> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.meganova.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.meganova.ai/character-studio/import-export/character-cards.md).

# Character Cards

> **Note:** Character cards are PNG images with character data embedded in metadata. They're the standard format for sharing AI characters across platforms.

## Overview

Character cards:

* **PNG images** with embedded character data
* **Portable** across compatible platforms
* **Include** avatar in the file
* **Standard formats**: CCv2 and CCv3

## Card Specifications

### CCv2 (Character Card v2)

The widely-supported standard:

| Field        | Description            |
| ------------ | ---------------------- |
| name         | Character name         |
| description  | Background/description |
| personality  | Personality traits     |
| scenario     | Conversation scenario  |
| first\_mes   | First message          |
| mes\_example | Example dialogues      |

### CCv3 (Character Card v3)

Enhanced format with additional features:

| Field                | Description                      |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| All CCv2 fields      | Base character data              |
| creator\_notes       | Notes from creator               |
| system\_prompt       | Custom system instructions       |
| post\_history        | Post-history instructions        |
| tags                 | Character tags/categories        |
| alternate\_greetings | Multiple first messages          |
| character\_book      | Embedded lorebook                |
| assets               | Multimodal assets (images, etc.) |

## Exporting Character Cards

### Step 1: Open Export

1. Open character in Character Studio
2. Click **Export**
3. Select **PNG Card**

### Step 2: Configure Export

| Option               | Description                    |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Format**           | CCv2 or CCv3                   |
| **Include Lorebook** | Embed attached lorebooks       |
| **Include Assets**   | Embed additional images (CCv3) |

### Step 3: Download

1. Click **Export**
2. PNG file downloads
3. Card ready to share

## Importing Character Cards

### Step 1: Access Import

1. Click **Create** → **Import**
2. Select **PNG Card** tab

### Step 2: Upload Card

1. Drag and drop, or click to browse
2. Select PNG file
3. Preview loads automatically

### Step 3: Review Data

Inspect extracted data:

* Character fields
* Lorebook entries (if included)
* Additional assets (CCv3)

### Step 4: Import

1. Click **Import**
2. Character opens in editor
3. Make any desired changes
4. Save

## Data Embedding

### How It Works

Character data is stored in PNG metadata:

1. Data encoded as base64
2. Stored in tEXt chunk
3. Key: `chara` (standard)
4. Preserved through most image operations

### Compatibility

Cards work with:

* Most image viewers (display normally)
* Character platforms (extract data)
* Image editors (usually preserve metadata)

> **Note:** Some image editors may strip metadata. Test after editing.

## Troubleshooting

### Card not importing

**Check:**

* File is PNG format
* Data wasn't stripped
* File isn't corrupted

**Try:**

* Re-download original
* Use different source
* Import JSON instead

### Data looks wrong

**Check:**

* Card format version
* Encoding issues
* Source platform quirks

**Solutions:**

* Edit after import
* Contact original creator
* Check platform compatibility

### Image quality issues

Character Studio preserves original:

* Resolution
* Quality
* Format

If quality is poor, the original was low quality.

## Best Practices

### Creating Cards

1. **Use quality avatars** — Clear, well-lit images
2. **Fill all fields** — Complete data improves portability
3. **Test on other platforms** — Verify compatibility
4. **Use CCv3 for full features** — When platforms support it

### Sharing Cards

1. **Host on reliable platforms** — Chub.ai, Discord, etc.
2. **Provide context** — Explain the character
3. **Include version info** — Note CCv2 vs CCv3
4. **Respect copyright** — Only share what you own

## Technical Details

### tEXt Chunk Format

```
Keyword: chara
Text: base64(JSON character data)
```

### Example Structure (CCv3)

```json
{
  "spec": "chara_card_v3",
  "spec_version": "3.0",
  "data": {
    "name": "Elena",
    "description": "A wise elven wizard...",
    "personality": "Thoughtful, patient, mysterious...",
    "scenario": "An ancient library...",
    "first_mes": "*Elena looks up from her book*",
    "mes_example": "<START>...",
    "system_prompt": "You are Elena...",
    "tags": ["fantasy", "wizard", "elf"],
    "character_book": { ... },
    "assets": [ ... ]
  }
}
```

## See Also

* [JSON Format](/character-studio/import-export/json-format.md) — Alternative export format
* [Character Asset Kit](/character-studio/import-export/character-asset-kit.md) — Complete bundles
* [Platform Compatibility](/character-studio/import-export/platform-compatibility.md) — Cross-platform support
* [Character Specs](/character-studio/advanced/character-specs.md) — Technical specifications