Using Reference Images
Guide the AI with visual examples. Learn how to use reference images for style, composition, and inspiration in your generations.
TL;DR - Reference Images Quick Guide
- • Upload any image to guide the AI's style, colors, or composition
- • The AI doesn't copy — it uses the reference for creative direction
- • Best for consistent style across multiple generations
- • Combine with detailed prompts for maximum control
What Are Reference Images?
Reference images are visual guides you provide to the AI to influence the look, feel, and style of your generated images. Think of them as mood boards or visual briefs that help the AI understand what you're looking for beyond what words can describe.
Reference images can guide:
Warm tones, moody blues, vibrant neons
Camera angles, framing, perspective
Anime, photorealistic, watercolor, etc.
Dramatic, peaceful, mysterious, energetic
Objects, characters, scenes to include
Facial features for character consistency
Important: The AI doesn't copy your reference image directly. It extracts visual concepts and applies them creatively to your prompt.
How to Use Reference Images
Open Reference Images Panel
In the Studio, find the "Reference Images" button in the Controls panel (right sidebar). Click it to open the references flyout where you can upload and manage your reference images.
Select Your Image
Choose an image from your device. Supported formats include JPG, PNG, and WebP. The image will be processed and displayed as your active reference.
Write Your Prompt
Write a prompt describing what you want to generate. The AI will combine your text description with the visual guidance from your references.
Tip: When using multiple references, refer to them by order in your prompt. For example: "Take the face from the first reference and place it on the body from the second reference."
Generate!
Click Generate to create your image. The result will reflect both your prompt and the stylistic elements from your reference.
Types of References
🎨 Style References
Use artwork or photos with a distinctive style you want to emulate.
🌈 Color References
Use images with color palettes you want to incorporate.
📐 Composition References
Use images with layouts or perspectives you want to match.
💡 Mood/Atmosphere References
Use images that capture a feeling or atmosphere.
Best Practices
Do This
- •Use high-quality, clear reference images
- •Choose references that match your intended style
- •Describe the aspect you want borrowed in your prompt
- •Use your own generated images as references
- •Experiment with different reference types
Avoid This
- •Expecting exact copies of your reference
- •Using blurry or low-quality references
- •Conflicting prompt and reference (e.g., "dark" prompt + bright ref)
- •Using references with busy, confusing compositions
- •Relying solely on reference without a good prompt
Pro Tips
🔄 Combine with Iterate Mode
Use a reference image for your first generation, then iterate to refine. You can even change references between iterations to blend different styles.
⭐ Build a Reference Library
Save images you like to your Favorites — they make great references for future generations. Your own generated images often work best because they're already in the AI's style space.
📝 Be Explicit in Your Prompt
Tell the AI what to take from the reference: "in the color palette of the reference", "with lighting similar to reference", or "in the style of the reference image".
🎯 Create Consistent Series
To create a series of images with consistent style (like character art or product shots), use the same reference image for all generations in the series.
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Last updated: December 2025 • Found an error? Contact us at support@pinkninjas.art