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Reference Images

Reference images are the foundation of a stable character. Influgen uses them to extract face embeddings, build face-lock guidance, and select stronger inputs for later workflows like LoRA training.

Primary vs. reference images​

When you upload a character's first image, Influgen automatically treats it as the primary reference if no type is provided. Later uploads default to reference.

That distinction matters because the face-lock system starts from the first strong image it can rely on.

What happens on upload​

When a reference image is uploaded, Influgen:

  1. stores the file in configured media storage
  2. creates a reference-image record for the character
  3. appends the new URL to the character profile
  4. extracts a new face embedding
  5. updates the character's stored face embedding

This means reference management is not cosmetic. Every upload can influence future generation behavior.

[screenshot: Reference image manager with primary photo pinned first and additional references in a sortable grid]

Supported upload field names​

For direct API or form integrations, Influgen accepts multipart files under any of these field names:

  • file
  • image
  • reference_image

If you are using the web or mobile app, you do not need to think about field names. The UI handles them.

How many images should you upload?​

For most characters, start with:

  • 1 primary image
  • 4 to 8 additional references

Add more only when they improve coverage. A bloated reference set with inconsistent styling often hurts more than it helps.

What makes a good reference image​

  • face takes up enough of the frame
  • eyes are visible
  • lighting is clean
  • skin texture is not over-filtered
  • age and styling match the intended persona
  • the image feels like the same person you want to publish as

What to avoid​

  • sunglasses
  • strong beauty filters
  • extreme side profiles as your only inputs
  • heavy makeup shifts that change bone structure perception
  • mixed-age source sets
  • inconsistent hair color between uploads

Managing the set over time​

As the character matures, your reference set should improve, not just grow. Remove weak images, promote a stronger primary if needed, and use the best-performing generations as candidate material for LoRA training only after manual review.

The goal is not to create a giant archive. The goal is to maintain a tight, high-signal identity set.