What Metahuman Creator is and how to turn it on

Metahuman Creator is a free web-based tool from Epic Games that generates photorealistic 3D human characters. You do not download or install software — you open it in a web browser, customize a character's face, body, clothing, and hair, then export the finished model to use in game engines, animation software, or other 3D projects.

To use it, you need an Epic Games account (also free), a web browser that supports the tool, and enough time to work through the character customization interface. The process takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how detailed you want your character to be.

Key Takeaways

  • Metahuman Creator runs in your web browser at metahuman.unrealengine.com and requires an Epic Games account, which you can create for free.
  • You customize a character by adjusting face shape, skin tone, eyes, hair, clothing, and body proportions using sliders and preset options.
  • Once your character is finished, you download it as a file compatible with Unreal Engine, Maya, Blender, or other 3D software.
  • The tool works best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge on Windows, Mac, or Linux — older browsers or mobile devices may have performance issues.

Creating an Epic Games account

Go to www.epicgames.com and click the Sign Up button in the top right corner. Enter your email address, create a password, and choose a display name. Epic will send you a confirmation email — click the link to verify your account.

Once your account is active, you can sign into Metahuman Creator using those same credentials. You do not need to own Unreal Engine or any other Epic software to use Metahuman Creator — the account alone is enough.

Opening Metahuman Creator and starting a character

Navigate to metahuman.unrealengine.com in your web browser. Click the Sign In button and enter your Epic Games email and password. The page will load the character creation interface.

You will see a default human character on screen. To start fresh, click Create New Character or select one of the preset starting templates (Male, Female, or Child). The interface will load a base character that you can then customize. This usually takes 10 to 20 seconds depending on your internet connection.

Customizing face and head features

The left side of the screen shows categories: Head, Face, Eyes, Eyebrows, Nose, Mouth, Ears, and Hair. Click each category to reveal sliders and options. Adjusting a slider changes that feature in real time on the character model in the center of the screen.

For example, under Head you can change head shape, head size, and jaw width. Under Face you can adjust skin tone, age appearance, and facial structure. Under Eyes you can pick eye color, eye shape, and eye size. Most categories also include preset options — click a thumbnail to apply a preset, then fine-tune it with sliders if you want.

The character updates instantly as you make changes, so you can see exactly how each adjustment looks before moving on. There is no limit to how many times you can undo or restart.

Adding clothing, hair, and body details

Scroll down in the left panel to find Clothing, Hair, and Body sections. Under Clothing, you can choose a preset outfit (casual, formal, athletic, etc.) and then adjust colors and fit. Hair lets you pick a hairstyle and color. Body lets you adjust height, weight, muscle tone, and body shape.

Each section works the same way: select a preset, then use sliders to customize it further. You can also toggle individual clothing items on or off — for example, remove a jacket but keep the shirt underneath, or add glasses or facial hair.

Downloading your finished character

Once you are happy with your character, look for a Download or Export button (usually in the top right or bottom of the interface). Click it and choose your export format. Metahuman Creator offers downloads compatible with Unreal Engine 5, Unreal Engine 4, Maya, Blender, and other 3D software.

Select the format that matches the software you plan to use. The download will be a .zip file containing the character model, textures, and metadata. Save it to your computer and extract the folder. You can then import the character into your chosen software following that software's import instructions.

If you are not sure which format to choose, Unreal Engine 5 is the most straightforward option — the character will import with all materials and animations already set up. Other formats may require additional setup in the destination software.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the character creation interface does not load or runs slowly, try refreshing the page or switching to a different browser. Metahuman Creator works best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Internet Explorer and very old browser versions may not work at all.

If you cannot sign in, make sure your Epic Games account email is verified. Check your email inbox (and spam folder) for the verification message from Epic. If you forgot your password, use the Forgot Password link on the sign-in page to reset it.

If the download fails or the file is corrupted, try downloading again. If the problem persists, clear your browser cache and cookies, then try once more. If you still have trouble, you can contact Epic Games support through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Metahuman Creator?

No. Metahuman Creator is free to use. You only need a free Epic Games account. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs to create and download characters.

Can I use my downloaded character commercially?

Yes, you own the characters you create and can use them in commercial projects, games, films, or other work. Check Epic's terms of service for the most current licensing details, but personal and commercial use are both allowed.

What if I want to edit my character after downloading it?

You can re-open Metahuman Creator, sign in, and create a new version of your character with different features. However, you cannot load a previously downloaded file back into the web tool to edit it — you would need to recreate it or edit the 3D model directly in software like Blender or Maya.

Does Metahuman Creator work on mobile devices or tablets?

The tool is designed for desktop and laptop browsers. Mobile and tablet performance is poor or unsupported. Use a computer with a keyboard and mouse for the best experience.

What 3D software can I import my character into?

Metahuman Creator supports Unreal Engine 5, Unreal Engine 4, Maya, Blender, and other software that accepts standard 3D file formats. The download includes multiple format options — choose the one that matches your software.