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Reference Assets in Prompts

Use @references to include existing canvas assets in your prompts. Director analyzes the referenced assets and applies their style, content, or composition to new generations.

How @references work​

When you reference an asset with @1, @2, etc., Director:

  1. Analyzes the referenced image — style, composition, colors, subject
  2. Applies that context to your new prompt
  3. Generates images that relate to or match the reference

Adding @references​

Method 1: Type @ and number​

  1. Start typing your prompt
  2. Type @ followed by the asset number (like @1)
  3. Director shows available assets to choose from
  4. Select the asset you want to reference

Method 2: Drag assets into prompt​

  1. Write your prompt text
  2. Drag any asset from your canvas into the prompt input area
  3. The asset appears as a reference chip (like @3)
  4. Continue writing your prompt

Reference examples​

Style matching​

"A cat in the same style as @1"

Director analyzes image @1's artistic style and applies it to a cat image.

Composition reference​

"Use the composition of @2 but with a sunset"

Keeps the layout and framing from @2, changes the content to a sunset.

Content combination​

"Combine the character from @1 with the background from @3"

Takes elements from multiple references to create something new.

Color palette​

"A forest using the color palette from @4"

Analyzes @4's colors and applies them to a forest scene.

Managing references​

Visual reference chips​

Referenced assets appear as small chips in your prompt:

  • Asset thumbnail — Shows the referenced image
  • Asset number — Like @1, @2, @3
  • Remove button — X to delete the reference

Editing references​

  • Change numbers — Delete and re-add to reference different assets
  • Multiple references — Use several in one prompt: "@1 and @3 style"
  • Remove references — Click the X or use backspace after the chip

Reference validation​

Director shows:

  • ✅ Valid references — Asset exists and is accessible
  • ❌ Unknown references — Asset was deleted or not found

Best practices​

Effective reference prompts​

✅ Be specific about what to reference:

  • "Use the lighting from @2"
  • "Character like @1 but in a different pose"
  • "Same composition as @3"

✅ Combine references purposefully:

  • "Character from @1 in the setting of @2"
  • Mix styles from different eras or artists

Common mistakes​

❌ Too many references — 1-3 work best, more can be confusing ❌ Vague references — "Like @1" doesn't specify what to copy ❌ Conflicting references — Completely different styles that don't mix well

Reference use cases​

Building consistent characters​

Create a character in @1, then reference it in multiple scenes:

  • "@1 character walking down a street"
  • "@1 character in a coffee shop"
  • "Close-up of @1 character smiling"

Style exploration​

Start with a style you like in @2:

  • "Mountain landscape in @2 style"
  • "Portrait photography like @2"
  • "Abstract art inspired by @2"

Moodboard development​

Reference multiple assets to build cohesive visuals:

  • "Combine the mood of @1 with the setting of @3"
  • "Use @2's color scheme in this interior design"

Troubleshooting​

@reference shows "Unknown" The referenced asset was deleted or moved. Choose a different asset number.

References not affecting the result Try being more specific: instead of "like @1", say "using @1's lighting and composition."

Can't drag asset into prompt Make sure you're dragging onto the text input area, not just near it.

Too many reference chips cluttering prompt Remove unnecessary references—usually 1-2 strong references work better than many.

What's Next​