Create a visual from a reference image

To create an image, you can of course use text-to-image — writing a prompt that describes what you have in mind (see the article Create an image with a prompt (text)) — but you can also use a reference image to produce variations, change the style, or transform an existing visual.

This method gives you far more control over the result: styling, visual consistency, product variations, or turning a conceptual visual into a realistic render.

Adding a reference image

There are two ways to add a reference image:

From the creation flow

Hover over an image in your flow and click the Input image button. The image is then automatically sent to the Reference image block, on the left side of the prompt.

From your computer

Click the Reference image area in the input section, then select the file you want from your computer or mobile device.

You can also add images by clicking the area: this opens the Resource Hub, which lets you:

• import images (saved temporarily)
• access the dataset of your custom models
• access the images in your collections
• access your generation history

Available editing AIs

Seelab integrates several image-to-image engines. Choose the one that matches the effect you're after and the level of control you need.

The Nano Banana suite (Nano Banana, Nano Banana 2, Nano Banana Pro)

An ultra-precise image-to-image mode built to produce photorealistic renders from a reference image. Nano Banana interprets light, textures, and materials with a high level of fidelity while maintaining strong aesthetic consistency.

Useful when:

• You're turning a conceptual visual or a sketch into a realistic image
• You're refining a product render or a packshot
• You're exploring high-definition variations (up to 4K) without losing the original style

GPT Image

OpenAI's engine integrated into Seelab, able to interpret a reference image with great semantic precision. It excels at finely understanding text instructions combined with a source image, particularly for complex edits or creative compositions.

Useful when:

• You need strong text-based control over the transformation
• You're working on complex compositions that require understanding the image content
• You want to combine several stylistic or narrative instructions

Seedream

ByteDance's engine integrated into Seelab, designed for creative generation and editing from one or several reference images. Seedream handles multiple source images within a single composition and produces ultra-detailed renders up to 4K, making it a solid choice for product work and visuals intended for print or large formats.

Useful when:

• You're combining several reference images into a single composition
• You need high resolution and a high level of detail (up to 4K)
• You're working on product or e-commerce visuals that demand strong fidelity

Prompt examples

• Change the setting while keeping the product intact
• Turn a visual into a high-end photorealistic render
• Reframe the same scene across several moods
• Change the background without touching the subject
• Place a product in a lifestyle context

Tips for better results

• Always combine a reference image with a prompt: the model relies on both to guide the generation.
• Choose the engine that fits your need: the Nano Banana suite for product realism, GPT Image for semantic precision and complex compositions, and Seedream for creative work.
• Be specific about what should stay the same: state the framing, scale, and position if you want them preserved.
• Refer to elements directly: say "the woman in red" rather than "her" to avoid ambiguity.
• Use sharp, well-framed source images: the higher the quality of the reference image, the more precise the result.

Updated on: 30/06/2026