Create realistic human models with Makehuman MPFB

Create realistic human models with Makehuman MPFB

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Installing Blender 3.6
3. Downloading the Metum MFB Plugin
4. Installing the Metum MFB Plugin
5. Installing Make Human System Assets
6. Creating a 3D Humanoid Avatar
7. Adjusting Model Variables
8. Rigging the Avatar
9. Applying Assets and Textures
10. Testing the Skeleton
11. Saving and Copying the Avatar
12. Conclusion

How to Install and Use the Metum MFB Open Source Human Generator Plugin for Blender 3.6 Blender 3.6 is a powerful tool for creating 3D animations, and with the Metum MFB plugin, you can take your creations to the next level by generating realistic humanoid avatars. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing the plugin, creating a 3D avatar, adjusting model variables, rigging the avatar, applying assets and textures, testing the skeleton, and even saving and copying your avatar for future use. So, let's dive in and explore the exciting world of Metum MFB and Blender 3.6!

1. Introduction Blender 3.6 and the Metum MFB plugin revolutionize the creation of humanoid avatars by offering a wide range of customization options. Whether you need an avatar of any ethnicity, age, body shape, or gender, this plugin has got you covered. With full rigging support and the option to use the rigify skeletons, creating stunning 3D avatars has never been easier. Let's begin by installing Blender 3.6.

2. Installing Blender 3.6 Before we can use the Metum MFB plugin, we need to have Blender 3.6 installed on our computer. If you haven't done so already, head over to the official Blender website (insert link) and download the latest version of Blender. Once the download is complete, follow the installation instructions provided by Blender to install the software on your computer.

3. Downloading the Metum MFB Plugin To download the Metum MFB plugin, you can find the download link in the video description of this tutorial (insert link). Click on the link and it will take you to the Metum MFB website. Scroll down on the website and log in using your Google account. Once logged in, you will see the download link for the plugin. Download both the MFB plugin and the Make Human system assets, as they are essential for creating humanoid avatars.

4. Installing the Metum MFB Plugin Now that you have downloaded the MFB plugin, it's time to install it in Blender 3.6. Open Blender and click on the "Edit" tab in the top menu. From the dropdown menu, select "Preferences" and then navigate to the "Add-ons" section. Click on the "Install" button and choose the MFB plugin zip file from the location where you saved it on your computer. The installation process may take a few moments, so be patient. Once the installation is complete, search for "MFB" in the search bar and make sure to enable the MFB plugin. Close the preferences window, and you should now have access to the plugin.

5. Installing Make Human System Assets The Make Human system assets are crucial for creating realistic avatars in Blender. To install these assets, click on the "Apply Assets" button in the Metum MFB plugin. Under the "Library Setting," select "Load Path from ZIP file" and choose the Make Human system assets CC0 zip file that you downloaded earlier. After a few seconds, you should see the assets loaded in the library settings. This includes skin assets, hairstyles, clothing options, and more.

6. Creating a 3D Humanoid Avatar With the plugin and assets installed, it's time to create your first 3D humanoid avatar. Press the "N" key to open the Metum MFB plugin sidebar. In the plugin sidebar, select the "MFB" tab and then click on the "Create Human" button. Choose the gender, age, muscle, weight, height, and proportion settings for your avatar. Once you have selected your desired settings, click on the "Create Human" button, and a 3D humanoid avatar will be generated.

7. Adjusting Model Variables After creating the humanoid avatar, click on the "Model" tab in the Metum MFB plugin sidebar. Here, you can fine-tune various model variables to customize the appearance of your avatar. From adjusting the forehead shape to modifying the gender, height, weight, and more, the Model tab offers a wide range of customization options. Experiment with different settings until you achieve the desired look for your avatar.

8. Rigging the Avatar To give your avatar the ability to move and animate, you need to rig it. In the Metum MFB plugin sidebar, click on the "Rigging" tab and then select the type of rig you want to use. The rigify rig is recommended for its comprehensive skeleton and animation capabilities. To add the rig, simply click on the "Add the Rig" button. You can undo this action by using the "Ctrl + Z" shortcut. Remember, the rigging step is still reversible, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different rig options.

9. Applying Assets and Textures Now that your avatar is rigged, it's time to add assets and textures to personalize its appearance. In the Metum MFB plugin sidebar, click on the "Operations" tab and navigate to the "Apply Assets" section. Here, you can add clothing, skin, eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes, hair, and more to your avatar. Use the corresponding "Load" buttons to select the desired assets from the library. Don't forget to explore different options and combinations to achieve the desired look for your avatar.

10. Testing the Skeleton To ensure that the rigging process was successful, it's essential to test the skeleton of your avatar. Click on the "Skeleton" tab in the Metum MFB plugin sidebar and select the "Pose Mode." You should see the skeletal structure of your avatar. By clicking on different parts of the skeleton, such as the jaw, you can manipulate the facial expressions. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the skeleton controls and experiment with creating different poses and expressions.

11. Saving and Copying the Avatar Once you have completed the creation of your 3D avatar, it's important to save your work. Click on the "File" tab in the top menu and select "Save As." Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the file and give it a name. Saving your avatar as a blend file allows you to easily access and modify it in future projects. Additionally, you can also copy and paste your avatar into other Blender projects. Simply select the avatar, use the "Ctrl + C" shortcut to copy, navigate to the desired project, and use the "Ctrl + V" shortcut to paste the avatar.

12. Conclusion Congratulations! You have successfully installed the Metum MFB plugin, created a 3D humanoid avatar, customized its appearance, rigged it with the rigify skeleton, applied assets and textures, tested the skeleton, and learned how to save and copy your avatar. With these skills, you can now unleash your creativity and bring your 3D animations to life using Blender 3.6 and the Metum MFB plugin. Enjoy the process, experiment with different options, and have fun creating stunning 3D avatars!

Highlights:

• Create realistic 3D humanoid avatars with the Metum MFB plugin for Blender 3.6
• Customize the appearance of your avatars by adjusting model variables
• Rig the avatars using the rigify skeleton for enhanced animation capabilities
• Apply assets and textures to personalize the avatars' clothing, skin, hair, and more
• Test the skeleton and experiment with creating various poses and facial expressions
• Save and copy your avatars for future projects or collaborations

FAQ:

Q: Can I use the Metum MFB plugin in older versions of Blender? A: The Metum MFB plugin is specifically designed for use with Blender 3.6. While it may be compatible with older versions of Blender, we recommend using the latest version for optimal performance and compatibility.

Q: Are there any limitations to the customization options for the avatars? A: The Metum MFB plugin provides a wide range of customization options, allowing you to create avatars of different ethnicities, ages, body shapes, and more. However, it is important to note that the plugin's capabilities are limited to the assets and variables available within the system.