Reference images and opening frames have different roles
Reference to video gives a supported model visual guidance for a subject or style. An opening frame defines how a shot starts; a reference can guide what appears without being that exact first frame.
Create the look you want before requesting motion. Matching the subject, light and framing across references can make your direction easier to interpret.
Use shot-specific references to plan a sequence with shared visual anchors. Create and review the individual shots, then join the selected clips into a connected story.
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Plan a world-changing sequence as connected shots, then join the selected clips. Each model sets its own reference roles and image limit; choose the inputs that fit each shot.
Use the silhouette as a visual anchor
A distinctive costume can carry the direction. Describe how the red material moves around the subject, then review the result for the details that matter.
Reference images
Shot direction
A woman in a sculptural red outfit moves as the attached material expands and curves around her. Preserve the red silhouette and direct one clear flowing movement.
Moving result
Bring a product into its own setting
Let a clear reference establish the watch and its material. Direct the surrounding mechanical world without hiding the object the viewer should recognize.
Reference images
Shot direction
A watch sits inside a miniature mechanical world. The surrounding rings and structures turn to reveal the dial. Keep the watch readable through the camera movement.
Moving result
Direct movement around a defined object
Begin with a readable glass form, then describe how its rings open and move. Keep the action focused on the object rather than adding unrelated subjects.
Reference images
Shot direction
A clear glass sphere opens its delicate rings in one controlled movement. Keep the glass material, central object and a steady framing visible.
Moving result
Let material guide the scene
A reference can establish texture, shape and color. Use those details to direct a chocolate reveal and check that the product remains understandable through the movement.
Reference images
Shot direction
A dark chocolate bar stays visible as a thick chocolate ribbon rises around its pedestal, reveals one broken segment, and settles. Keep the rectangular product and glossy material clear.
Moving result
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Plan a readable start and finish
Give fabric one connected motion from the first moment to the last. Direct the subject, costume and camera together so the shot has a clear beginning and end.
Reference images
Shot direction
A woman in a crimson dress climbs a sculptural staircase. Her attached silk train rises into a large curve before passing across the view. Keep the same costume and a readable full-body composition.
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Moving result
Make each reference Do a clear job
Identify what each supported reference should guide, then direct one scene. For an edited sequence, plan the next scene separately and check the shared subject details between the selected clips.
Upload references into the actual slots shown by the model. Use applies text only; reference count and supported roles vary by model.
References for A focused scene
Character direction
Establish the costume and subject before planning an astronaut’s discovery in a crystal landscape.
Product direction
Use a clear product reference to establish the visual details you want to guide.
Character animation
Develop the costume, silhouette and action with compatible visual references.
Social scenes
Plan a focused visual idea with a readable subject and an immediate event.
Organize the references Then direct the scene
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Choose compatible images
Pick clear references for the subject and setting. Avoid conflicting designs when you want the scene to hold a recognizable visual direction.
02
Check the model’s input roles
Select reference mode, then use the number and type of images accepted by that model. A reference is not always treated as an opening frame.
03
Describe the action and review
Write what should happen around the visual anchors. Check the result for identity, shape and continuity, then refine the reference or motion request.
Choose a reference-capable model
Reference roles and image limits depend on the selected model. Check the available image slots before preparing your request.
Image-to-video usually starts from one defined frame. Reference mode uses the visual inputs supported by the chosen model to guide a subject, scene or other available role. Check the model’s specific input rules.
The limit is model-specific. Use the image slots shown in the generator; do not assume every model accepts the same number or the same combination of reference roles.
Use consistent references when you want one subject to remain recognizable. Different angles can help describe a design, while conflicting outfits, shapes or identities may make the direction ambiguous.
Visual references guide appearance but cannot guarantee exact identity through every movement or style change. Keep the shot controlled and review faces, clothing, hands and small details.
Use a model whose available reference roles support that approach. State which image describes the subject and which describes the setting, then give them a compatible camera view and action.
Plan a short sequence of shots with shared visual anchors. Keep the subject references organized and review continuity between the selected outputs before editing them together.
