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: up to three.
• Nano Banana Lite, Nano Banana 2, and Nano Banana Pro: up to 14.
• GPT Image 2: up to four.
• 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 2.0, Fast, and Mini: up to nine images.
• Seedance 1.5 Pro: up to two images. Its 1080p option is available only without references.
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
PNG and JPEG are the safest formats for troubleshooting. WebP, HEIC, and HEIF are also accepted. HEIC or HEIF may pause briefly for preview or crop preparation, and supported BytePlus models can receive the original format directly.
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 failed card says Reference media, remove or replace the blocked reference. Editing only the prompt may not resolve a reference safety error.
• 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.