Import Character Cards
Character cards are the starting point for most Tavern Studio workflows. This guide explains how to import common PNG and JSON character cards.
Who this is for
- Users importing cards from external communities.
- Users organizing many characters.
- Users troubleshooting encrypted or invalid cards.
What you will learn
- How to drag and drop character cards.
- How to use the + import entry.
- How PNG and JSON character cards differ.
- How to handle duplicate names and encrypted cards.
Character card formats
- PNG character card: an image file that also contains embedded character metadata.
- JSON character card: a text configuration without embedded image data.
PNG cards are common in Tavern-style roleplay communities. Make sure you import the original file, not a compressed preview image.
Basic import
Method A: Drag and drop
Select one or more character card files in your file manager and drag them into Tavern Studio. The app opens an import preview.
Method B: Use the + import entry
Use the + import entry to select one or more files manually.
Duplicate names and conflicts
When a new card has the same name as an existing one, choose the option that matches your goal:
- Rename: keep both versions.
- Overwrite: replace the character definition while keeping related data where supported.
- Skip: do not import the duplicate.
Encrypted character cards
Some cards require a password. Enter the correct password when prompted. If decryption fails, the password may be wrong or the file may be damaged.
FAQ
Why does a downloaded image say “No character data found”?
Many social platforms compress images and remove metadata. Download the original card file or ask the sender to share it as a file.
Can I batch import encrypted cards silently?
Encrypted cards usually require confirmation or password entry. Behavior depends on the card and app version.
Why is a card format unsupported?
The file may not be a valid Tavern-style card, or the metadata may use a format Tavern Studio cannot parse yet.
Next steps
- Start Your First Chat: open a character and begin chatting.
- SillyTavern Migration: migrate existing assets.
- World Book Basics: bind lore to characters.