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The reference image you provide for your LemonSlice avatar determines how it looks and talks during the interactive video call. Our models pick up on every detail to influence micro-expressions, gestures, and even background motion. Using a reference image that follows our best practices will improve the quality of your avatar.

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How to get the best quality avatars?

For the simplest path to a high quality avatar, let LemonSlice reframe the image. When using one of our API integrations, set edit_image to true in your session request parameters, and we’ll transform your image into one that follows our best practices. The edit keeps the character’s identity, artistic style, and background, but reframes it for optimal quality with our models. Our avatar edit pipeline offers a few different options. By default, we’ll choose the best based on the model you are using. You can also specify your own by passing in edit_image_variant with your request.
When using edit_image, the first API request with a new image will be several seconds slower. Future calls will use a cached version of the reframed image.
When you upload your reference image in the LemonSlice playground, we automatically generate the best variants for your character.

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Image best practices

If you choose to bypass the LemonSlice image edit pipeline, follow these best practices:
  • Your character should have a neutral expression, looking straight at the camera. Large grins can impact lip sync quality.
  • Crop tightly around the character. There should be no empty space above their head or around their body (2x3 is the best aspect ratio for this). Green screen is an exception: leave room around the arms so gestures stay in frame.
  • Use a natural pose with the arms in a natural position.
  • Avoid zoomed-out images that include the lower half of the body. Images this zoomed out may include more distortions in the face.

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Choosing a voice

Voice intonation can also influence the avatar behavior. An angry voice reads as an angry expression, and a flat voice stays neutral. If the mouth looks off, try another voice.