What’s a reference image and when do I need one?

Last updated: 2025-07-14

Short Answer:

“A reference image helps us understand your vision — it shows the look, color, or idea you’re aiming for.”

What is a reference image?

A reference image is any photo you upload just to show us something — not to be edited itself.

It could be:

• A style you like
• A pose or facial expression
• A lighting tone or color treatment
• Or even part of another photo you want to merge into your own

Think of it as your visual way of saying, “I want it like this.”

When should I use one?

Whenever you find it hard to describe what you want in words — use a reference.

For example:

“Make my hair color like it is in taylorswift.jpg.”

“Match the lighting and color tones from style-sample-3.jpg .”

“Take my face from photo #1 and place it into the scene from photo #2.”

Just upload the reference image and click Set as reference . We’ll take care of the rest.

Is there a cost?

Reference images are free. You can upload as many as you want — you only pay for the images we actually edit.

Important: Fair use rules

A reference image should be something that doesn’t require editing itself . If you’re asking us to edit both the main photo and the reference image — like combining two detailed edits or compositing from multiple sources — it no longer counts as just a reference.

In those cases, we’ll notify you and adjust the pricing fairly before proceeding.

This helps us keep the service transparent and predictable for everyone.