Can I adjust the number of polygons in the mesh ?

The FaceGen default model set includes three skin resolutions. You can also download other model sets such as the Aqua or Icarus sets, which were created for game titles.

Further, you can use any meshes you want with FaceGen using the FaceGen Customizer. So if you have a head mesh with several LODs and other accessories (hairstyles, helmets), these can all be put into FaceGen.

Can I adjust the resolution of the exported texture maps ?

Yes. Choose a detail texture (1024x1024 and 2048x2048 detail textures are provided with Modeller) or use the photofit, which will allow up to 4096x4096 (if you have a very large source image).

Is FaceGen compatible with Poser, Daz or iClone ?

Currently only Daz Studio 4, via FaceGen Exporter.

Can I specify an exact pose for the face ?

Yes, in the 'Camera' tab you can specify the pitch and yaw of the face.

Note that these sliders do not update in real-time when you move the face with the mouse; you must go to a different tab and return to see their updated values.

Can I export NURBS or Patch models ?

No, FaceGen can only output polygonal models. Of course these can be used as base meshes for subdivision.

Can I use FaceGen for my rapid prototype machine ?

Yes, however you will not always get the same level of unique shape detail that you get with an actual 3D scanning device. FaceGen relies on the texture image to complete the illusion.

To evaluate the quality of the underlying shape on your own photographs, use the PhotoFit in the demo software, then from the 'View' menu, turn off 'Texture Mode' and turn on 'Shiny'.

To evaluate the workflow, download the sample export of the rapid prototype mesh in your desired format and give it a try.

Are there any plans for hair generation ?

We will be gradually adding more hair models, but more importantly, you can add your own hair models using the FaceGen Customizer.

Are there plans for a BodyGen ?

Not currently.

Is there a way to modify individual features without affecting anything else even slightly ?

Not currently, this is a result of the way our statistics are calculated. To achieve exact indpendence you'll have to manually blend the changed region into the original image or model outside of FaceGen.

Are there plug-in versions for Max or Maya ?

No plug-ins are planned at this time.

Are there any plans for a Mac version ?

Not currently. However customers have had success running Modeller in a virtual PC on Parallels or Mac VM. PhotoFit performance may be affected depending on the virtualized OpenGL support. Try out the free version to see if this works for you.

Can I install my copy of FaceGen Modeller on my laptop and at home ?

Yes, with a single license you can have multiple copies of Modeller installed as long as only 1 copy is being used at any given time (it's a trust-based system).

Is there a way to automatically generate and export face models ?

Yes, Windows automation utilities such as AutoIt and AutoHotKey (both free) or Macro Toolworks (from Pitrinec Software) can do many types of automation tasks.

What ages are supported by FaceGen ?

The age slider in the Modeller gives a range of 15 through 65 years old. This is the range in which age can reliably be controlled by that slider control. The PhotoFit can do a good job with faces from age 12 onward. We have no near- term plans to extend this age range.

Can I make a movie such as an AVI using Modeller ?

Yes, you can use screen recording software such as the free evaluation version of TechSmith Camtasia Studio to record any application or any window within an application as you use it.

Can I use a sketch or drawing of a face with the PhotoFit ?

The PhotoFit is unlikely to give the best results with sketches or drawings, but you can try. It can only do its best with real images which are taken according to our guidelines.

How do I animate the face ?

FaceGen is a static face modelling tool. It provides morph targets for animations, but no timeline data or motion data. There are many tools available to animate faces. A few can be found here.

Are there any publications on how FaceGen works ?

FaceGen uses a similar approach to Volker Blanz's paper from Siggraph '99, although the implementation differs in the details, and much additional work has been done to add features and allow integration in the character-creation pipeline.

Why does the shape of the exported mesh appear different ?

Modeller by default uses a camera roughly several feet from the face. Many 3D modelling tools use an orthographic projection. To get the same look in Modeller, in the 'Camera' tab, under 'Projection Mode', choose 'Orthographic'.

How can I control the darkness of the the skin in isolation ?

There are two ways you can try. The first is to adjust the 'Skin Shade - Dark/Light' slider in the 'Colour' tab.

If this is not exactly the type of darkening you were looking for, you can make use of race morphing:

• Save your 'start' face.
• In the 'generate' tab, select the sub-tab of the racial group of your 'start' face.
• Use one of the 'Race Morphing' tabs to adjust the skin colour (and shape).
• Save this 'target' face.
• Load your 'start' face.
• In the 'Tween' tab, select 'Load Target' and load your 'target' face.
• Move only the Symmetry 'C' tab to take only the colour from the target face.

Is there a grayscale rendering option ?

No. However almost any image editor can convert an image to grayscale.