D Inc. and distributes the official Cubism Core under that agreement, so the V2 pipeline carries a one-time license fee per site — essentially passing on the upstream license cost only to sites that actually use V2. V1 models do not depend on Cubism Core, so they remain free.