Creating 3D Head Models From a Simple Phone Scan: The Best Digital Human Scanners and Avatar Creators

Creating 3D Head Models from Photos: Top Tools

The ability to create lifelike 3D head models from photos is no longer a niche skill. Advances in 3D head scan technology, digital human scanners, and AI-powered tools have made it possible for anyone—from game developers to hobbyists—to produce realistic 3D avatars in minutes. Below, we explore the top tools for automatically creating 3D headshots and avatars from photos, helping you choose the perfect solution for your needs.

1. Copresence

Copresence uses advanced 3D head scanning to create photorealistic 3D avatars from simple phone scans. Tailored for real-time applications like gaming, XR/AR/VR, and digital art, it delivers unparalleled quality in seconds.

Pros:

  • Creates hyper-realistic 3D headshots with high fidelity and photorealism.
  • Easy export to Unreal Engine (as a MetaHuman), Blender, Unity, and other platforms.
  • Animation-ready avatars with Blendshapes and fully rigged setups.
  • Free trial available for 1 month to test its quality.

Cons:

  • No Android app yet; available only on iOS.
  • Limited to head avatars (full-body available via MetaHuman integration).

Best For: Professionals who need quick, high-quality avatars with exceptional mesh, textures, and hair.
Website: https://www.copresence.tech/

Copresence

2. Avaturn

Avaturn transforms selfies into realistic 3D avatars, combining digital human scanning and extensive customization options for diverse applications, including gaming, AR/VR, and identity management.

Pros:

  • Automatically creates 3D head scans with good photorealism.
  • Offers thousands of customization options for faces, outfits, and features.
  • Export-ready for integration into 3D environments.
  • Animation-ready avatars for immediate use in projects.

Cons:

  • Limited morph target control (e.g., eyes, mouth).
  • Sub-par likeness and photorealism; no personalized hair styles

Best For: Professionals seeking fast, customizable 3D headshot solutions.
Website: https://www.avaturn.com/

Avaturn

3. Ready Player Me

Ready Player Me is a versatile avatar creator designed for generating stylized characters from photos. It’s widely used for gaming, virtual worlds, and other digital applications.

Pros:

  • Free to use, making it accessible for all users.
  • Automatically generates stylized avatars from photo uploads with ease.
  • Seamlessly integrates with Mixamo animations.
  • Lightweight assets ready for gaming.
  • Compatible with platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine.

Cons:

  • Limited to stylized characters; not ideal for photorealistic 3D avatars.

Best For: Casual creators and game developers looking for fun, stylized avatars.
Website: https://www.readyplayer.me/

Ready Player Me

4. FaceBuilder for Blender (KeenTools)

FaceBuilder is a powerful Blender add-on for crafting realistic 3D head scans from photos in a manual step-by-step process.

Pros:

  • Produces highly realistic geometry and textures.
  • AI-powered mesh alignment simplifies the modeling process.
  • Works with single or multiple images for enhanced accuracy.
  • One-click texturing ensures detailed results.

Cons:

  • Requires familiarity with Blender for best results.
  • Focused only on head modeling, without full-body capabilities.
  • No hair, neither mesh-based, haircard-based or strand-based
  • No fully automated workflow.

Website: https://keentools.io/products/facebuilder-for-blender

Keentools

5. Headshot 2 (Reallusion)

Headshot 2 leverages AI to transform photos into detailed 3D headshots that are animation-ready for other Reallusion tools.

Pros:

  • Supports up to 4K resolution textures for enhanced realism.
  • Fully rigged models enable seamless animation.
  • Advanced morphing tools allow precise adjustments.
  • Handles diverse human profiles with customizable textures.

Cons:

  • Requires paid software (Character Creator and iClone) for full functionality.
  • No hair, neither mesh-based, haircard-based or strand-based

Best For: Professional animators and developers working in the Reallusion ecosystem.
Website: https://www.reallusion.com/

Reallusion

6. MetaHuman Creator (Epic Games)

MetaHuman Creator offers a cloud-based platform for creating hyper-realistic digital humans, though it lacks a 3D head scan workflow.

Pros:

  • Produces fully rigged, highly detailed models.
  • User-friendly for non-technical creators.
  • Integrates directly with Unreal Engine for motion capture and animation.

Cons:

  • No direct support for creating 3D headshots from photos.
  • Requires an Epic Games account and a stable internet connection.

Best For: Unreal Engine users needing photorealistic digital humans.
Website: https://metahuman.unrealengine.com/

MetaHuman Creator (Epic Games)

7. MakeHuman

MakeHuman is a free, open-source tool for creating 3D human models, though it’s less suited for photorealistic 3D head scans.

Pros:

  • Free and open-source, with no upfront costs.
  • Intuitive interface for beginners.
  • Plugins available for added functionality.

Cons:

  • Limited photorealism compared to advanced tools.
  • Requires additional assets for more realistic results.

Best For: Beginners exploring 3D avatar creation on a budget.
Website: http://www.makehumancommunity.org/

MakeHuman

Conclusion

When selecting a digital human scanner or avatar creator, consider your specific needs, project scope, and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:

  • Best for Photorealistic 3D Headshots: Copresence
  • Best Full-Body Avatars: Avaturn
  • Best for Stylized Characters: Ready Player Me
  • Best for Creative Control: FaceBuilder (KeenTools) and MetaHuman Creator
  • Best for Bulk Avatar Creation: MakeHuman

Each tool offers unique features to fit different project requirements, from casual hobbyist needs to professional-grade workflows. With the right choice, you’ll be well-equipped to create stunning 3D head scans, avatars, and digital humans.