GuideVideo
Use reference photos and videos
The short answer
Press + next to the prompt, add your photos or a clip, and choose Reference when the composer asks how to use a photo. The video takes its look, its people or its motion from them without starting on them.
On this page6 sections
Before you start
What you need
- One or more photos, JPG, PNG or WebP, or a video clip in your Library.
- An OpenClips account. You can start without one and sign up when you press Generate.
Who can use it
Every plan: Free, Starter, Creator, Pro and MAX.
Models marked with a lock unlock with your first purchase.
What it costs
From ⚡7 a clip. See every price
The Generate button shows the exact price for what you added before you press it.
Steps
Open Create
Press Create in the App menu.
On a phone: Tap Create in the menu. The full-screen Create video composer opens.
Pick a model that takes references
Press Change on the model card and pick a model from Models.
Add a photo
Press + next to the prompt and choose Upload from your device. The menu’s top line says how many photos the model takes, and as what.
On a phone: Tap +, then Upload from your device, or Take a photo to shoot one now.
Use it as a reference
When the composer asks How to use it?, choose Reference. The video keeps the photo’s look and style, in any framing.
Add a clip
Press Add after your photo and choose From your Library. Open Videos, pick a clip and press Add 1 file.
On a phone: Tap + after your photo, then From your Library. Open Videos, tap a clip and tap Add 1 file.
Say what each one is for
In the prompt, say what to take from each: “the woman in the photo”, “the camera move from the clip”. Then press Generate.
What you get
A video that draws on your photos and your clip, in your Library under Creations.
Tips and limits
- To start the video on your photo instead, choose First frame. See Animate a photo.
- A clip and a frame can’t share some models. The composer asks which one to keep.
- To change a video you already made, see Edit and upscale a video.
- See the models that take several references on the Multi-reference video page, and what they do with a clip on the Video to Video page.
If something goes wrong
- The add menu says the model takes no images: pick another model, or add a product instead.
- A clip won’t attach: the model you picked takes no clip. Pick a model whose upload row says Photos or a video clip.
- The video failed: a failed render gives its credits back.Fix
Questions
How many references can I add?
It depends on the model. The Add to your video menu says how many photos the model takes and in which roles.
What is the difference between a reference and a first frame?
A First frame is the picture the video starts on. A Reference gives the look and style, and the video can frame it any way. See Animate a photo for a first frame.
Can I use a video as a reference?
Yes, on the models that take a clip. The upload row says Photos or a video clip when the model you picked takes one.
How do I change what a photo is for?
Press the photo in the prompt box. Its preview lets you change what it’s for, or remove it.
Related
Steps checked in the app Updated