Learn How to Generate and Export 3D Faces from Photos using Facegen Modeler 15
Tutorial Facegen Modeler 15: How to Create Realistic 3 D Faces from Photos
Have you ever wanted to create realistic 3D faces from photos? Whether you are a 3D artist, a game developer, a researcher, or just a hobbyist, you might have wondered how to turn a 2D image into a 3D model. Well, there is a software that can help you do that: Facegen Modeler 15.
Tutorial Facegen Model Ler 15
Facegen Modeler 15 is a powerful and easy-to-use software that can generate 3D faces from photos, 3D scan data, or from scratch. You can use it to create realistic or stylized faces for various purposes, such as animation, gaming, VR, AR, 3D printing, etc. You can also edit the faces using over 150 controls, such as age, race, gender, caricature, expression, and accessories. You can export the faces to various 3D formats, such as Collada (DAE), Filmbox (FBX), 3D Studio (3DS), Maya ASCII (ma), Lightwave 6.x LWO2 (LWO), Wavefront (OBJ), Softimage dotXSI 3.0 (XSI), VRML 97 (WRL) or STL.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to use Facegen Modeler 15 to create realistic 3D faces from photos. We will cover the following topics:
Getting Started with Facegen Modeler 15
Generating a 3D Face from a Photo
Exporting a 3D Face to Other Formats
Tips and Tricks for Using Facegen Modeler 15
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to create your own 3D faces from photos using Facegen Modeler 15. Let's get started!
Getting Started with Facegen Modeler 15
The first step to use Facegen Modeler 15 is to download and install it on your Windows computer. You can download the demo version for free from the official website: https://facegen.com/demo.htm. The demo version has some limitations, such as a logo on the forehead, only a few hairstyles, and only two model sets. If you want to unlock all the features and benefits of Facegen Modeler 15, you can purchase the core, pro, or enterprise version from the same website.
Once you have downloaded the installer file, double-click on it and follow the instructions to install Facegen Modeler 15 on your computer. The installation process is simple and straightforward. You can choose the destination folder and the start menu folder for the program. You can also choose whether to create a desktop shortcut or not.
After the installation is complete, you can launch Facegen Modeler 15 by clicking on the desktop shortcut or the start menu icon. You will see the main window of the program, which looks like this:
The main window consists of four main parts: the menu bar, the toolbar, the viewport, and the tabs. The menu bar contains various options for file operations, view settings, help and support, etc. The toolbar contains buttons for quick access to common functions, such as import photo, generate face, edit face, export face, etc. The viewport shows the preview of the face in 3D. You can rotate, zoom, pan, and tilt the face using your mouse or keyboard. The tabs contain different panels for adjusting various parameters of the face, such as model set, texture set, hair set, shape controls, color controls, expression controls, accessories controls, etc.
Now that you have installed and launched Facegen Modeler 15 on your computer, you are ready to generate your first 3D face from a photo.
Generating a 3D Face from a Photo
Importing a Photo
The first step to generate a 3D face from a photo is to import a photo into Facegen Modeler 15. You can use any photo that shows a clear front view of a face, preferably with a neutral expression and a plain background. The photo can be in JPEG, PNG, BMP, or TGA format, and the size should be between 256 x 256 and 4096 x 4096 pixels. To import a photo, you can click on the Import Photo button on the toolbar, or go to File > Import Photo. A dialog box will appear, where you can browse and select the photo file from your computer. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the photo file onto the viewport. Once you have selected the photo file, another dialog box will appear, where you can adjust the alignment and cropping of the photo. You can use the mouse to drag the corners of the green rectangle to fit the face in the photo. You can also use the arrow keys to move the rectangle up, down, left, or right. You can also rotate the rectangle by holding the Ctrl key and using the arrow keys. The goal is to align the eyes, nose, and mouth of the face with the corresponding markers on the rectangle. When you are satisfied with the alignment and cropping of the photo, you can click on OK to import it into Facegen Modeler 15. You will see the photo displayed on the viewport as a background image. Creating a 3D Face
The next step is to generate a 3D face from the imported photo. You can do this by clicking on the Generate Face button on the toolbar, or go to Face > Generate Face. A dialog box will appear, where you can choose whether to use the default settings or customize the parameters for generating the face.
If you choose to use the default settings, Facegen Modeler 15 will automatically generate a 3D face that matches the photo as closely as possible. It will use the default model set, texture set, hair set, and shape controls. You can skip this step and go to Editing a 3D Face.
If you choose to customize the parameters, you will see four tabs: Model Set, Texture Set, Hair Set, and Shape Controls. You can use these tabs to adjust various aspects of the face generation process.
The Model Set tab allows you to choose which model set to use for generating the face. A model set is a collection of faces that represent a certain population group, such as Caucasian Male, Asian Female, African Child, etc. You can choose from the available model sets in Facegen Modeler 15, or create your own custom model set using Facegen Customizer (available in Enterprise version only). The model set you choose will affect how well Facegen Modeler 15 can match the photo.
The Texture Set tab allows you to choose which texture set to use for generating the face. A texture set is a collection of skin textures that represent different skin types, such as oily, dry, freckled, etc. You can choose from the available texture sets in Facegen Modeler 15, or create your own custom texture set using Facegen Customizer (available in Enterprise version only). The texture set you choose will affect how realistic and detailed the face looks.
The Hair Set tab allows you to choose which hair set to use for generating the face. A hair set is a collection of hair models that represent different hair styles, such as short, long, curly, straight, etc. You can choose from the available hair sets in Facegen Modeler 15, or create your own custom hair set using Facegen Customizer (available in Enterprise version only). The hair set you choose will affect how well Facegen Modeler 15 can match the hair in the photo.
The Shape Controls tab allows you to adjust how much Facegen Modeler 15 will try to match the shape of the face in the photo. You can use two sliders: Photo Match and Symmetry. The Photo Match slider determines how much weight is given to matching the photo versus matching the model set. The higher the value, the more Facegen Modeler 15 will try to match the photo. The lower the value, the more Facegen Modeler 15 will try to match the model set. The Symmetry slider determines how much Facegen Modeler 15 will try to make the face symmetrical. The higher the value, the more symmetrical the face will be. The lower the value, the more asymmetrical the face will be. When you are done customizing the parameters, you can click on OK to generate the 3D face. Facegen Modeler 15 will use the photo and the parameters you specified to create a 3D face that resembles the photo as much as possible. You will see the 3D face displayed on the viewport, replacing the background image. Editing a 3D Face
The final step is to edit the 3D face that you have generated from the photo. You can use over 150 controls to modify various aspects of the face, such as shape, color, expression, and accessories. You can access these controls by clicking on the tabs at the bottom of the main window.
The Shape tab allows you to change the shape of the face using sliders or numeric edit boxes (available in Pro and Enterprise versions only). You can adjust global parameters, such as age, race, gender, and caricature, or specific parameters, such as eye size, nose length, mouth width, etc. You can also use the Face Space slider to explore different variations of the face based on the model set.
The Color tab allows you to change the color of the face using sliders or numeric edit boxes (available in Pro and Enterprise versions only). You can adjust global parameters, such as skin tone, eye color, and hair color, or specific parameters, such as skin redness, eye brightness, hair saturation, etc. You can also use the Texture tab to apply different skin textures to the face.
The Expression tab allows you to change the expression of the face using sliders or numeric edit boxes (available in Pro and Enterprise versions only). You can adjust global parameters, such as smile, anger, fear, and surprise, or specific parameters, such as eyebrow raise, eye squint, mouth open, etc. You can also use presets to apply common expressions, such as happy, sad, angry, etc.
The Accessories tab allows you to add accessories to the face using buttons or numeric edit boxes (available in Pro and Enterprise versions only). You can add glasses, . The texture maps are the images that define the color, bump, specular, and transparency of the face. You can also choose whether to export the hair or not. The hair is exported as a separate mesh with its own texture map.
Setting the Export Options
Before you export the 3D face, you can set some options to customize the export process. You can do this by clicking on the Export Options button on the toolbar, or go to File > Export Options. A dialog box will appear, where you can adjust the following options:
Default Scale: This option allows you to set the default scale for all exports. You can choose from various units, such as meters, centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet, etc. You can also enter a custom value for the scale.
Default Rotation: This option allows you to set the default rotation for all exports. You can choose from various axes, such as X, Y, Z, etc. You can also enter a custom value for the rotation.
Default Translation: This option allows you to set the default translation for all exports. You can choose from various axes, such as X, Y, Z, etc. You can also enter a custom value for the translation.
Texture Map Export: This option allows you to choose the format and quality of the texture maps that are exported with the mesh. You can choose from PNG, JPEG, TGA or BMP formats. You can also choose the quality level from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
When you are done setting the export options, you can click on OK to save them.
Saving the Exported File
The final step is to save the exported file to a desired location and name. You can do this by clicking on Save in the export dialog box. A file browser will appear, where you can browse and select the folder where you want to save the file. You can also enter a name for the file. The file name will have an extension that corresponds to the format you chose.
When you have selected the folder and name for the file, you can click on Save to save it. Facegen Modeler 15 will export the 3D face to the file and show a confirmation message when it is done.
Congratulations! You have successfully exported a 3D face from Facegen Modeler 15 to another format. You can now use it in other 3D software and applications.
Tips and Tricks for Using Facegen Modeler 15
Generating Random Faces
If you want to generate random faces without using a photo or 3D scan data, you can use Facegen Modeler 15's randomization features. You can use two methods to generate random faces: using the Randomize button or using the Face Space slider.
The Randomize button is located on the toolbar, next to the Generate Face button. When you click on it, Facegen Modeler 15 will generate a random face using the current model set, texture set, and hair set. You can click on it multiple times to see different random faces.
The Face Space slider is located on the Shape tab, under the Global Parameters panel. When you drag it, Facegen Modeler 15 will generate a random face based on the position of the slider. The slider represents a multidimensional space of possible faces, where each dimension corresponds to a shape parameter. The center of the slider represents the average face of the model set, while the edges of the slider represent the extreme faces of the model set. You can drag the slider to any direction to see different random faces.
Using these methods, you can generate random faces for fun or inspiration.
Using Multiple Photos or 3D Scan Data
If you want to create a more accurate 3D face from photos or 3D scan data, you can use Facegen Modeler 15's multi-photo or multi-scan features. You can use up to four photos or scans to create a 3D face that combines the information from all of them.
To use multiple photos or scans, you need to import them one by one into Facegen Modeler 15, using the same steps as importing a single photo or scan. After you import each photo or scan, you need to click on the Add button on the toolbar, or go to File > Add Photo/Scan. This will add the photo or scan to a list of sources that will be used for generating the face. You can see the list of sources on the right side of the main window, under the Sources panel. You can also remove any source from the list by clicking on the Remove button next to it.
When you have added all the photos or scans that you want to use, you can click on the Generate Face button on the toolbar, or go to Face > Generate Face. A dialog box will appear, where you can choose whether to use the default settings or customize the parameters for generating the face. The same options as using a single photo or scan are available. When you click on OK, Facegen Modeler 15 will generate a 3D face that combines the information from all the photos or scans that you have added. You will see the 3D face displayed on the viewport, replacing the background image. Using this method, you can create a more accurate 3D face from photos or 3D scan data. Applying Skin Textures and Hair Models
If you want to change the appearance of the 3D face that you have generated or edited, you can use Facegen Modeler 15's skin textures and hair models features. You can use different skin textures and hair models to apply to the face, or create your own custom ones using Facegen Customizer (available in Enterprise version only).
To apply a skin texture to the face, you can click on the Texture tab at the bottom of the main window. You will see a list of available texture sets on the left side of the tab, under the Texture Set panel. You can choose from various skin types, such as oily, dry, freckled, etc. You can also create your own custom texture set using Facegen Customizer (available in Enterprise version only). When you select a texture set, you will see a preview of it on the right side of the tab, under the Preview panel. You can also adjust some parameters of the texture set, such as brightness, contrast, saturation, etc. When you are satisfied with the texture set, you can click on Apply to apply it to the face. You will see the face updated with the new skin texture on the viewport.
To apply a hair model to the face, you can click on the Hair tab at the bottom of the main window. You will see a list of available hair sets on the left side of the tab, under the Hair Set panel. You can choose from various hair styles, such as short, long, curly, straight, etc. You can also create your own custom hair set using Facegen Customizer (available in Enterprise version only). When you select a hair set, you will see a preview of it on the right side of the tab, under the Preview panel. You can also adjust some parameters of the hair set, such as color, length, thickness, etc. When you are satisfied with the hair set, you can click on Apply to apply it to the face. You will see the face updated with the new hair model on the viewport.
Using these features, you can change the appearance of the 3D face that you have created or edited.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we have shown you how to use Facegen Modeler 15 to create realistic 3D faces from photos. We have covered the following topics:
Getting Started with Facegen Modeler 15
Generating a 3D Face from a Photo
Exporting a 3D Face to Other Formats
Tips and Tricks for Using Facegen Modeler 15
By following this tutorial, you should be able to create your own 3D faces from photos using Facegen Modeler 15. You can also edit and export the faces to various formats for further use.
Facegen Modeler 15 is a powerful and easy-to-use software that can generate realistic 3D faces from photos, 3D scan data, or from scratch. It has over 150 controls to modify the faces, such as age, race, gender, caricature, expression, and accessories. It can export the faces to various 3D formats, such as Collada (DAE), Filmbox (FBX), 3D Studio (3DS), Maya ASCII (ma), Lightwave 6.x LWO2 (LWO), Wavefront (OBJ), Softimage dotXSI 3.0 (XSI), VRML 97 (WRL) or STL.
Facegen Modeler 15 is useful for creating realistic 3D faces for various purposes, such as animation, gaming, VR, AR, 3D printing, etc. It is also fun and easy to use for anyone who wants to create their own 3D faces from photos.
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and learned something new. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us at support@facegen.com or visit our website at https://facegen.com.
FAQs
What are the system requirements for Facegen Modeler 15?
Facegen Modeler 15 runs on Windows 7/8/10/11. It requires at least a Pentium IV processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card with OpenGL support.
What are the differences between the demo, core, pro, and enterprise versions of Facegen Modeler 15?
The demo version is free but has a logo on the forehead, only a few hairstyles, and only two model sets. The core version costs $299 and has no logo, additional model sets and hair, and export to 3D formats. The pro version costs $699 and adds all functionality found in Artist Pro and 3D Print Pro, numeric edit boxes for precise control of all sliders, export of all slider values to CSV file, and export of all face space basis coefficients to CSV file. The enterprise version costs $1,395 and includes FaceGen Customizer & Integration Tools and Redistribution License.
How can I upgrade from a lower version to a higher version of Facegen Modeler 15?
You can email support@facegen.com with your purchasing name for a coupon.
How can I get more help or support for using Facegen Modeler 15?
You can view the user manual, FAQ, discussion group, or contact support@facegen.com or call +1 416-932-9587 (EST / UTC-5).
What are some alternative software to Facegen Modeler 15?
Some alternative software to Facegen Modeler 15 are Blender, MakeHuman, ZBrush, Bforartists, VRoid Studio, etc. dcd2dc6462