FaceGen
FaceGen: A specialized Windows tool for photographic 3D head generation and production exports. Ranked #6 of 26 in 3D Avatar Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: From $300; best for specialized photographic 3D head generation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFrom $300
- Best forSpecialized photographic 3D head generation
- Avatar styleHuman
- Founded1998 · Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Generates heads from photos, random parameters, or 3D scan data
- More than 150 facial controls plus expressions and FACS blendshapes
- Exports meshes and textures for Unity and major 3D tools
Where it doesn't
- Desktop Modeller runs on Windows
- Focuses on human heads rather than full-body avatars
- Paid licenses start at a $300 one-time price
Our verdict on FaceGen
FaceGen creates realistic 3D human head models from photographs, random generation, or 3D scan data. It is designed for artists, animators, game and avatar developers, 3D printing workflows, research tools, and software teams that need controllable human facial assets. The tool supports age, race, gender, caricature, facial shape, skin texture, and expression adjustments, with more than 150 facial controls. Its focus is specialized: it creates heads and faces rather than a broad full-body avatar system.
The pricing is organized around one-time licenses. Demo is an evaluation version. Core costs $300 and adds 3D format export. Pro costs $900 and adds additional model sets and hair, Daz Genesis export, CSV exports, and numeric controls. Enterprise costs $2,900 and adds custom mesh integration tools, command-line automation, and ownership of exported models for product distribution. This structure suits buyers who prefer a perpetual license and need increasingly advanced export, automation, or distribution rights rather than subscription billing.
FaceGen offers a wide production-oriented export set, including DAE, FBX, 3DS, MA, LWO, OBJ, XSI, WRL, and STL for meshes, plus PNG, JPEG, TGA, and BMP for texture maps. Integrations include Unity, Blender, 3ds Max, and Daz Studio, while custom head meshes and UV layouts can be integrated. The main trade-offs are its Windows desktop requirement, head-only emphasis, and absence of AI features. Choose FaceGen for controlled photographic or scan-based human head generation and established 3D pipelines; choose another tool if you need cross-platform access, full-body avatars, or a broader avatar-creation scope.
FaceGen pricing
All 4 FaceGen plans and prices →
FaceGen fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Avatar style | Human |
| Export formats | DAE, FBX, 3DS, MA, LWO, OBJ, XSI, WRL, STL, PNG, JPEG, TGA, BMP |
| Rigged exports | Not verified |
| Game engine export | Yes |
| Face tracking | Not verified |
| Commercial use | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Unity, Blender, 3ds Max, Daz Studio |
| Pricing | From $300 (source) |
| Website | facegen.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
FaceGen integrations
FaceGen lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Unity
- Blender
- 3ds Max
- Daz Studio
Alternatives to FaceGen
- MakeHumanA free, detailed character generator for artists who need parametric human models.9.0
- Daz StudioA free desktop suite for creating, animating, simulating, and rendering 3D characters.8.2
- IMVUA social avatar platform with creator tools, virtual products, and Shop monetization.7.7
See all FaceGen alternatives →
FaceGen vs the competition
- FaceGen vs MakeHuman
- FaceGen vs Daz Studio
- FaceGen vs IMVU
- FaceGen vs Reallusion Character Creator
- FaceGen vs VRoid Studio
- FaceGen vs Human Generator
Compare FaceGen with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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