Learn to effectively use reference images in your thumbnail generation
Reference images are powerful tools for adding specific elements to your thumbnails. This guide explains how the image system works and how to use it effectively.
The image system follows a simple three-step process:
Upload images to your thumbnail project. You can upload files or paste images directly.
The AI automatically analyzes each image and assigns it a descriptive name based on its content. For example:
Reference uploaded images by their exact names in parentheses:
(Company Logo) positioned in top-right corner
(iPhone Product Shot) displayed on table in center
(Analytics Graph) shown on screen behind person
The parentheses tell the AI: "This refers to an uploaded image, not something to create from description."
You can upload up to 10 total reference images per thumbnail generation. This includes both uploaded files and pasted images.
The auto-naming feature is usually excellent, but you can rename images for clarity.
Descriptive names make it easier to reference the right image in your prompt and easier for the AI to understand what you want.
When you reference images in your prompt, use the exact name you see in the system.
(Company Logo) in top-right corner, 15% of image width
(Product Image) centered, 40% of image width
(Screenshot) displayed on person's tablet
Product images and logos with transparent backgrounds (PNG format) work better because:
Multiple subjects in one image confuse the AI about what to reference.
Always explain what each image is and how it should be used:
(Product Logo) positioned top-left - this is our company branding
(Competitor Product Image) in center for comparison - show this clearly
(Certification Badge) bottom-right corner - credibility element
Context helps the AI understand the purpose and importance of each element.
Solution 1: Check your prompt references the exact image name with parentheses Solution 2: Verify the image name matches what's shown in the interface Solution 3: Use edit mode to replace the image reference with the correct name
Solution: Be more specific in your prompt about placement
Solution: Allocate space clearly for each image
Person on left side (60% of width)
(Product Image) on right side (35% of width)
Small (Logo) centered at bottom
Solution: Provide clearer context in your prompt
(Product Image) - this is our new smartphone. Make sure it's clearly visible and centered.
Solution: Ensure your images are in supported formats:
Avoid BMP, TIFF, and other legacy formats.
Create depth with multiple image elements:
Background scene with (Background Image)
Person in foreground with (Product Image) held in hands
(Badge Image) positioned top-right for credibility
(Before Product Image) on left side
(After Product Image) on right side
Person pointing between them with amazed expression
Multiple angles: (Product Front View), (Product Side View), (Product Detail)
Arrange around central person
Create circular composition