Animations are a fun thing to watch, no doubt. What’s even more exciting is creating them — even if it’s just your face.
Platforms like FaceRig help you create animations in an easy and fun way.
With FaceRig, you can digitally embody amazing characters, as long as you have a webcam. Plus, you can capture the performance as a movie or stream it to Hangouts, Twitch, YouTube, and so on.
Though FaceRig comes with its unique features, the paid version is quite expensive. Plus, the free version has limited features.
Here, we’ll look at the best FaceRig alternatives for creating animated characters. If FaceRig doesn’t work for you, you can easily pick any other software on this list.
1. iClone
iClone is an interesting FaceRig alternative if you’re a pro animation artist.
The software’s technology lets you create 3D animated videos and render them directly. You can also upload your videos on different social media platforms.
Features
iClone wouldn’t be on this list if it didn’t come with many exciting features.
3D Facial Animation
iClone lets you use motion key editing tools to create facial animations. You can use puppet emotive expressions and audio lip-syncs for animations.
The software also provides over 50 facial morphs. This allows for precise facial feature animations like eyes, cheeks, and mouths.
Character Generation and Animation
With this software, you can create stylized and realistic humanoid 3D characters for animation. You can also easily animate these characters using tools for body and face animation.
Content Resources
iClone gives you access to numerous ready-to-animate props, accessories, motions, and characters. This way, you can easily use various elements and props like trees and skies to create natural environments and interiors.
Video Compositing
The software lets you combine 3D scenes and videos with different effects and real-time playback. Even more, you can turn videos into billboards or use them as textures and backgrounds.
IBL, VXGI, and PBR technology also allows you to turn 3D scenes into photorealistic environments.
Import and Export Files
iClone allows you to export and import different 3D assets. The software supports assets like motion files, a skin-bone rigged character, animated props, static objects, and so on.
Extensive Plugins and Python API
With this software, you get access to tools for VFX and motion capture. The platform offers many plugins for expanding your toolbox.
Also, creative users can use Python scripting to add custom devices to the software. Plus, they can easily augment animation features.
Price
Alongside a 30-day free trial, iClone offers a single membership plan that starts at $149. This is cheaper compared to FaceRig.
Also, this pricing might change with time. Visit the iClone website for information.
Advantages
- Huge library of animations
- It allows you to import elements of scenes from a different format
- Easy-to-use interface
Disadvantages
- Clothing can be a bit complicated for non-standard figures
- Limited clothing options for characters
2. F-Clone
F-Clone offers you technology for recording individual movements and facial expressions. This is done in real-time and with a webcam.
The software also allows you to create avatars and share on platforms like YouTube.
Features
With F-Clone, you can access exciting features like direct avatar recording, DAZ studio compatibility, and much more.
Sound and Motion Recording
F-Clone allows you to record both sound and facial motion in real-time. All you need is your webcam.
Also, you don’t need any markers to record your sound and motion.
Direct Avatar Recording
The software provides you with over 15 background videos and character models. This allows you to record 3DCG videos directly for an original animation or YouTube video.
Motion Broadcast
F-Clone offers a WebSocket functionality that lets you transmit your facial motion data in real-time. This way, you can broadcast facial data via the internet.
The software’s WebSocket broadcasting function also lets you animate your models in real-time.
Cartoon or Real Mode
While creating an animation, F-Clone lets you switch between animation mode and real mode.
This feature allows you to create motions that fit your character.
Motion Parameter Modification
You can change motion parameters to fit your requirements. For instance, the software lets you maintain the direction of your head while everything else changes.
Multiple Format Support
F-Clone lets you export motion data in formats like PZ2, which is compatible with DAZ3D, CSV, and FBX. Plus, you can read the data to your preferred 3D software.
MotionBuilder
The software provides you with a Motionbuilder where you can read optical face motion data. You can also easily attach this face motion data to your character models.
DAZ Studio Support
F-Clone supports PZ2 data. So, you can import the PZ2 data and adapt motion capture data to numerous DAZ character models.
Price
Aside from its trial version, F-Clone offers three licensing plans, which are cheaper compared to FaceRig.
- Personal: $58
- Indie Developer: $134
- Business: $399
These prices may change with time. Please visit the F-Clone website for more information.
Advantages
- Numerous tutorial videos on how to use the software
- Supports multiple data formats
- Captures motion and sound in real-time
Disadvantages
- The free trial is limited
3. SparkoCam
SparkoCam is a web-based webcam supporting software built mostly for Canon cameras. The platform gives your default cameras additional functions, features, and effects. This functionality makes it different from FaceRig.
Also, with this software, you can apply live webcam effects to video recordings and chats.
Features
There are many great features that SparkoCam has. Turning a DSLR camera into a webcam for video recording apps stands out for me. But, here are some features you’ll come across with this software.
Video Recording
You can use this software to record videos from a USB webcam or DSLR camera. These videos can then be streamed later in video chats.
Green Screens
The software automatically changes green backgrounds to your selected background image in real-time. So, you don’t have to worry about changing your background while recording or in post-production.
Desktop Stream
SparkoCam lets you show your desktop screen during video chats or recordings. You can also broadcast your desktop screen through your webcam.
Multiple Face Accessories
With SparkoCam, you can bring a little more fun to your video recordings and chats. The software allows you to add visual effects to your webcam videos in real-time.
Anaglyph 3D Effect Support
While using this software, you can watch your video through an anaglyph. This way, you can enjoy stereoscopic 3D effects.
Animations and Image Objects
SparkoCam lets you include animations and image objects in your video. Even more, you can import images from your hard drive and create custom objects for your video.
Virtual Webcam
Even if you don’t have a webcam, SparkoCam allows you to share your videos through different chat apps. The software changes your DSLR camera to a webcam and lets you record and share your videos.
Split Webcam Videos
With this software, you can use a single webcam simultaneously for different apps. It could be for a video recording and a video chat app.
Price
SparkoCam offers three licensing plans. These include:
- Standard License: $69.95 and allows for one activation with free upgrades for a year
- Ultimate License: $99.95 and allows for one activation with all future upgrades for free
- Multi-User License: $179.95 and allows for up to five activations with free upgrades for a year
Advantages
- You can stream from different sources
- It allows you to use a single webcam for multiple apps simultaneously
- The platform is web-based
Disadvantages
- Does not support Mac devices
4. CrazyTalk
CrazyTalk is another FaceRig alternative if you’re looking for options for facial animation. The software provides you with multiple advanced features like auto motion engines, lip-syncing functionality, and 3D head creation.
Features
CrazyTalk has some unique features that make it a good FaceRig alternative.
Talking Avatar
With this software’s 3D face fitting technology, you can transform images into classic 2D and 3D heads. You can also use both side and front image profiles to synthesize a whole 3D head.
CrazyTalk also provides you with numerous multi-layer editing and 3D Vivid Eyes options. Plus, you can use size adjustment and neck length to give your animation a more accurate look.
Clothing and Weather Modifications
CrazyTalk lets you include clothes in your animations and also customize accessories. You can also change atmosphere settings like lighting, wind, and background.
Also, the software provides you with dynamic spring FX and soft-cloth physics. Even more, you can freely adjust clothing to fit different body shapes.
Facial Animation
CrazyTalk has a puppeteer feature that lets you use your mouse to control 3D and 2D actors. You can also access sliders and expression templates for muscle control and 3D motion key editing.
The software also has enhanced timeline editing tools for motion clips and specific part control.
Auto Motion
You can easily use your audio or voice files to generate facial and head movements automatically. Even better, the software provides you with 3D and 2D auto motion libraries for matching animation scenarios.
Also, you can fine-tune facial behaviors and control specific parts of your animation.
Multiple Formats Support
CrazyTalk supports different video and image formats, even up to 4K videos. You can also use alpha channels to export image sequences for your video’s composition.
Price
CrazyTalk offers a single pricing plan that starts at $99. This makes it a cheaper alternative to FaceRig.
This pricing is subject to change. So, visit the CrazyTalk website for more information.
Advantages
- You can import additional styles and characters
- Active online community
- Photoshop integration support
Disadvantages
- Steep learning curve
- Limited settings for exporting media
5. FaceFX
FaceFx is a robust FaceRig alternative that provides audio-based animation apps in different video games. With an audio file, you can chat to a 3D avatar.
Features
FaceFx’s unique features are what put it on this list.
Intuitive Animation
With FaceFX, you can access a workspace that lets you create a custom slider setup for your characters.
Interactive Targets
The software provides you with a Face Graph for setting up relationships between multiple targets.
Multiple Editing Options
FaceFX offers you a workspace and phoneme bar for fine-tuning your animations. You can also edit your characters from the software’s curve editor.
Price
This video animation solution offers two pricing plans.
- FaceFX Studio Professional: $899
- FaceFX Unlimited: Billed per project
These prices may change over time. Visit the FaceFX pricing page for more information.
Advantages
- Offers many editing options
- Supports different video games
Disadvantages
- It is expensive
6. MocapX
MocapX comes in handy if you want to create an animation with your iPhone. The software uses your data cable to connect your phone’s camera to your computer.
With your iPhone camera, you can easily change the facial expression of animated avatars. This alone makes MocapX different from FaceRig. You can also animate different character types.
Features
You’ll come across numerous features while using MocapX. So, let’s talk about them.
Real-Time Facial Capture
MocapX allows you to take advantage of your iPhone’s true-depth camera. You can see live previews of facial captures on your 3D characters.
Also, the software lets you record eye movements and track them.
Record to Local Devices
With this software, you can record facial captures offline. You don’t have to stream to AutoDesk Maya. Plus, you can save clips with audio and video and process them later in Maya.
Keypad Animation
You can animate characters with keypads, joysticks, and sliders. The software has a similar interface to a game controller or DJ equipment.
Multiple Facial Expressions and Head Positions
MocapX lets you add over 50 different expressions to your characters. You can add a smile, blink, or leave your character’s mouth open.
Custom Rig and Production Support
With the software, you can work with custom rigs in Maya. These custom rigs help you animate in Maya.
Multi-Character and Device Support
You can connect multiple phones with the software. This way, you capture the performance of multiple characters simultaneously and in real-time.
Pose Library
MocapX allows you to store expressions and poses for 3D characters. With this feature, your characters can match your expression properly.
Price
MocapX offers three pricing plans.
- Free
- Pay-as-you-go: $19 – $49.99, depending on your recording time
- Pro: $299 one-time fee
MocapX’s prices are subject to change. Visit their visit for more information.
Advantages
- You can test projects directly in Maya
- Offers Maya tools for setting facial expressions
Disadvantages
- The free version is limited
7. Blender
Blender is an open-source 3D platform. The software lets you change images to live-motion videos. Plus, you can access tools for the entire 2D and 3D pipeline like rendering, simulation, animation, rigging, and so on.
Features
Blender has many interesting features. But, in my opinion, the rigging feature is what makes Blender stand out.
Modeling Tools
Blender provides you with different modeling tools for editing, sculpting, transforming, and creating different animation models. You have access to tools like:
- Python scripting
- Bridge and grid fill
- N-Gon support
- Keyboard shortcuts
UV Unwrapping
With this software, you can easily unwrap meshes from within the platform. You can also paint customized image textures or use any of the software’s textures on your model.
Blender also supports multiple UV layers and lets you export UV layout images.
Animation Tools
Blender provides you with a character animation pose editor.
You can also perform non-linear animation for independent movements. Plus, you have access to inverse and forward kinematics for quick poses.
Rigging
With Blender, you can transform models into posable characters. The software provides you with rigging tools like:
- Mirror functionalities
- Colored groups and bone layers
- Weight painting
- Automatic skinning
Built-in Compositor
The software has a built-in compositor that lets you post-product your clips from inside Blender. With the compositor, you have access to a library of nodes for color grading, vignettes, and so on.
Also, Blender lets you render in layers and to multilayer openEXR files.
Motion Tracking
The Blender software comes with object and camera tracking functionalities. This lets you import raw clips, track them, and reconstruct camera movements. You can also mask specific areas in your 3D model without switching between apps.
This feature also gives you access to:
- Tripod solver and planar tracking support
- Real-time preview of clips and 3D scenes
- Manual and automatic tracking
Price
Unlike FaceRig, Blender is completely free to use.
Advantages
- Advanced modeling tools
- It is free
Disadvantages
- It has a steep learning curve
8. VUP
VUP allows you to capture faces and turn them into digital copies and characters. Also, with VUP, you can easily use facial expressions to move characters and customize them to fit your requirements.
You can also use VUP to customize animations in real-time from the software’s dashboard.
Features
VUP’s capture technology is its crown jewel. But, it won’t be right if we don’t talk about all its features.
Capture Technology
VUP supports precision sound capture and facial capture from Android phone cameras and webcams. Also, the software has built-in motion capture interfaces. This way, you can capture your motion data and synchronize it to your avatar in real-time.
The software also captures movements like fingers and arms and half-body and full-body motions. Plus, it supports motion capture models like:
- Kinect, Xsens, HTC VIVE, and Intel RealSense full-body capture
- ChingMu and Nokov optical motion tracking
Resource Cloudization and Customization
You can upload character models, actions, and props in different formats. Even more, the software lets you edit parameters for resource sharing, cloudization, and diversification.
Also, VUP supports different shots and shot transition methods. Plus, you can customize shortcut keys and emojis.
Multiplayer Support
VUP allows you to create online rooms, customize room settings, and join rooms. You can also create a multi-person live scenario online.
Barrage Interaction
VUP supports live streaming barrage interactions on multiple platforms. This allows you to turn gifts and barrages into exciting visuals using animation effects.
Price
VUP is free to use, which makes it different from FaceRig. But, you need a third-party VUP account.
Advantages
- Supports multi-person live scenarios
- It is free
- Supports different character formats
- Shape keys for creating facial gestures
Disadvantages
- Webcam tracking can be a bit slow
- No support for Zoom or Google Meet
9. Plotagon
Plotagon is an exciting animation tool available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Once you choose a character, you can easily start animating and customizing your videos. Even better, you can write lines that your characters will do or say.
Features
Plotagon’s interesting features are something we have to talk about.
3D Animations
The software lets you edit videos with 3D animations. You can also customize your characters. Plus, you have access to over 200 original scenes.
You can also create characters of yourself, friends, or celebrities and use them in your movie.
Easy Workflow
Plotagon provides you with tools for an easy workflow. The software gives you access to speech synthesis, animations, characters, and scenes.
Audio Effects
The software allows you to record your own voice and include it in your videos. You can also add background music and sound effects.
Price
Plotagon offers three pricing plans.
- Business: $49 per month
- Discounted: $7 per month
- Academic: $3 per month
Compared to FaceRig at $299 for the commercial-use option, Plotagon has cheaper pricing.
Plotagon is subject to changes with them. So, visit the Plotagon website for more details.
Advantages
- A variety of character customization options
- Fair pricing
Disadvantages
- Computer voices sometimes sound unnatural
10. Snap Camera
Snap Camera is an extension that gives your live streams the effects of Snapchat’s lenses. Being able to bring you the power of Snapchat’s lenses is what differentiates Snap Camera from FaceRig.
The tool has numerous face lenses to select from.
You can also react to game events, access lens studio community creations, and amplify your streaming persona.
Features
Snap Camera might sound like you’re using Snapchat, but it’s a lot more than that.
Multiple Gaming Lenses
Snap Camera offers multiple lenses that you can choose from depending on your mood, persona, and play-style. Your viewers can also unlock the lenses you wear.
Also, Twitch affiliate partners can drive channel subscriptions using Snap Camera’s lenses. You can choose lenses that activate when a viewer subscribes to your channel. This is a customized way of thanking your subscribers.
Customization
The software provides a visual programming tool that lets you change your graphical style. Also, you have access to a material editor for creating custom shaders. Plus, you can choose premade shares from the software’s materials library.
Multiple Tracking Options
Snap Camera provides multiple tracking features and options like landmark tracking and segmentation. This way, you can create different world scenarios.
Numerous Art Styles
Using machine learning, Snap Camera makes your lenses more intelligent. You can plug in any ML model and apply art styles to camera feeds.
You can also attach pictures to detected objects and use custom segmentation masks. Also, machine learning helps you understand your scenes.
Import Designs
Snap Camera allows you to design using your preferred 3D and 2D software and import your artwork to the software. This makes it easy to use custom designs to design animated videos.
Price
Unlike FaceRig which is a paid solution, Snap Camera is a free-to-use desktop app.
Advantages
- Neat Twitch-use case
- Simple interface
- Instant movie recording
Disadvantages
- Does not let you choose where to save images
Verdict: What’s the Best FaceRig Alternative
The FaceRig alternatives we’ve mentioned come with their unique features. But, iClone is my top pick here.
iClone is a fast FaceRig alternative that lets you create innovative face avatars. The software helps you create professional avatars using advanced technologies and features.
With iClone, you can easily incorporate 3D animation with a user-friendly and easy-to-use interface. Plus, you can create animated images using iClone’s character animation and generation features.
Also, with a pricing plan starting at $149, iClone is cheaper than FaceRig.
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