# Reference images (/docs/generating/reference-images)





Some presets take one or more images as input rather than working from text alone. SimpliGen shows image slots when the selected preset needs them.

## Where reference images are used [#where-reference-images-are-used]

* **Image-to-video (i2v):** one starting image that the model animates. The motion and style come from your prompt.
* **First-to-last-frame:** a start frame and an end frame, and the model fills the motion between them.
* **Image editing presets:** one or more reference images to edit, combine, or restyle.
* **Animate presets:** a character image plus a driving input, depending on the preset.

## Adding an image [#adding-an-image]

When a preset needs an image, an image slot appears in the prompt builder. Click it to choose a file from your computer. Presets that accept several references show multiple slots.

<img alt="An image-to-video preset showing the starting-image slot" src="__img0" />

## Tips [#tips]

* **Use a clean, high-quality source.** The output can only be as sharp as the input.
* **Match the aspect ratio.** If your reference is tall, generate in a tall [aspect ratio](/docs/generating/resolution-duration) so the framing is not awkward.
* **Let the prompt describe the change or motion,** not the parts of the image that should stay the same.

## Cloud and local [#cloud-and-local]

Reference-image presets work both in the cloud and locally where supported. For heavy image-to-video work, cloud is usually smoother. See [Generating videos](/docs/generating/videos).