Avatar (computing)

From WikiFur, the furry encyclopedia.

(Redirected from Avatar (virtual reality))

For other definitions of "avatar", please see the disambiguation page.

An avatar is an online representation of a furry character. It can refer to a character picture, but most uses of the word refer to a character likeness used in association with an online chat medium, such as Furcadia or an instant messenger program that uses buddy icons to display a picture to represent each user.

Sometimes the term avatar is used interchangeably with the term character, but the two are not the same thing. A character encompasses all the qualities of a fictional entity, including a description, back story and beliefs, while an avatar is merely a visual representation of a character.

[edit] 2D icon for internet usage

A typical 2D avatar image like which may be found on internet chat forums

This type of avatar image typically portrays the individual's fursona. It is often a bust or face view and can include the character's name. The image is typically relatively simple with large features, because such an icon is often displayed with a size smaller than 100x100 pixels. The example shown at right is a 100x100 pixel size view.