Short answer: Use the normal Image control when you want the generation to follow a reference. Create from image is a separate one-image prompt helper: it drafts an editable prompt but does not attach the analyzed image to the generation.
Reference limits by image model
Grok Imagine image models, including Grok Imagine Image 2.0: up to three.
Nano Banana Lite, Nano Banana 2, and Nano Banana Pro: up to 14.
GPT Image 2, GPT Image 2.5 Flare, and GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst: up to five.
Seedream 4.5 and Seedream 5.0 Pro: up to 10.
Seedream 5.0 Lite: up to 14.
Reference limits by video model
Veo 3.1, Fast, and Lite: one optional initial image.
Grok Imagine Video: one optional image.
Grok Imagine Video 1.5: one required image.
Seedance 2.5: up to 30 references, including up to three video clips.
Seedance 2.0, Fast, and Mini: up to nine images.
Seedance 1.5 Pro: up to two images. Its 1080p option is available only without references.
How references are prepared
Image generation: Typeshutter sends the complete uploaded photo to the model, even when you choose a different output shape. A vertical full-body photo stays available head to toe for a landscape result, and the AI composes the wider surroundings. Ask for a tighter crop only when you want one.
Video generation: image references are cropped to the selected 9:16 or 16:9 ratio. In AI image to video, that cropped image becomes the exact opening frame.
Model compatibility: Typeshutter checks each reference against the file types the selected model supports. When the model cannot accept the original file type, Typeshutter prepares a compatible version before submitting the generation. Changing the model rechecks your references.
Characters: when a saved Character is selected, an uploaded scene image is turned into a private scene guide. See Create and Use Characters.
Create from image
Create from image accepts one helper image at a time. In Image mode, it drafts a visual image prompt. In Video mode, it drafts a self-contained prompt with an opening shot, subject motion, camera movement, pacing, and continuity.
The helper does not submit a generation or spend credits by itself. The analyzed image is never attached automatically. Add it separately with the Image control when you want the generation to use that exact frame.
Supported formats
References can be JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, TIFF, HEIC, HEIF, TGA, or PBM images. Each reference must be 20 MB or less.
Seedance 2.5 in Video mode also accepts MP4 or MOV video clips as references: 2 to 30 seconds each, up to three clips and 30 seconds in total, between 480p and 4K, and 20 MB or less per clip. See Use Image References for Video.
PNG and JPEG are the safest formats for troubleshooting.
HEIC, HEIF, and other formats a browser cannot preview directly may show a short processing state while Typeshutter prepares the preview.
Create from image accepts JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, HEIC, and HEIF.
Troubleshooting
If create from image does not appear, confirm the prompt is empty and the page is not already creating or polling a generation.
If Creating prompt... remains visible too long, retry the helper image.
If Create remains disabled after a prompt appears, confirm no reference upload error remains.
If changing models reduces the reference limit, remove extra images before submitting.
If Veo or Grok rejects extra references, keep one image.
If a reference fails only after you switch models, add it again or save it as JPEG, PNG, or WebP first. If it keeps failing, contact Support with the selected model, the file name and format, and the media link if you have one.
If a failed card says Reference media, remove or replace the blocked reference. Editing only the prompt may not resolve a reference safety error.
If an image result frames a person or product too tightly, create again with a phrase such as "keep the complete person visible from head to toe."
If an accepted reference is ignored, explain in the prompt how the model should use it.
If an upload repeatedly fails, try PNG or JPEG, then another browser or network.
If you see "Video references are not supported for the selected model," switch to Seedance 2.5 in Video mode or remove the clip.
If you see "Reference videos must be MP4 or MOV, 2 to 30 seconds long, and between 480p and 4K," export the named clip again as MP4 (H.264) within those limits.
If you see "You can add up to 3 reference videos, 30 seconds in total," remove a clip or trim the clips.
If a video clip is selected but no preview appears and the composer cannot process it, your browser cannot decode that clip. Export it as MP4 (H.264).
If a generation with a reference clip fails after it starts, check whether the clip shows a real person's face and whether the prompt asks to edit or extend the clip instead of describing a new video. Credits for a failed generation are returned automatically.