Fixing The 'Man-Jaw' On Female Metahumans

Are you wrestling with the dreaded “man-jaw” on your female Metahuman creations? You're not alone. This is a common issue that many artists face when working with the MetaHuman creator in Unreal Engine. Let's dive deep into the problem and explore how we can overcome it.

The Root of the Problem: Understanding the Base Mesh

At the core of the issue lies the underlying base mesh of the Metahuman. While the MetaHuman creator offers incredible customization options, the foundation it builds upon is closer to a medium-build male skull. This means the default mesh has certain characteristics, such as a wider mandible (jawbone), a lower angle to the jaw, and a more prominent masseter muscle area (the muscle used for chewing). When you select the “female” preset within the MetaHuman system, the software primarily applies a scaling and softening process to the existing geometry, rather than completely remodeling the underlying bone structure. Essentially, the whole head is scaled down (typically around 92-94%), and certain landmark distances are adjusted to soften features. However, the fundamental shape of the jaw – the flare and squareness that defines the “man-jaw” – often remains.

This can lead to a disconnect between the desired feminine appearance and the underlying skeletal structure. The jawline can appear too strong, angular, and masculine, even after applying female-specific facial features. This is a significant challenge for artists striving for realistic and convincing female characters. Many find that no matter how much they adjust the skin details or facial features, the masculine jawline persists, throwing off the overall aesthetic. This problem can be especially noticeable in profile views, where the jaw's shape is most prominent. So, in this scenario, how do you handle it?

This inherent male bias in the base mesh can be a significant hurdle for artists aiming for realistic and diverse female character creations. The scaling and softening approach, while helpful, is simply not enough to fully address the fundamental differences between male and female skeletal structures. Therefore, a more hands-on approach is often required to achieve the desired feminine appearance. This is where the creative process meets technical know-how. The lack of proper jaw structure affects not only the look of the character but also the overall impression, making the character appear less feminine than intended. This also highlights the importance of understanding the underlying anatomy and how it translates to the digital world.

Detailed Solution: Manual Adjustment Techniques

Fortunately, there are several manual adjustment techniques artists can use to correct the “man-jaw” issue. These techniques involve directly modifying the mesh in a 3D modeling software like Blender or Maya. Let's go through the steps:

Step 1: Exporting the Metahuman

The first step is to export your Metahuman head from Unreal Engine. You'll need to use the Quixel Bridge or a similar tool to export the mesh. Make sure to export the high-resolution mesh for the best results. Select the proper file format and any other pertinent export settings. This will bring the Metahuman mesh into your chosen 3D modeling software, where you can make the necessary adjustments.

Step 2: Importing into a 3D Modeling Software

Once exported, import the mesh into your preferred 3D modeling software. Blender is a popular and free choice, while Maya and 3ds Max are industry standards. Ensure that the mesh imports with its original scale and proportions. Once you have the Metahuman head loaded, you can begin the editing process. You can start by making sure that your viewing and navigation settings are set up in a way that allows you to easily view the different perspectives of your Metahuman. Being able to look at the jawline from different angles will greatly help in the following steps.

Step 3: Isolating the Jaw Area

To make precise adjustments, it's helpful to isolate the jaw area. Use the software's selection tools to select the vertices, edges, or faces that make up the jawline. This will allow you to make changes without affecting the rest of the head. Carefully select all the vertices of the jawline and define the specific area you want to manipulate.

Step 4: Refining the Jaw Shape

This is where the real work begins. You'll need to use sculpting or modeling tools to reshape the jaw. This may involve:

• Scaling: Reduce the width of the mandible. This will help to reduce the squareness of the jaw.
• Moving Vertices: Adjust the vertices along the jawline to soften the angles and create a more rounded shape.
• Sculpting: Use sculpting brushes to refine the jaw's overall shape. Pay attention to the angle of the jaw and the masseter muscle area.

The goal is to create a softer, more delicate jawline. In this process, you may want to also reshape the chin or other facial features that are closely related to the jawline.

Step 5: Smoothing and Refining

After making the initial adjustments, use the software's smoothing tools to blend the changes seamlessly. This will help to create a natural-looking transition between the modified jawline and the rest of the head. Continue to refine the jaw until you achieve the desired feminine appearance. It can be useful to regularly switch between different views to assess the progress. You should also compare it to references of female faces.

Step 6: Retopology (Optional but Recommended)

If you've made significant changes, the topology of the mesh might be compromised. This can cause problems with rigging and animation. If necessary, consider retopologizing the mesh to create a cleaner and more efficient topology. Retopology means creating a new, optimized mesh that closely follows the shape of your modified Metahuman. This is an advanced technique, but it can greatly improve the performance and quality of your character.

Step 7: Reimporting and Testing in Unreal Engine

Once you're satisfied with the adjustments, export the modified mesh and reimport it into Unreal Engine. Test the character to ensure the changes look correct and that the rig and animation still function properly. Make sure the head is correctly positioned, and that there are no artifacts from the modifications. This involves a lot of iterative testing, so it's a good idea to save different versions of the head as you make adjustments.

Alternative Approaches and Considerations

While manual adjustment is the most reliable method, there are a few alternative approaches to consider:

• Using Custom Blendshapes: You can create custom blendshapes to correct the jaw shape without directly modifying the base mesh. This is a non-destructive method that allows you to control the jaw's appearance through sliders or controls in Unreal Engine. This can be a great way to add some detail without having to rework the original topology of your character. However, this may require more technical expertise.
• Combining Methods: A combination of manual adjustments and blendshapes can be the most effective approach. This allows you to make significant changes to the jawline while maintaining control over the final appearance. You can, for instance, remodel the jaw in Blender and then create blendshapes for extra control in Unreal Engine.
• Reference Images: Always use reference images of real female faces to guide your adjustments. This will help you to create a more realistic and convincing appearance.
• Anatomy Knowledge: A basic understanding of facial anatomy can greatly improve your ability to identify and correct the “man-jaw” issue. Understanding where the muscles are and how they affect the face can improve your work. This is the difference between a good and a great artist.

Conclusion: Achieving the Perfect Female Jawline

Fixing the “man-jaw” in Metahumans requires a hands-on approach and a willingness to step outside the bounds of the standard MetaHuman presets. By understanding the underlying base mesh, and using manual adjustment techniques in external 3D modeling software, you can achieve the desired feminine appearance. While it might seem daunting at first, with practice and patience, you can create stunningly realistic female Metahuman characters. This process underscores the importance of a detailed, iterative process for digital art.

Remember to experiment, iterate, and always keep an eye on your reference images. The ability to modify the base mesh and the use of reference images separates good artists from great artists.

For more in-depth information on facial anatomy and modeling techniques, check out this great resource: Digital Sculpture on Wikipedia.