# Create an avatar (https://www.getfounderhq.com/docs/studio/create-an-avatar)

An avatar is a character Studio remembers: a face, a build, a style of
dress. Attach it to a video and the same person appears each time. Setup
takes about 5 minutes, then Studio builds the avatar in the background.

<Callout title="Before you start">
Avatars are drawn with OpenAI. You need a ChatGPT sign-in that runs through
[Companion](/companion), or an OpenAI API key. Connect either one in
[Settings → AI Provider](https://app.getfounderhq.com/?openSettings=ai-provider).
</Callout>

## 1. Start the wizard

Open [Studio → Avatars](https://app.getfounderhq.com/studio/avatars) and press **Create avatar**.

## 2. Choose where the avatar can be used

- **All brands** makes it available across your organization.
- **One brand** keeps it with a single brand.

Press **Continue**.

## 3. Choose how to create it

- **Generate from references.** Upload or select photos, and audio samples
  if you have them. Use this for a real person, such as you. You need at
  least one image or audio sample.
- **Auto-generate.** Studio starts from your written description only.

Press **Continue**.

## 4. Describe the avatar

Give it a **Name**, then fill in what matters: who they are, age, build,
personality, appearance, clothing, and background. Pick a **Style**:

| Style | Looks like |
| --- | --- |
| **Cinematic realism** | A filmed person |
| **Semi-realism** | Between a photo and an illustration |
| **Animation** | An animated character |

Press **Create avatar**.

## 5. Wait for the build

Studio shows **Building your avatar**. You can close the window. The
avatar appears in the list when it is ready, and Astro may ask you one
question on the way.

## 6. Review and approve

Open the avatar. If it looks right, press **Approve**. Studio then
prepares it for use in videos.

If it does not, use **Edit with Astro** on the same screen and say what to
change, or press **Retry**. Each result is kept under **Versions**, and
**Make default** chooses the one Studio uses.

## Verify

1. The avatar is in [Studio → Avatars](https://app.getfounderhq.com/studio/avatars) and is approved.
2. Open **Create** and press **Select avatar**. Your avatar is in the list.

## Characters from your chats

Astro sometimes invents a character while you plan a video. Those appear
under **From Studio chats** on the Avatars page. Press **Save to avatars**
to keep one.