First released six years ago as a plugin for Nuke, FaceTracker is a markerless facial tracking tool for animation, visual effects, or motion graphics. It operates by matching a 3D head model, created using KeenTools' FaceBuilder technology (integrated into FaceTracker), to the actor's head movements. The tool automatically extracts the actor's facial expressions from video recordings along with head or camera movements.
Users can enhance accuracy through built-in stabilization tools or by masking obstructions such as hair, hats, or small objects covering the actor’s face in the source video. The resulting facial animation can be exported in formats like Alembic (ABC), Collada (DAE), FBX, or glTF/GLB for use in other DCC applications. Additionally, it supports exporting FACS animation data in CSV format.
For VFX workflows, users can texture the 3D head model from video footage to create a 3D reconstruction of the actor's face. This can be applied to digital de-aging or makeup tasks.
The Blender version of FaceTracker was initially released for free in open beta testing as part of KeenTools 2024.2 in August. With the release of KeenTools 2024.3, it has transitioned into a stable and paid version. Along with purchasing FaceTracker for Blender, users are now required to have an active subscription to FaceBuilder to use its integrated module.
The stable release introduces a new retargeting feature, enabling the transfer of facial motion from an actor to a 3D character with different facial proportions. The facial contour data can be applied either to Blender Rigify or to ARKit blendshapes, which are compatible with various other DCC applications.
KeenTools plugins are also available for Nuke, with the KeenTools 2024.3 update extending compatibility to Nuke 15.0 and later on RHEL 9 Linux. Workflow improvements have been made in both Face Tracker and GeoTracker, including the addition of a new export tab.
FaceTracker for Blender is compatible with Blender 2.80 and newer versions on Windows, Linux, and macOS. The software is available exclusively via subscription. Individual subscriptions, which include both the Blender and Nuke plugin versions, are priced at $18 per month or $179 per year for personal use, or $499 per year for studios.
Additionally, FaceTracker is available bundled with FaceBuilder, with subscription plans priced at $27 per month or $269 per year for individuals, or $749 per year for studios.