I - Set Up
(these steps only ever need to be done once and you’re set to go forever)1.
Register a free account here https://www.daz3d.com/get_studio and download Daz Install Manager
2.
Run Daz Install Manager. Make sure you tick “Daz Studio” and “Genesis 8 Starter Essentials”, both are completely free
3.
Once both installed, open Daz Studio from your Desktop. Go to Edit > Preferences > Content > Content Directory Manager
4.
Select “DAZ Studio Formats”, then under Directory, click Add.
Create and pick a folder that’s not read-only or requires admin rights, say D:\FaceGenExports.
Then click Accept.
You can exit Daz now, you’ll never need to open it ever again! It’s just simply there as a requirement for FaceGen Artist Pro to work.
5.
Buy or pirate FaceGen Artist Pro, then install it. Google is your friend.
I’m personally using “FaceGen Artist Pro 3.4” but any Pro versions new enough that they support Genesis 8 should be okay.
II - Turn Real Photo Into LifePlay Character
(repeat these steps for each real person you want to bring into the game)1.
Open FaceGen Artist Pro from your desktop, then the Create > Photo > Load Image > pick your source photo (you only need to do it for the frontal photo, no need for the optional side ones) > Next
2.
Use your mouse to select the key points as instructed > Create from photo
3.
Once it’s done generating, go to File > Export. Enter a name into “Parameter Name”.
Select Genesis 8 and the correct gender.
4.
Tick the folder you selected in Daz Studio earlier (for example D:\FaceGenExports) > scroll down to the bottom > Export
5.
Go to your Export folder > Runtime\Textures\FaceGen\ > Genesis8F or Genesis8M > the name you gave it earlier.
6.
Copy four jpg files (i.e. all of them, except the eyes) to anywhere inside LifePlay\Content\Modules
7.
Go in game > Esc > Edit Appearance > Import > import all four jpg files as textures for Face, Torso, Arms and Legs.
You’re not done yet though!
8.
Go to the Skin tab > slide both Skin Age and Makeup Strength all the way to the left (you don’t need these extra effects cause the real photo already includes them).
Play around with Skin Color and Skin Oil too to get the color and reflection you want.
9.
Go to the Morphs tab and try to recreate the face shape and structure (use your phone to show the source photo as reference).
Blending a couple of face presets together in Visual Mode should be enough, but if you want to be perfect, you can try Detailed Mode.
10.
Give your character the appropriate hair and body.
11.
Done! Don’t forget to Save Preset to use with NPCs or future saves.
Also, you can contribute to the community by sharing your presets here on the forum or on Discord or F95
