Reference & editing workflows
AI Video Reference Image Guide
The image already communicates appearance and composition. Your text should focus on what changes over time and what must not drift.
Lock
Identity, product geometry, wardrobe, environment or lighting only when they truly need to stay fixed.
Prompt
Subject motion, camera motion, environment motion and end state.
Avoid
Redescribing every visible detail, because it can create contradictory instructions.
Validate
Check that the first generated frame still resembles the intended source composition.
A practical reference workflow
- Identify the exact role of every reference: identity, product, environment, motion, start frame, end frame or edit target.
- Write down the elements that must remain unchanged before describing motion or edits.
- Describe one primary change at a time: action, camera, lighting, background, style or continuation.
- End with a stable target state that can be reviewed, edited or used as the next clip reference.