Create 3D characters with MakeHuman

Blender on the Outside

MakeHuman is closely integrated with Blender. Blender is used to extend MakeHuman functionality and for animating the figure (Figure 6). These extensions can be downloaded from the MakeHuman webpage. Move the unzipped files into the proper directory in the Blender installation:

/home/$user/.blender/$version/scripts/addons

The extensions are then integrated in the corresponding Blender menus.

Figure 6: Integrating with Blender provides comprehensive design enhancements and sophisticated animation options.

Apart from the MakeWalk plugin for animating the MakeHuman figure, there's also MakeClothes for further clothing design. Generally, this process works without the plugin, but MakeClothes helps make better clothing fittings and provides basic form functions necessary for the clothes to look aesthetically pleasing and to move well with the animated figure.

Another tool is MakeTarget, which lets you apply polygonal meshes in Blender for morphing detail-based forms, such as noses and ears, in addition to the ones made in MakeHuman.

With the MHX Importer, you prepare the MakeHuman files for export to Blender. Because of their common Python base, the exchange between MakeHuman and Blender is more comprehensive than between standard transfer formats. The integration provides more possibilities and makes things easier for users.

Models for Everyone

With MakeHuman even beginners can quickly create human-like models for further processing in 3D or 2D programs. Only a few settings are needed to determine basic human features. Sliders are designed not to exceed realistic values; you won't be able to create Hulk-like figures or faces with noses like that of Pinocchio, for example. MakeHuman's strengths complement those of Blender, which works in both directions.

In MakeHuman, you can create basic structures and clothing, and the models are exported to Blender to bring them to life. Unfortunately, the project download pages don't provide enough options – only a few clothing possibilities and one figure model – which is unusual for an open source project. Apparently MakeHuman needs to make more of a name for itself, so more people collaborate in making more options. We are happy to help.