How to Create a Metahuman from a Photo: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Character Creation

Introduction: The Power of Photo-Based MetaHuman Creation

MetaHumans, created with Epic Games’ MetaHuman framework, are hyper-realistic digital human characters that are revolutionizing digital art, gaming, and virtual production by simplifying the deployment of realistic digital humans in real time. Traditionally, creating a lifelike 3D character required hundreds of hours from skilled artists, but MetaHuman technology reduces this to minutes or hours.

This guide explains how to create a MetaHuman from a photo, a workflow that uses reference images to accelerate character development. Starting with a photo allows for faster character design, closer likeness to real people, and consistent anatomy and texture details. The capability to convert a photo to a fully rigged 3D MetaHuman empowers both beginners and experienced 3D artists to realize their visions faster and more accurately.

Understanding MetaHumans and Their Role in Digital Storytelling

MetaHumans are high-fidelity, fully rigged digital human models with realistic facial expressions, body movement, hair, and clothing. Built from 3D scans of real people, they use only physically plausible combinations to avoid the “uncanny valley.” They can serve as digital actors in games, films, or interactive experiences, such as photorealistic NPCs or virtual hosts.

Optimized for real-time performance with up to eight Levels of Detail, they maintain high visual quality in close-ups and large crowds. Creators use them for visual effects, indie games, and VR/AR, adding emotion and authenticity to storytelling. The cloud-based MetaHuman Creator app with its intuitive interface allows users to craft characters by blending presets and sculpting features, enabling faster creation of diverse, believable characters for filmmakers and game developers. MetaHumans provide a powerful tool for character-driven storytelling.

The Technology Behind Photo-Based MetaHuman Creation

Creating a MetaHuman from a photo uses AI, photogrammetry, and machine learning with Epic’s character framework. Photogrammetry reconstructs 3D models from photos, and MetaHuman’s Mesh to MetaHuman pipeline converts these meshes into rigged characters. Machine learning tools, like KeenTools FaceBuilder and Daz3D Face Transfer, infer 3D shapes from 2D images, creating custom heads that are then “wrapped” onto MetaHuman topology using the Unreal Engine MetaHuman plugin. The MetaHuman Identity solve matches the custom head to the closest face shape in MetaHuman’s database, fitting the MetaHuman rig. Epic’s cloud service processes submitted meshes, applying a rig and MetaHuman DNA. This blend of photogrammetry and machine learning allows for creating digital doubles. Key tools and technologies include:

• MetaHuman Creator: Epic’s cloud app for creating and customizing digital humans.
• MetaHuman Plugin for Unreal (Mesh to MetaHuman): Converts custom 3D heads into MetaHumans.
• KeenTools FaceBuilder: A Blender add-on for creating 3D heads from photos, using AI-powered mesh alignment.
• Daz3D Face Transfer: Generates 3D faces from single photos by morphing a template.
• Other 3D Modeling and Capture Tools: Photogrammetry and modeling software for capturing and refining head meshes.

These technologies enable a workflow from 2D photos to a rigged 3D MetaHuman character.

Preparing Your Photo for Optimal Results

The quality of source photos significantly impacts MetaHuman realism. To capture the best reference:

Good reference photos will reduce later cleanup. Treat photo capture like a mini 3D scanning session with controlled lighting, neutral pose, and coverage of all angles. create your MetaHuman.

• Use High-Resolution, Clear Photos: Aim for sharp photos with visible facial details, avoiding motion blur or focus issues. Use high resolution for multiple images.
• Neutral Lighting and Even Exposure: Use soft, even lighting to prevent harsh shadows or blown-out highlights. Indirect daylight or well-lit indoor settings are ideal. A passport-style photo is preferred.
• Frontal and Profile Angles: Capture multiple angles, including front, 45-degree, and profile shots. 4-8 photos for FaceBuilder, and dozens for photogrammetry, are recommended. Maintain consistent expressions.
• Neutral Expression and Pose: Use a neutral, relaxed face with closed mouth and eyes looking straight ahead. Avoid smiles or frowns.
• Align with MetaHuman’s Requirements: Show the entire head shape, tying back long hair and clearing the face. Remove glasses or accessories. Facial hair is acceptable, but MetaHuman adds groomed beards/mustaches separately.
• Consistent Camera Settings: Use the same camera and lens, maintaining consistent distance and perspective. Use a longer focal length (50mm+) to minimize distortion.

Step-by-Step Guide: Method 1 – Creating a MetaHuman from Your Photo Using MetaHuman Creator

If you want to stick to just Epic’s tools, you can create a MetaHuman by manually using your photo as a reference in MetaHuman Creator. While MetaHuman Creator doesn’t have an “import photo and auto-match” feature, you can still achieve a convincing likeness by adjusting the character’s features to match your reference. This method is accessible to beginners and requires no additional software aside from a reference image viewer. Follow these steps:

1. Load Your Reference Image with PureRef: Because MetaHuman Creator runs in a browser or UE5 viewport and fills the screen, a separate reference image tool is useful. PureRef, a free, lightweight app, can pin an image on top of other windows. Load your portrait photo into PureRef and set it to stay always on top, optionally with transparency, for side-by-side or overlaid visual comparison with the MetaHuman. Align the PureRef window so the photo’s face is close to the MetaHuman’s face in the creator, enabling immediate visual feedback during adjustments.

2. Start from a Closest-Match Preset: Open MetaHuman Creator, accessible via the Unreal Engine website or Quixel Bridge, and select a starting character that closely resembles the photo’s subject in ethnicity, gender, age, and general face structure. Blending two presets can further refine the starting point. This provides a foundation with appropriate skin tone and proportions. For instance, for a photo of an older male with a long face, choose a MetaHuman preset with similar characteristics.

3. Sculpt the Face to Match the Photo: Use MetaHuman Creator’s controls to adjust facial features, either by dragging facial regions or using sliders for precision. Compare each feature with the reference:

• Head shape: Adjust width, forehead height, jawline, and chin, matching the silhouette to the photo.
• Eyes: Modify size, tilt, distance, iris size/color, and eyelid shape.
• Nose: Adjust bridge width, length, and nostril shape, matching the nose from front and profile views.
• Mouth and Lips: Adjust lip fullness, width, and cupid’s bow shape, ensuring mouth corners and expression match the reference.
• Eyebrows: Choose a similar brow shape, adjust thickness and arch, and set the color. Match the brow ridge shape.
• Ears: Adjust size, rotation, and lobe shape, using available presets.

Frequently rotate and check the MetaHuman from multiple angles. Matching the front view perfectly may distort the side view. Use a high focal length in the preview to approximate the photo’s perspective and compare from various angles. Small adjustments and comparisons with the photo are crucial for improving likeness.

4. Adjust Skin Complexion and Texture: After matching the shapes, refine skin details in MetaHuman Creator. Select a skin complexion preset that matches the person’s skin tone and adjust features like acne scarring, freckles, and skin aging. Simulate freckles or moles by adjusting the freckle parameter or adding “Spot” content. While precise mole placement isn’t possible in the Creator, approximate the overall skin detail level. Set the eye color precisely, using a color picker for accuracy. Select a teeth style that matches the person’s dental appearance if the character will show teeth.

5. Select Hair and Grooming: Select a hairstyle in MetaHuman Creator that closely matches the photo, adjusting the color and using available hair grooms. Match the hair color, including ombre or multi-tone effects. Choose an eyebrow style and color, and select facial hair. If the photo shows a beard, apply a similar MetaHuman preset and adjust its length and density. Matching hair and facial hair significantly enhances the character’s likeness.

6. Refine and Iterate: Step back and compare the character to the reference, taking breaks to identify discrepancies. Common areas for iteration include eyes (size, rotation), jaw/chin (pronunciation, width), and feature spacing (vertical positioning). Use MetaHuman Creator’s “Blend” mode to combine specific features from different presets, but use it sparingly to avoid losing custom tweaks.

This manual method, while not pixel-perfect, can achieve a close likeness by matching major landmarks. It ensures natural animation and appearance from all angles. It’s the simplest method without external software, akin to digital eyeballing. However, it requires a keen eye, is time-consuming, and may struggle with unique features. For many uses, it captures the photo’s essence. Once satisfied, save the MetaHuman and proceed to integration steps (exporting to Unreal).

Customizing Your MetaHuman: Features, Textures, and Details

No matter which method you use to generate your MetaHuman’s face, you’ll likely spend some time polishing the character to perfection. MetaHuman Creator provides extensive customization options to push realism further:

• Facial Feature Fine-Tuning: After automated MetaHuman creation, use MetaHuman Creator to fine-tune any imperfectly translated features. While the automated process achieves approximately 90% accuracy, manual adjustments to eye corner shape or lip thickness may be necessary. Check symmetry, as MetaHuman defaults to symmetry, and introduce intentional asymmetry for realism. Verify body proportions by selecting a body type and adjusting height and build to match the real person’s physique. Align the final character’s overall appearance with reality by choosing an appropriate body preset (e.g., thin, athletic, heavyset).
• Texture Refinement and Skin Details:MetaHumans have a limitation: they require using provided skin texture sets, preventing direct custom skin texture imports via the Creator. However, if using Method 2 (FaceBuilder), a custom facial texture generated from photos can be imported. FaceBuilder can export an “MH texture” aligned with MetaHuman’s UV layout, enabling application of the person’s actual skin details. To do this, use Unreal Engine’s material editor: after downloading the MetaHuman asset, override default texture maps (albedo, normal, etc.) with FaceBuilder’s generated maps. This transfers distinctive features, enhancing likeness beyond slider-based editing. If FaceBuilder wasn’t used, manual detail addition is possible: blending photo elements into the base texture using Photoshop or Substance 3D Painter (advanced retexturing) or simulating moles or scars using decals or makeup options in MetaHuman.
• Eyes, Teeth, and Hair Realism: Realism relies on details. Ensure MetaHuman eye shader settings (catch-light intensity, iris texture variation) align with your lighting. Choose the closest eye color, as mismatches affect likeness. For teeth, select the nearest dental archetype and adjust tooth color for a natural smile; replicating distinct teeth requires external modeling (advanced). Hair significantly impacts personality; test hairstyles if the exact one isn’t available, and adjust strand color variation for realism. Match eyebrow and beard color and style, combining presets as needed.
• Clothing and Additional Accessories:Though not the primary focus of face creation, appropriate clothing enhances the final MetaHuman render. In MetaHuman Creator, select an outfit and color that fit the character’s story, reflecting the photo character’s vibe (e.g., a leather jacket for a biker). Custom clothing import isn’t available in the online Creator but can be done in Unreal Engine later. Accessories like glasses, not yet in Creator, can be added as separate assets in UE. If the person typically wears glasses, add a similar pair to the MetaHuman in Unreal for completeness.

At this point, the MetaHuman should closely resemble the envisioned person or design from the photo, combining MetaHuman system strengths with reference features. Monitor performance when adding details, as unique textures or high-poly hair can increase in-engine load. While MetaHumans are optimized, custom elements must also be optimized (e.g., ensure custom textures have appropriate resolution). With a customized MetaHuman, explore automated methods using external tools for initial face creation, which can then be refined.

Method 2 – Using FaceBuilder and MetaHuman Identity in Unreal Engine

This method uses KeenTools FaceBuilder and Unreal Engine’s Mesh to MetaHuman for efficient MetaHuman creation from photos.

1. Generate a 3D Head Using FaceBuilder:
   • Gather 4-8 photos covering all head angles.
   • Install KeenTools FaceBuilder in Blender and load the photos.
   • Assign photos to views and pin landmarks, using auto-alignment.
   • Adjust the mesh to match photos from all angles.
   • Use “One-click texturing” with “MetaHuman compatible” UV mode.
   • Export the head mesh (FBX/OBJ) and texture map.
2. Import the Head Mesh into Unreal and Set Up MetaHuman Identity:
   • Enable the MetaHuman Plugin in Unreal Engine 5+.
   • Import the FaceBuilder head mesh.
   • Create a MetaHuman Identity asset.
   • Add the head mesh as a component.
   • Create a Neutral Pose frame and track the active frame, adjusting tracking markers.
   • Promote extra frames from different angles if needed.
3. Run the MetaHuman Identity Solve:
   • Click “MetaHuman Identity Solve” to fit a MetaHuman template to the custom head.
   • Inspect the A/B comparison and adjust markers/frames if needed.
4. Submit to MetaHuman and Download the Character:
   • Click “Mesh to MetaHuman” and “Auto-Rig Identity.”
   • Find the new MetaHuman in MetaHuman Creator and customize it.
   • Download the MetaHuman into unreal engine using Quixel Bridge.
5. Apply the Photo Texture to the MetaHuman (Optional):
   • Override the MetaHuman’s face material instance texture maps with FaceBuilder’s.
   • Adjust material settings and neck seam as needed.

This method, combining FaceBuilder and Mesh to MetaHuman, offers photorealistic results, preserving facial proportions more accurately than other methods.

Method 3 – Using Daz3D Face Transfer and Mesh to MetaHuman

If you have a single photo, Daz Studio’s Face Transfer offers a quick 3D face creation, which can then be used with MetaHuman Identity. While results may need touch-ups, it’s a viable option, especially for Daz3D users.

1. Create a Face with Daz Face Transfer:
   • Install Daz Studio and Face Transfer plugin.
   • Load the base Genesis figure.
   • Select a good quality, front-facing photo.
   • Choose the photo’s gender and generate the head morph.
   • Examine the result and adjust materials if needed.
2. Export the Head Mesh (and Textures):
   • Export the character as FBX, ideally just the head.
   • Use external 3D software (Blender/Maya) to isolate and clean the head mesh, removing extra elements like eyelashes.
   • Ensure the head mesh is watertight and centered.
   • Export the cleaned head as FBX.
3. Import into Unreal and Use Mesh to MetaHuman:
   • Import the head mesh into Unreal and create a MetaHuman Identity asset.
   • Add the head mesh as a component, promote a frame, and run the tracker, manually adjusting markers.
   • Click Identity Solve to fit the MetaHuman template.
   • Use Mesh to MetaHuman (Auto-Rig full MetaHuman) to send it to the MetaHuman cloud.
   • Open MetaHuman Creator and load the new character.
4. Refine the MetaHuman in Creator:
   • Refine facial features, skin tone, hair, and eye color.
   • Note that MetaHuman will use its own skin texture.
   • Advanced users can attempt to transfer the Daz texture using external software.
5. (Optional) Apply Additional Texture or Detail Adjustments:
   • Use 3D projection with external tools for texture transfer.
   • Use MetaHuman Mesh to MetaHuman or decals for specific details like tattoos.
   • MetaHuman’s high-quality shaders often suffice without the exact photo texture.

Daz Face Transfer is easier for single-photo MetaHuman creation but may produce less realistic results than FaceBuilder. FaceBuilder with multiple photos is generally preferred for photorealism, while Daz is quicker but requires more correction.

Advanced Techniques: Editing and Enhancing Your MetaHuman in Other 3D Programs

After generating a MetaHuman face, advanced users can further enhance it using traditional 3D software. Here are advanced techniques:

• Sculpting Refinements with ZBrush or Blender:
  • Export the MetaHuman head mesh and sculpt fine details like asymmetry, forehead ridges, wrinkles, pores, or scars.
  • Create displacement or normal maps and apply them in Unreal.
  • Limit sculpting to texture-bakeable details to retain rigging.
• Blendshape and Rig Customization:
  • Adjust blendshape behavior for custom facial features.
  • Use Control Rig and additive morph targets to tweak expressions.
  • Create corrective shapes in Maya or Blender and apply them via animation blueprint.
• Merging MetaHuman with Custom Bodies:
  • Attach a MetaHuman head to a custom body mesh (e.g., alien or stylized character).
  • Use tools like Wrap3D or ZWrap to fit the MetaHuman body to a custom mesh.
  • Adjust weight painting or bone positions.
  • Convert entire Daz characters into MetaHumans.
• External Texture Painting:
  • Use Substance Painter or Mari to paint directly onto the MetaHuman face model.
  • Project reference photos, paint out seams, add skin variation, or apply makeup.
  • Export texture maps and apply them in Unreal, maintaining MetaHuman material channel formats.
• Custom Hair and Clothing:
  • Create custom hair grooms using XGen or Blender’s hair system and import them into Unreal.
  • Model clothing in Marvelous Designer or Blender and skin it to the MetaHuman skeleton or use UE’s cloth simulation.
  • Model and add accessories like glasses and hats.

These techniques elevate MetaHumans to hero asset quality, but require careful work for compatibility and performance. Thorough testing is crucial after advanced modifications, especially for animation. getting it working inside Unreal Engine for animation and interactive use.

Integrating Your MetaHuman into Unreal Engine

Once a MetaHuman is created and customized, it’s integrated into Unreal Engine through Quixel Bridge.

Importing the MetaHuman to Unreal:

• Use Quixel Bridge to download the MetaHuman, which appears as a Blueprint (BP_) folder.
• Drag and drop the Blueprint into a level to display the character.
• Verify that textures and hair render correctly.

Rigging and Animation Setup:

• MetaHumans are fully rigged with a standard skeleton and Control Rig.
• Use Unreal animations, retargeting if needed.
• Facial animation options:
  • Live Link Face (iPhone app) for real-time motion capture.
  • Control Rig in Sequencer for manual keyframing or puppet controls.
  • MetaHuman Animator for audio/video-driven facial animation.
• Body animation via Control Rig or standard animation Blueprints.
• Mocap data can be retargeted to the MetaHuman.

Optimizing Performance:

• Utilize the 8 LODs for automatic detail reduction at a distance.
• Adjust LOD settings for balance.
• Use Optimized MetaHuman settings or medium-quality versions for performance.
• Simplify materials and use hair cards for distant LODs.
• Be mindful of the amount of Metahumans in the scene.

Physics and Collisions:

• Test and tune physics assets for hair and clothing to prevent clipping or jitter.
• Adjust hair physics for natural movement.
• Ensure the capsule collider fits for player character possession.

Testing in Your Target Platform:

• Test performance on target platforms (PC, console, mobile).
• Use medium-quality settings or reduce textures for mobile.
• Utilize Unreal’s Profiler to monitor performance.
• Disable ray tracing if it is too expensive.

Blending with Other Characters:

• Maintain consistent scale and lighting.
• Verify exposure, light resolution, and subsurface color for lifelike appearance.
• Ensure post-processing complements the MetaHuman’s realism.

These steps enable the use of photo-based MetaHumans in Unreal Engine for animation, interaction, and rendering.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with good tools, MetaHuman creation can have challenges. Here are common issues and solutions:

• Face Doesn’t Match Perfectly / Likeness Issues:
  • Identify the most off feature (eyes, jaw).
  • Check reference alignment and use a narrow FOV.
  • Add reference frames in Mesh to MetaHuman.
  • Use external sculpting for fine-tuning.
  • Compensate for system normalization by exaggerating adjustments.
• Texture Misalignment or Seams:
  • Verify “MetaHuman UV” export in FaceBuilder.
  • Tweak textures in Photoshop (healing brush, positioning).
  • Use Texture Projection in 3D tools for re-baking.
  • If using the free version of Daz, remove the watermark in an image editor.
  • Ensure normal map alignment.
• Mesh Artifacts or Errors in MetaHuman Identity:
  • Ensure input mesh has manifold geometry, is low-poly, and centered.
  • Close open mouths and ensure neutral poses.
  • Align imported mesh with MetaHuman template.
  • Manually place markers if auto-track is messy.
• Unreal Engine Compatibility Issues:
  • Match UE and MetaHuman versions.
  • Check for missing shader models (MetaHumanPresetBank).
  • Enable Groom and Live Link Face plugins.
  • Reassign AnimBP if migrating projects.
• Performance Problems:
  • Use Unreal’s console commands (stat fps, stat gpu).
  • Switch hair grooms to cards or lower binding count.
  • Use “Medium Quality” facial materials.
  • Disable ray tracing.
  • Reduce animation update frequency for distant MetaHumans.
  • Utilize Hardware LOD and texture streaming.
• Hair or Clothing Physics Glitches:
  • Configure Chaos physics asset for hair.
  • Check physics layer and weight painting for clothing.
  • Turn off cloth simulation if not essential.
  • Record physics simulations to animation for cinematic work.
• Community resources are invaluable.

These troubleshooting techniques help resolve common MetaHuman creation issues.

Industry Insights and Expert Tips

To master digital character creation, learn from professionals in game development, VFX, and 3D art.

• Start with the Best Data (Garbage In, Garbage Out):
  • Use high-quality reference photos.
  • Emulate professional photogrammetry setups with tripods, good lighting, and multiple shots.
  • Use AI upscalers to enhance single photos.
• Use Multiple References and Cross-Verify:
  • Gather multiple images for reference, not just the primary photo.
  • Check MetaHuman models against side photos to correct perspective issues.
  • Use a narrow camera FOV to mimic orthographic views.
• Pre-process Your Meshes and Textures:
  • Clean up scanned meshes by smoothing bumps and sculpting missing parts.
  • Bake diffuse maps onto cleaned meshes for accurate feature tracking.
  • Apply photo textures before MetaHuman Identity solve to improve marker auto-tracking.
• Leverage “Mesh to MetaHuman” with Careful Marker Tuning:
  • Enable additional marker curves for refined fits.
  • Manually adjust markers, especially around eyes and brows.
  • Use multiple Promoted Frames from different angles.
• Textures Are as Important as Shape:
  • Enhance automated textures with editing tools.
  • Increase resolution and paint back details.
  • Overlay high-res skin pore maps or scans.
  • Transform original photo textures to MetaHuman UVs.
• Future-Proof Your Workflow:
  • Maintain modular pipelines by saving intermediate work.
  • Re-run assets through improved pipelines when available.
  • Stay updated on evolving technologies.
• Collaboration and Feedback:
  • Seek feedback from colleagues or 3D communities.
  • Post comparisons and ask for tips on forums.
• Embrace the Limitations Creatively:
  • If a perfect likeness is unattainable, embrace the result as a new character.
  • Focus on creating believable characters, not necessarily perfect replicas.
  • Original characters avoid the uncanny valley.

Professionals emphasize good input, careful refinement, and deep tool knowledge. They adapt to evolving technologies and seek collaboration.

FAQ Questions and Answers

1. What is the easiest way to create a MetaHuman from a photo?
   MetaHuman Creator is the easiest option, but for more accuracy, Daz Studio’s Face Transfer (with Unreal’s Mesh to MetaHuman) offers a faster, automated method. KeenTools FaceBuilder (with Blender) provides the most precise results but requires multiple photos and Blender skills.
2. Can I use MetaHuman Creator without Unreal Engine?
   MetaHuman Creator runs in a browser without Unreal, but exporting, animating, and rendering require Unreal Engine via Quixel Bridge.
3. What software do I need to generate a MetaHuman from an image?
   At minimum, MetaHuman Creator (browser-based) is required. Advanced workflows use Unreal Engine 5, Blender + KeenTools FaceBuilder, or Daz Studio + Face Transfer. Optional tools include PureRef for reference images and RealityCapture for photogrammetry.
4. How do I refine a MetaHuman to match a photo perfectly?
   Adjust facial features manually, compare profiles, and use Mesh to MetaHuman for accuracy. Fine-tuning may require sculpting software like Blender or Maya.
5. Which is better for photorealistic results: FaceBuilder or Daz Face Transfer?
   FaceBuilder (Blender) offers superior realism, especially with multiple photos. Daz Face Transfer is faster but often requires texture fixes and shape adjustments.
6. Can I animate a MetaHuman after creating it?
   Yes, MetaHumans are fully rigged for animation in Unreal. Control Rig, Live Link Face, and MetaHuman Animator allow real-time expressions, mocap, and manual animation.
7. What are the limitations of MetaHuman Creator?
   No direct photo import (manual tweaks or Mesh to MetaHuman needed). Limited to human characters with predefined hairstyles, eyebrows, and clothing. No direct texture painting (only Unreal workarounds). Requires an internet connection and performs best on high-end hardware.
8. How do I fix texture misalignment in a MetaHuman?
   Re-project textures in Blender or Maya. Manually edit textures in Photoshop using UV maps. Adjust material blending and normal maps in Unreal Engine.
9. Are there any free tools for generating MetaHumans from images?
   Most tools, including Unreal Engine, Blender, and Daz Studio, are free, though some plugins like FaceBuilder require payment.
10. What are the best rendering settings for MetaHuman characters?
    Use Lumen (UE5) or Path Tracing for high-quality lighting. Enable cinematic scalability, high-resolution shadows, and subsurface scattering. Force LOD0 for close-ups and refine eye shaders for realism. Use Movie Render Queue with anti-aliasing, color grading, and motion blur for the best results.

Conclusion: Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Photo-Based MetaHuman Creation

Creating a MetaHuman from a photo bridges reality and digital art, enabling the creation of fully realized 3D characters through MetaHuman Creator, Unreal Engine, and photogrammetry. This streamlines character development, making high-quality results accessible to smaller teams and solo creators, capturing authentic nuances and personality from photos.

The guide covered manual sculpting, AI-assisted modeling with FaceBuilder and Daz, and MetaHuman’s rigging. Photo-based MetaHuman creation enables populating virtual worlds with real-life scans and rapid prototyping of digital doubles.

Experimentation is key, mixing methods like Face Transfer with FaceBuilder or sculpting on MetaHumans for hybrid workflows. Continuous practice enhances skills, revealing tricks for eyes and textures.

Making a MetaHuman from a photo empowers realism cloning into interactive mediums. Applying the guide’s techniques speeds up workflows and elevates character quality. Explore these tools, refine characters for uncanny realism, and enjoy bringing digital humans to life.

References & Additional Resources

• Epic Games Official Documentation – Mesh to MetaHuman Quick Start: Detailed guide on using the MetaHuman Plugin in Unreal Engine to convert a custom mesh into a MetaHuman​​dev.epicgames.com.
• Unreal Engine MetaHuman Documentation – MetaHuman Creator and Presets: Overview of how MetaHuman Creator works, feature limitations, and integration notes​​unrealengine.com.
• KeenTools FaceBuilder Official Guide: Instructions on creating a 3D head from photos in Blender and exporting MetaHuman-compatible assets​​keentools.io. KeenTools site also includes tutorial videos and example projects.
• Daz 3D Face Transfer Documentation/Blog: “Everything You Need to Know about Daz Studio Face Transfer” – covers how to use Face Transfer, tips for best results, and limitations of the free vs paid versions​toolify.ai​daz3d.com. (Daz3D Blog, Aug 2021)
• Unreal Engine Forums – MetaHuman Tips & Tricks Thread: Community-sourced tips for achieving better likeness, solving common issues with Mesh to MetaHuman, and advanced console commands for MetaHumans​​forums.unrealengine.com.
• 80.lv Article – Creating 3D Faces from Photos Using FaceBuilder: An interview with BigMediumSmall studio on their pipeline mixing photogrammetry and FaceBuilder, containing insights on capturing likeness under lockdown conditions (80.lv, Dec 2022)​80.lv.
• Photogrammetry to MetaHuman Workflow (Epic Developer Community): Guide by Epic on using RealityCapture (or other photogrammetry) to scan a head and then Mesh to MetaHuman​dev.epicgames.com. Useful for those wanting to go from real camera shots to MetaHuman.

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