MakeHuman
makehumancommunity.org
What it is
MakeHuman creates customizable 3D human characters by blending adjustable features on a base mesh. Character targets let users alter traits from sex and muscle tone to earlobe shape. A built-in downloader provides access to community assets, and the application includes a render engine and parametric modeling. Meshes can be exported in Collada (DAE), FBX, Wavefront OBJ, STL, and Ogre3D formats; projects can also be saved in MHM format. Exporting meshes is one-way: MakeHuman cannot open those exported formats again. BVH is the listed rig format, and the documentation says MakeHuman 1.1.0 does not officially support animation inside the application. For Blender workflows, MPFB can communicate directly with MakeHuman instead of depending on file exports. It runs as desktop software on Linux, macOS, and Windows. The plan is free. The site says core assets including the base mesh, targets, and skins are CC0, with no paywall or email requirement for downloading.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- MakeHuman creates customizable 3D human characters by blending adjustable features on a base mesh.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Platforms
- The installation guide provides instructions for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux; Linux instructions describe a PPA for Debian derivatives or running from source on other distributions.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Free plan
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Support
- The project README directs usage questions to its forum and asks users to report bugs through the GitHub issues section.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- 3D print export
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Animation tools
- NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Asset downloads
- The built-in asset downloader lets users browse, search, and download community assets from inside MakeHuman.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Blender integration
- MakeHuman supports a Blender workflow through MPFB, which can communicate directly with MakeHuman instead of relying on file exports.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Character modeling
- Character targets can be blended to vary features from sex and muscle tone to the shape of an earlobe.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Export formats
- Mesh export formats include Collada (DAE), FBX, Wavefront OBJ, STL, and Ogre3D.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Export limitation
- MakeHuman cannot read its exported mesh formats back in, so export is a one-way transfer; projects can also be saved in MHM format.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- License and output
- The site states there are no hidden paid features or paywall and says core assets such as the base mesh, targets, and skins are shared under CC0.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Parametric modeling
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Platform access
- desktopRead 21 Sep 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Privacy at download
- The site states that an email address is not required to download the software.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Render engine
- built-inRead 21 Sep 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- Rig export
- BVH is the rig format listed, and the documentation says MakeHuman 1.1.0 does not officially support model animation within the application.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
- System requirements
- The installation guide calls for about half a gigabyte of free disk space and a graphics card supporting GLSL 1.2 or above for some real-time materials and the internal rendering engine.Read 3 Oct 2026 · static.makehumancommunity.org
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Character features can be blended across many targets.
- Built-in downloader accesses community assets.
- Exports include DAE, FBX, OBJ, STL, and Ogre3D.
- MPFB can communicate directly with MakeHuman.
- Free plan; no email required to download.
Limits
- Mesh export cannot be read back into the app.
- Animation is not officially supported within version 1.1.0.
- Requires about half a gigabyte of free disk space.
- Some materials and rendering require GLSL 1.2 support.
Who it suits
MakeHuman suits people creating customizable 3D human characters who want adjustable modeling, community assets, and exports for other tools. It may also fit Blender users seeking a direct MPFB workflow.
Verdict
MakeHuman offers detailed character customization and several mesh export formats at no charge. Note the one-way mesh export and the stated limitation on in-app animation before choosing it.
Where Specifiction places it
- 3D modeling software#48 of 1478.3
- 3D Rigging Software#10 of 277.9
- 3D Avatar Software#13 of 267.9
- Game Character Creation Software#15 of 227.9
- Game 3D Modeling Software#18 of 267.9
- 3D Design Software#20 of 268.1