> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opencanva.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using Reference Images

> Upload reference images in Open Canva to guide AI generation and maintain consistent character, style, or composition across outputs.

## What are reference images?

Reference images are photos or illustrations you upload to guide the AI during image generation. They help the AI understand:

* **Style**: Artistic style, color palette, mood
* **Composition**: Layout, framing, perspective
* **Subject details**: Character appearance, object features, textures
* **Atmosphere**: Lighting, environment, overall feel

## When to use reference images

Reference images are particularly useful for:

* **Character consistency**: Maintaining the same character across multiple images
* **Style matching**: Replicating a specific artistic style
* **Composition guidance**: Achieving a particular layout or framing
* **Color palette**: Matching specific color schemes
* **Texture and detail**: Preserving specific textures or details

## Uploading reference images

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare your image">
    Choose a clear, high-quality reference image:

    * Good resolution (at least 512x512 pixels recommended)
    * Clear subject matter
    * Relevant to your prompt
    * Appropriate file format (JPEG, PNG)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload in the interface">
    In the image generation interface:

    1. Open the References panel in your session
    2. Drag-and-drop or click to upload (up to five stored per session)
    3. Wait for upload to complete
    4. Verify the image appears and select up to three before generating
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write your prompt">
    Combine your reference image with a descriptive prompt:

    * Describe what you want to change or modify
    * Specify elements to keep from the reference
    * Add details not present in the reference
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate">
    Click generate. The AI will use both your prompt and reference image to create the result.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best practices

### Choosing reference images

<Tip>
  **High quality**: Use clear, well-lit reference images for best results.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Relevant content**: Choose references that match what you're trying to create.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Simple compositions**: References with clear, uncluttered compositions work best.
</Tip>

### Writing prompts with references

<Tip>
  **Be specific**: Describe what to keep from the reference and what to change.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Mention the reference**: Explicitly call out elements you want preserved.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Add new details**: Use the prompt to add elements not in the reference image.
</Tip>

## Use case examples

### Character consistency

**Goal**: Generate multiple images of the same character

1. Upload a clear character reference
2. Use prompts like: "Same character in \[new scenario], maintaining appearance from reference"
3. Generate multiple variations

### Style matching

**Goal**: Match a specific artistic style

1. Upload an image in the desired style
2. Prompt: "New subject in the style of the reference image"
3. The AI will adapt the style to your new subject

### Composition guidance

**Goal**: Achieve a specific layout

1. Upload reference with desired composition
2. Prompt: "Different subject but same composition and framing as reference"
3. Generate with new subject in similar layout

## Limits and behavior

* **Uploads per session**: Store up to five reference images in a session.
* **Selections per run**: Attach up to three references to a single generation request (platform limit).
* **Reusing outputs**: Recently generated images appear alongside uploads so you can immediately reuse them as references.
* **No strength sliders**: References act as guidance only; there are no blending or weight controls in the UI.

## Limitations and considerations

<Warning>
  **Not exact copying**: Reference images guide the AI but don't produce exact copies. The AI interprets and adapts the reference.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Copyright**: Only use reference images you have rights to use. Don't use copyrighted material without permission.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Quality matters**: Low-quality or unclear reference images may not produce good results.
</Warning>

## Tips for better results

<Tip>
  **Combine multiple references**: Use up to three to balance pose, style, or composition cues.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Iterate**: Try different reference images or combinations to find what works best.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Use with prompts**: Reference images work best when combined with descriptive prompts.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Reference image isn't being used">
    * Verify the image uploaded successfully
    * Check that the model supports reference images
    * Ensure your prompt references the image
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Result doesn't match reference">
    * Try a more specific prompt
    * Use a clearer reference image
    * Adjust reference strength if available
    * Experiment with different models
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Upload failed">
    * Check file format (JPEG, PNG supported)
    * Verify file size isn't too large
    * Try a different image
    * Check your internet connection
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Writing Prompts" icon="pen-fancy" href="/image-generation/prompts">
    Learn how to write effective prompts when using references.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Settings Guide" icon="settings" href="/image-generation/settings">
    Understand reference image settings and controls.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Model Selection" icon="sliders" href="/image-generation/models">
    Learn which models handle reference images best.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Best Practices" icon="star" href="/features/best-practices">
    More tips for getting great results.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>