The basic steps to swap out a character model

To change a player's character in Roblox Studio, you replace the Humanoid model in the Workspace with a different character model. The most direct method is to delete the default character that loads when you test your game, then insert a new one from the Roblox catalog or from a model you've built yourself.

Open your game in Roblox Studio. When you press Play to test, a default character (usually the standard blocky Roblox avatar) appears in the Workspace. Stop the test, then go to the Workspace folder in the Explorer panel on the left. Find the folder named after your character — it's usually called "Humanoid" or has the player's name. Delete that folder entirely.

Now insert a new character model. Go to the Insert menu at the top, select Model, then choose from Roblox's built-in character models, or paste in a model you've downloaded or created. The new model must contain a Humanoid object and a HumanoidRootPart for the game to recognize it as a playable character.

Key Takeaways

  • Delete the default character from the Workspace folder, then insert a new model that contains both a Humanoid object and a HumanoidRootPart.
  • Character models can come from the Roblox catalog, third-party model sites, or models you build yourself in Studio.
  • The new character must be anchored or positioned above the baseplate so it doesn't fall through the map when you test.
  • If your custom character doesn't load correctly, check that all body parts are welded or joined together and that the Humanoid is at the root level of the model.

Using the Roblox catalog to find pre-made characters

Roblox Studio includes a Toolbox panel that connects directly to the Roblox catalog. Open the Toolbox (View menu, then Toolbox), and search for "character" or the name of a specific character model. Results show avatars, creatures, and humanoid models that other developers have published.

Click on any model to insert it into your Workspace. The model lands at the center of your view, so you may need to move it to your baseplate. Drag it into position using the Move tool, or adjust its Position property in the Properties panel on the right.

Not all catalog models work the same way. Some are rigged for animation, some are static, and some are designed for NPCs rather than player characters. Test each one by pressing Play and checking whether the character moves correctly and responds to keyboard input.

Building or importing a custom character model

If you want a character that doesn't exist in the catalog, you can build one in Studio using parts, or import one from another source. To build from scratch, create a model using basic parts (cylinders for limbs, a cube for the torso) and weld them together so they move as one unit.

The character must have a Humanoid object placed inside the model's root part. Right-click the root part, select Insert Object, then choose Humanoid. Set the Humanoid's MaxHealth to 100 and Health to 100. Without this object, Roblox won't treat the model as a character.

If you're importing a model from outside Roblox Studio (such as from Blender or another 3D tool), export it as an .rbxm file, then use File > Insert Model to bring it into Studio. Make sure the imported model has a Humanoid and HumanoidRootPart before you try to use it as a player character.

Positioning the character so it loads correctly

When you insert a new character, it appears at the center of the Workspace. If your baseplate is elsewhere, the character may fall through empty space or load in the wrong location. Use the Move tool to drag the character to the top of your baseplate, or adjust its Position in the Properties panel.

The character's position is measured from the center of its HumanoidRootPart. If the character sinks into the baseplate, move it up slightly. A good rule is to position the HumanoidRootPart about 3 to 5 studs above the baseplate surface, depending on the character's size.

Test your placement by pressing Play. The character should land on the baseplate and be able to move around. If it falls through, move it higher. If it floats above the baseplate, move it lower.

Fixing common problems with custom characters

If your character doesn't move when you press Play, check that it has a Humanoid object. Select the character model in the Workspace, look at the Properties panel, and scroll down to see if Humanoid is listed. If not, right-click the model's root part and insert one.

If the character's limbs move separately instead of as one unit, the parts are not welded together. Select all the parts that should move as one (hold Shift and click each part), then right-click and choose Weld. This locks them in place relative to each other.

If the character loads but doesn't respond to keyboard input, make sure the Humanoid's Health is greater than 0 and MaxHealth is set to a positive number. Also check that the character is not anchored — anchored parts don't respond to physics or player input. Select the character, open Properties, and uncheck the Anchored box if it's checked.

Changing the character's appearance without replacing the model

If you want to keep the same character structure but change how it looks, you can modify individual parts without deleting and reinserting the whole model. Select a part of the character (like the head or torso), open the Properties panel, and change its Color, Material, or Size.

You can also add accessories or clothing by inserting new parts and welding them to the character. For example, to add a hat, create a small part, position it on the character's head, and weld it in place. This approach is faster than swapping the entire character model if you only need minor visual changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to delete the old character before inserting a new one?

Yes. If you insert a new character without deleting the old one, both will exist in the Workspace and may cause conflicts. Always delete the old character model from the Workspace folder first, then insert the new one.

What's the difference between a Humanoid and a HumanoidRootPart?

The HumanoidRootPart is the invisible part that represents the character's center and handles physics. The Humanoid is an object that manages health, animation, and player input. Both must be present for a character to work correctly in a game.

Can I use a character model from another Roblox game?

Only if the model is published to the catalog or if you have permission from the creator. You can search the Roblox catalog for models other developers have shared. Do not copy models from games without permission, as that violates Roblox's terms of service.

Why does my character fall through the baseplate?

The character is spawning below the baseplate's surface. Move it higher using the Move tool or by increasing its Y position in the Properties panel. Test again to find the right height so the character lands on top of the baseplate.

Can I change the character during gameplay, not just in Studio?

Yes, but that requires scripting. You would use a script to remove the old character model and load a new one when a player does something in-game. This is more advanced and involves writing code in Lua, Roblox's scripting language.