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How to create or edit an image from a reference

Upload a source image and describe a focused change.

Beginner 5 min read · 5 stepsTry Create image from reference

Learning path: Create a product ad · Guide 2 of 4

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Before you begin

Tool and model controls beside the prompt show the current selection. Select those names to open their menus.

  • A supported source image you have permission to use.
  • A signed-in account and credits.

What you’ll achieve: A new image guided by your reference, with the original retained.

Model choices

For unrestricted AI image editing, compare compatible Less restrictive reference-edit models. Choose a model that supports your image and intended change; an unrestricted text-to-image model is not automatically an image editor.

Choose the reference-image tool

Open Create image from reference. This workflow starts with an image; the text-only Create image tool has a different input contract.

Step 1 · Create image from reference — Change tool
Tong Create image from reference interface for “Choose the reference-image tool”, with the Create image from reference — Change tool control highlighted by arrow 1.

Step 1: Create image from reference — Change tool

100%Zoom, then scroll to inspect a control.
Next step

Add the reference image

Choose Add references beside the prompt, then Add reference in the reference panel. Wait for the file to finish preparing and check its thumbnail before sending.

Step 2 · Add references
Tong Create image from reference interface for “Add the reference image”, with the Add references control highlighted by arrow 2.

Step 2: Add references

100%Zoom, then scroll to inspect a control.
Next step

Describe the change

Write the desired image and identify the changes you want. For example: keep the bottle shape and camera view, replace the plain background with sunlit leaves, and use soft reflections.

Step 3 · Describe what you want to create
Tong Create image from reference interface for “Describe the change”, with the Describe what you want to create control highlighted by arrow 3.

Step 3: Describe what you want to create

100%Zoom, then scroll to inspect a control.
Next step

Choose supported edit settings

Open Settings and check aspect ratio, reference inputs and any available model controls. A reference can guide identity and composition, but an exact match is not guaranteed.

Step 4 · Settings
Tong Create image from reference interface for “Choose supported edit settings”, with the Settings control highlighted by arrow 4.

Step 4: Settings

100%Zoom, then scroll to inspect a control.
Next step

Review the price and create a new version

Check the displayed price and select Send prompt when ready. Inspect the result beside your reference. Save a successful version and use a more specific correction if an important detail changed.

Step 5 · Send prompt
Tong Create image from reference interface for “Review the price and create a new version”, with the Send prompt control highlighted by arrow 5.

Step 5: Send prompt

100%Zoom, then scroll to inspect a control.
Try it in Tong

A useful tip

Name the parts that should change and the parts you care about preserving. Avoid contradictory instructions.

If something goes wrong

If the source is missing or unsupported, replace it before requesting a quote. Keep the original file and previous completed outputs while you compare versions.

Read first, create when you’re ready

Reading this guide is free. The linked tool shows its own requirements and current credit price. Screenshots use demonstration data; review your own inputs and the quoted cost before submitting paid work.

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Reviewed 2026-10-18 · Tong Academy