1. Go to the Voki website and click on the image of the torso under "Customize Your Character" to set the basic character profiles, such as shape, color, realism and so on. Click the "Clothing" and "Bling" tabs when applicable to add more features to your character. Click "Done" when satisfied and choose the method of recording sound. You can do it over the phone, via text/speech software, through a personal computer microphone or from a file on your computer. Click "Done" when satisfied, add backgrounds and players as desired and choose "Publish" to complete the avatar.

2. Go to Digimi and click on "Create Your Avatar." Download the file appropriate to your operating system and make note of the serial number provided. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the software on your computer. The software offers a free license in exchange for agreeing that you will tell two others about the program. Load up the program and click on "Tutorials" in the "Content" tab to become familiar with how to use it.

3. Try one of the pay options with a free trial, such as SitePal, which will let you experiment with the different programs available. Most sites such as SitePal still require a credit card number to use the trial. So if you don't want to be charged, make sure you cancel your subscription before it bills you. Pay options are generally the most realistic with the most customizable options.