To get better results from a reference image, tell the image model what you want to create, what the reference contributes, what should change, and what must stay the same. Then inspect the result and request one focused revision at a time. A clear prompt is more useful than a long one: OpenAI Academy notes that “A good image prompt does not need to be long.”
Start with the image you want to make
Describe the output’s purpose and essential visual facts before explaining the reference. Include the main subject, its action, the setting, and the style. Add framing, lighting, or other details when they matter to the result. OpenAI Academy recommends one to three clear sentences as a useful starting point; the aim is to communicate the image’s job and key constraints, not to maximize prompt length.
For example, instead of asking only for “a more cinematic version,” specify the subject and intended scene, then describe the cinematic qualities you mean—such as dramatic side lighting, a close composition, or a muted palette. Concrete visual directions give the model a clearer target.
Tell the model what each reference image is for
A reference might provide the subject, layout, visual style, or source image to edit. State its role explicitly, especially when you upload more than one image. Numbering the images makes the relationship easier to describe:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Image 1: scene and layout to preserve.
- Image 2: color palette and illustration style to borrow.
Then say how those references should combine: “Use Image 1’s subject placement and Image 2’s color palette.” If the result depends on where elements appear, use spatial terms such as foreground, background, left, and right.
Separate requested changes from details to preserve
For an edit, describe both the change and the invariants. Specify what should be added, removed, or altered, and what should remain unchanged—such as the subject’s identity, layout, background, camera angle, labels, or text. Do not assume the model will know which parts of the reference are protected.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For example, say “Replace the red mug with a blue ceramic cup; keep the hand position, table, lighting, and camera angle unchanged.” This gives the model a bounded task instead of an open-ended request to remake the whole image.
Use this prompt scaffold
Adapt this template to your image and the controls available in your chosen tool:
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use Image 1 as the [subject/layout/style] reference. Create [intended output and use]. Keep [required details] unchanged. Change [specific requested elements] to [description]. Match [composition, lighting, palette, or visual style] where relevant. Do not add [specific unwanted elements].
For multiple references, assign each one a role before describing the final image: “Image 1 is the scene and layout reference. Image 2 is the style reference. Use Image 1’s subject placement and Image 2’s color palette; keep the text and background from Image 1 unchanged.” Treat this as a way to make your request clearer, not a guarantee that every detail will be preserved.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Generate, inspect, and revise one issue at a time
- Check the important requirements. Compare the result with your prompt: did the subject, composition, style, and requested changes appear?
- Look for unintended changes. Check whether protected details shifted or disappeared. For text-heavy or identity-sensitive images, inspect text accuracy, identities, product shapes, labels, and the relationships between elements.
- Give one targeted revision. Name the specific issue and the correction you want. For example: “Keep the composition, but make the background lighter and leave the subject unchanged.”
Starting over with a completely different prompt after every result makes it harder to isolate what needs fixing. Focused revisions let you address one problem at a time. In OpenAI’s documented editing workflow, a mask can guide which area to change, but it does not guarantee an exact boundary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reference controls differ by tool
Do not assume every image generator uses a reference in the same way. Some workflows offer controls for a reference’s role; others use an input image as part of an image-to-image process. Read the controls for the specific product and describe the task accordingly.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBest Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Tool or workflow | Documented reference approach | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT image guidance | Reference images can guide generation or editing; for multiple uploads, identify each by order and explain its contribution. | Describe the subject, composition, style, and constraints in your prompt. |
| OpenAI API image guidance | Prompts can specify what changes and what stays fixed; the guidance also recommends inspecting and revising. | Mask guidance may not follow an exact boundary. |
| Adobe Photoshop | The documented Reference image interface offers Style and Composition choices, followed by a text prompt. | Choose the reference role that matches what you want to borrow. |
| Stability AI image-to-image API | The cited API reference uses a prompt, an input image, and a strength parameter. | Strength is a product-specific control, not a universal setting or prompt-writing rule. |
These are examples of documented workflows, not interchangeable controls. Names and behavior can change as products evolve, so check the interface or API documentation for the version you are using.
Quick Recap
A quick checklist before you submit
- Have you named the intended output, subject, and important visual qualities?
- Have you identified the role of every reference image?
- For an edit, have you stated both what changes and what remains fixed?
- Have you added spatial details or exclusions where they affect the result?
- Do you know which reference controls your tool actually provides?
- After generation, will you inspect the details and revise a single issue at a time?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
