Gen-4 with multiple reference images for style or subject consistency.
The best image results come from specific composition, style, and lighting language. Be explicit about what should be in frame and what should feel dominant.
Best results start with a precise subject, composition, and style direction.
Runway Gen-4 (References to Image) on Pixio generates images from multiple reference images plus a text prompt—for style consistency, character consistency, or look-and-feel lock across a set of images. Use it when you have reference shots (e.g. character sheets, style frames) and want new images that match that look. For text-only generation, use Runway Gen-4 Text-to-Image; for keyframes for video, pair with Gen-4 Image to Video.
Runway Gen-4 (References to Image) on Pixio generates images from multiple reference images plus a text prompt—for style consistency, character consistency, or look-and-feel lock across a set of images. Use it when you have reference shots (e.g. character sheets, style frames) and want new images that match that look. For text-only generation, use Runway Gen-4 Text-to-Image; for keyframes for video, pair with Gen-4 Image to Video.
| Mode | Input | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| References to Image | Multiple reference images + prompt | New image that matches reference style, character, or look |
| Option | Values | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reference count | 1–N (check Pixio) | More refs can improve consistency |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9, 9:16, 1:1 (check Pixio) | Match deliverable |
| Credits | Plan-based | Check model card in Pixio |
Credits are plan-based and may scale with reference count or resolution; check the model card in Pixio.
[What to generate] + [How it should match the references]. Describe the new scene or subject; the references define style, character, or palette. Be clear about what should stay consistent (e.g. "same character", "same color palette").
Character consistency:
"Same character standing in a rainy city street at night. Match the character design from the references. Cinematic, neon reflections."
Style consistency:
"New scene: forest path in autumn. Same painterly style and color palette as the references. Golden hour."
Product line:
"Same product in a different setting: white marble surface, soft studio lighting. Match product design from references."
| Scenario | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Multi-reference, style/character lock (Runway) | Runway Gen-4 References-to-Image |
| Text-only (Runway) | Runway Gen-4 Text-to-Image |
| Text in image (typography) | Ideogram Generate V3 |
| Vector/illustration | Recraft, Ideogram |
Tell the model what should dominate the frame first.
Use lighting language early; it changes everything downstream.
When editing, describe what stays, not just what changes.
References help when continuity matters more than novelty.
A strong image prompt defines the subject, composition, lighting, and finish instead of leaving them implied.
Use precise visual language to control subject, composition, lighting, and style from the start.
Preserve the useful parts of the image while steering the rest with masks, references, or prompt edits.
Bring in reference images or LoRAs when consistency is more important than exploration.
Runway Gen-4 (References → Image) is strongest when the visual brief is specific about framing, style, and what should read first.
Use it for campaign images, product shots, subject consistency, or polished concept work.
When editing, say exactly what changes and what must remain untouched.
Lock the subject, composition, and lighting direction before you chase style nuance.
Use references or edits when the same subject, style, or layout has to survive across versions.
Once the frame works, refine only the weak areas instead of rewriting the whole composition.
Finish strong compositions by scaling them without rebuilding the frame from scratch.
Use editing tools after the initial generation when the composition is right but the details still need polish.
