UMA 3
UMA 3: A free, open-source Unity framework for customizable runtime humanoid avatars. Ranked #8 of 26 in 3D Avatar Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free runtime avatars in Unity.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree runtime avatars in Unity
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Avatar styleBoth
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runtime customization with bones, DNA, and blendshapes
- Modular clothing, accessories, overlays, and texture atlases
- Mesh combining and optimization for crowd avatars
Where it doesn't
- Platform coverage centers on Unity
- Requires Unity project integration
- Export workflows focus on rigging and source assets
Our verdict on UMA 3
UMA 3 is an open avatar creation framework for Unity projects, aimed at game developers building customizable characters, crowds, multiplayer avatars, and reusable avatar content. It generates customizable humanoids and supports adapting the system to other models. The framework combines modular meshes, clothing, accessories, overlays, DNA-driven deformation, blendshapes, and texture atlases. It is distributed as a free Unity package and an MIT-licensed source repository, with commercial use supported by the published category specifications.
Its strongest differentiator is runtime customization depth. Developers can change avatar shapes through bones, DNA, and blendshapes, while modular slots support body parts, clothing, and accessories. Shared clothing and accessories can work across compatible body shapes, and overlay compositing plus texture-atlas generation supports reusable character content. Expression and secondary animation tooling add further control, while mesh combining and avatar optimization target crowd scenarios. These features make UMA 3 a focused fit for projects where players or systems need configurable humanoid avatars during runtime.
The Unity ecosystem is central to the workflow. Installation is available through Unity Package Manager, with optional integrations for Unity Addressables and Unity FBX Exporter. The published specifications also list rigged exports, game-engine export, and formats including OBJ, FBX, ZTL, 3ds Max, and Blend. According to the vendor's published information, the documented workflow emphasizes Unity integration, rigging, and source-asset export rather than a standalone avatar pipeline. Choose UMA 3 when free, source-available runtime avatar generation is the priority; choose another option when broader platform coverage or a workflow centered outside Unity matters more.
UMA 3 pricing
All 1 UMA 3 plans and prices →
UMA 3 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Avatar style | Both |
| Export formats | OBJ, FBX, ZTL, 3ds Max, Blend |
| Rigged exports | Yes |
| Game engine export | Yes |
| Face tracking | Not verified |
| Commercial use | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Unity Package Manager, Unity Addressables, Unity FBX Exporter |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
UMA 3 integrations
UMA 3 lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Unity Package Manager
- Unity Addressables
- Unity FBX Exporter
Alternatives to UMA 3
- 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
UMA 3 vs the competition
- UMA 3 vs MakeHuman
- UMA 3 vs Daz Studio
- UMA 3 vs IMVU
- UMA 3 vs Reallusion Character Creator
- UMA 3 vs VRoid Studio
- UMA 3 vs FaceGen
Compare UMA 3 with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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