Dynamic heads

Dynamic heads are a fundamental component of an avatar character body. Roblox avatar heads, such as those available on the Marketplace, contains components that allow you to:

• Set default custom facial expressions.
• Trigger emotes that combine both face and body animations.
• Equip face accessories that deform with your facial expressions. For example, facial hair moves accordingly when the character changes facial expressions.

Create dynamic heads

Using third-party modeling tools, you can either modify a rigged character model to meet head requirements, or create a head from scratch. For step-by-step instructions on how to add face bones, apply skinning, posing, and mapping poses on a head model in Blender, see Create basic dynamic heads. This guide includes several reference files you can use to compare and track your progress.

Resources

Dynamic heads designated for the Marketplace require specific components to ensure universal support across Roblox's platform. Heads are often the most complex part of an avatar character. Use the following docs to best equip your assets to pass validation and work well with other assets:

• Understand how Roblox tests facial animations in the validation process and learn common issues that you can self-resolve.
• Similar to character bodies and clothing, Marketplace heads must also follow Roblox's specifications.
• Ensure that you are following Roblox's head caging best practices to ensure the best results for clothing, validation, and makeup.
• Use the FACS poses reference when posing and mapping your head.

Create face accessories

Similar to creating dynamic heads, you can design and model face accessories using a third-party modeling software and import the models as a cosmetic Accessory in Studio. When created correctly, equipped accessories stretch and deform as the head animates and emotes.

See Create face accessories for step-by-step instructions on setting up a reference model as a face accessory. This guide includes several project files you can use for reference and covers details on time-saving steps, such as auto-skin transfer.

Test dynamic heads

Testing is an important part of the iterative creation process. To test dynamic heads in Studio, see Testing in Studio.

Animate dynamic heads

If you're interested in animating a dynamic head, for use in-game or to further test your character's face rig, see Animate heads.