Aleph 2.0 is Runway's in-context video editing model. Edit one frame and Aleph 2.0 modifies the rest of your video to match — changing only what you ask for while preserving everything else: background, lighting, and surrounding details. This article covers practical use cases and example prompts to help you get the most out of the model. The examples here are a starting point; use them as inspiration and experiment to find what works for your project.

To get started with the basics, see the Creating with Edit Studio guide, which walks through the core editing workflow in Aleph 2.0.

Prompting recommendations

There are no strict rules for prompting with Aleph 2.0, but simplicity, iteration, and precision work best. Effective prompts typically include two key elements:

An action verb that describes what you want to do (such as add, remove, change, replace, re-light, and re-style)
A description of your desired transformation

When combined, your prompt may look something like: Change the outfit and bag to soft yellow

We recommend starting with this straightforward approach and adding more details as needed. Because Aleph 2.0 is designed to change only what you ask for and preserve everything else, targeted and specific language will produce the best results.

Use cases

The examples below cover common editing workflows in Aleph 2.0. Many of these can be combined within a single generation — use them as a starting point and experiment from there.

Change background

Replace the background of your footage with a new environment. Describe the setting you want, and Aleph 2.0 substitutes it while preserving your subject and foreground elements.

Change wardrobe or accessories

Update what a subject is wearing without reshooting. Describe the new clothing or accessories, and Aleph 2.0 makes the change while keeping the subject and scene consistent.

Change weather, season, or time of day

Transform the environmental conditions of a scene without a reshoot. Describe the weather, season, or time of day you want, and Aleph 2.0 updates the atmosphere across your clip.

Relight

Adjust the lighting in your footage to shift the mood or atmosphere of a scene. Describe the light source, direction, and quality you want — Aleph 2.0 applies the change while keeping the rest of the shot intact.

Replace object or subject

Swap out a specific element in your footage for something else. Describe what you want to replace and what it should become — Aleph 2.0 makes the substitution while keeping the surrounding scene consistent.

Restyle

Apply a new visual style to your footage — whether that's a film look, an art style, or a distinct aesthetic. Describe the style you want, and Aleph 2.0 applies it across your clip.

Motion prompt

Extra motion is an optional text prompt that accompanies keyframe edits. It's useful when your edit requires specific motion that wouldn't happen on its own or doesn't exist in the original video.

You won't need it in most cases — Aleph 2.0 automatically animates adjustments based on your keyframe edit alone.

It comes down to specificity: in the example below, we added in a prompt for Extra motion to make fire spread through the background, since there's no fire in the keyframe edit or original video.

Seedance 2_0 - she sits still with subtle movement_ slightly adjusting in her seat.gif

restyle_to_a_blown_out_flash_photography_look__shot_on_film__woods_in_the_background__Do_not_change__0.png

Input video	Keyframe & Prompt	Output

	"change background to ancient city ruins"

Input video	Keyframe & Prompt	Output

	"Change outfit to bright yellow fur coat"

Input video	Keyframe & Prompt	Output

	"heavy overcast and raining"

Input video	Keyframe & Prompt	Output

	"Chiaroscuro lighting"

Input video	Keyframe & Prompt	Output

	"Swap for black leather clutch with gold buckle"

Aleph 2.0 Prompting Guide