Reallusion releases Headshot 3.0
Reallusion has released Headshot 3.0, the latest version of its AI-assisted head-generation plugin for its Character Creator software.
The release introduces a new, more accurate AI model for generating 3D heads from real-world reference photos, and new tools for manually editing the geometry and textures of the heads.
In addition, it is now possible to AI-generate a body for a 3D character from reference photos.
A separate paid-for generative AI toolset, AI Image Generator, makes it possible to generate source images from text prompts, or to edit photographic reference images.
An AI-driven tool for generating 3D head models from single source images
First released in 2019, Headshot can generate a 3D head model from a single photograph of an actor, using AI techniques to fill in parts of the head not visible in the image.
Headshot 2.0, released in 2023, added a separate Mesh Mode for converting imported 3D meshes, like 3D scans or digital sculpts, into Character Creator characters.
The resulting 3D characters can be used as digital doubles of actors in games or visual effects.
Headshot 3.0: new AI model for image-to-head generation
Rather than adding a new head-generation mode, Headshot 3.0 revamps an existing one, introducing a new AI model for generating 3D heads from source images.
It’s a proprietary model, trained on Reallusion’s “vast data set” of facial scans, and promises to deliver more accurate results than the original across a range of ages and ethnicities.
New tools for manually refining AI-generated head meshes
In addition, Headshot 3.0 introduces new ways of manually refining the automatically generated head mesh, in the shape of the Refine Face feature.
It makes it possible to adjust the overall shape of the head, or of individual features, by adjusting guide curves, as shown in the video above.
Reallusion describes a way to adjust features that need more precise alignment, like double eyelids and nasolabial folds.
There are also 58 preset facial morphs “designed to enhance depth and highlight unique features” that can be applied using a slider to control intensity.
New tools for refining AI-generated facial textures
New options for editing the textures Headshot generates for the 3D head include DeLight for removing baked-in lighting carried over from the source image, and a skin redness control.
There are also now separate Primary and Secondary controls for the normal map, for macro details like muscles and wrinkles, and micro details like pores.
A new Blend Mask system controls where the textures are applied to the head, making it possible to mask out unwanted elements from the source image, like scars or blemishes, using the new Mask Brush Tool.
Generate full-body characters matching reference photos
In addition, Headshot can now AI-generate entire 3D characters, not just head shapes.
Whereas in previous releases, you just chose a body from a set of presets, Headshot 3.0 can generate a body shape matching reference photos.
New paid-for generative AI toolset based on Nano Banana
Headshot 3.0 also makes it possible to dispense entirely with real-world photos, introducing a new generative AI toolset for generating synthetic reference images from text prompts.
Perhaps more significantly, is also possible to use the AI Image Generator to modify existing images, as shown in the image above.
That includes fixing a lot of issues that make it difficult to use reference photos for head generation, like the subject not facing the camera, or not having a neutral facial expression.
Unlike the AI model for head generation, which is free and runs locally, the AI Image Generator is based on Google’s Nano Banana, and consumes online credits when you use it.
Generating a 2K image uses 15 DA Points – Reallusion’s online currency – while generating a 4K image consumes 30 DA Points: roughly equivalent to $0.30.
Paid add-on Headshot 1000+ also updated
Outside the core plugin, Headshot 1000+, the $99 add-on pack of facial morphs, gets 400 more morphs, and becomes Headshot 1400+.
Price and system requirements
Headshot 3.0 is compatible with Character Creator 5. A perpetual license costs $199.
Character Creator itself is available for 64-bit Windows 7+. A perpetual license costs $299. Subscriptions start at $29/month or $99/year.
Read more about Headshot on Reallusion’s website
Read more about Headshot 3.0 the online documentation
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