diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index cc64b7732..20dc97c27 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -16,9 +16,21 @@ Since then I've gained a lot of skills both in Minecraft map development and in
 <!-- TODO upgrade to yarn 4? -->
 
 1. Install [`Node.js >= 16.10`](https://nodejs.org/en/download)
-1. Install [`Yarn 3.6.3`](https://v3.yarnpkg.com/getting-started/install) by running `corepack enable`
-1. Initialize the repo by running `yarn`
-1. Enable Yarn's Plug'n'Play with VSCode by running `yarn dlx @yarnpkg/sdks vscode`
+2. Install [`Yarn 3.6.3`](https://v3.yarnpkg.com/getting-started/install) by running `corepack enable`
+3. Initialize the repo by running `yarn`
+4. Enable Yarn's Plug'n'Play with VSCode by running `yarn dlx @yarnpkg/sdks vscode`
+
+#### Recommended Tools
+
+<!-- TODO(8): update this README with installation steps for the custom plugins when they are done -->
+
+Install the following apps:
+
+1. [Blockbench](https://www.blockbench.net/downloads) -- for 3D modelling
+   1. In Blockbench, go to `File > Plugins` and install `Animated Java`
+   2. Tip: use [blockcolors.app](https://blockcolors.app/) to get a representative vanilla block texture for a desired color
+2. [paint.net](https://www.getpaint.net/download.html) -- for image editing
+3. [DaVinci Resolve](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/event/davinciresolvedownload) -- for video editing / frame-by-frame video analysis (of the original fight in Undertale)
 
 #### Testing
 
@@ -30,3 +42,21 @@ Since then I've gained a lot of skills both in Minecraft map development and in
 5. Run the new profile in your Minecraft launcher to launch a (lightly) modded instance that's able to run `packtest`'s new commands designed for testing
    1. Try: `test runall`
    2. See `packtest`'s [README](https://github.com/misode/packtest) for full command documentation
+
+---
+
+### Adding a new model/animation
+
+1. Create a new Animated Java Rig via `File > New > Animated Java Rig`
+2. Enter inputs for the following required fields:
+   1. `Project Name`
+   2. `Resource Pack`: select the `pack.mcmeta` file located in the repository at `resourcepack/pack.mcmeta`
+   3. `Data Pack`: select the `pack.mcmeta` file located in the repository at `datapacks/omega-flowey/pack.mcmeta`
+3. Export your model/animations by clicking `Animated Java > Export Project` at the top
+
+When finished, ensure you partition commits into the following categories:
+
+1. `.ajmodel` + custom texture files ([example](https://github.com/TheAfroOfDoom/omega-flowey-minecraft-remastered/pull/55/commits/344c6da2d0676d2a6d358d5bf30df2e419458b77))
+2. automated export files when clicking `Animated Java > Export Project` ([example](https://github.com/TheAfroOfDoom/https://github.com/TheAfroOfDoom/omega-flowey-minecraft-remastered/pull/55/commits/ee471449e7e131b6c38129ddffb492769bf8064d))
+
+This ensures we split commits by what's 100% required (new custom textures + the `.ajmodel` files) and by what's automatically generated (`Export Project` files).