References let you bring your own images, videos, and audio into the generation process to guide the output. This article covers how references work, how to upload them, and how to save them for reuse across sessions.

Uploading a reference

The types of reference media available depend on the model you're using. There are two ways to add a reference as an input:

• From your dashboard — select an asset from your dashboard to add it directly as a reference.
• Drag and drop — drag a file from your computer into the prompt input area.

 Once uploaded, Runway assigns the reference a label automatically:

• Images → Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, etc.
• Video → Video 1, Video 2, etc.
• Audio → Audio 1, Audio 2, etc.

Using References in Your Prompt

To reference uploaded or saved media in your prompt, type @ in the prompt input. A list will appear showing any references you currently have uploaded, as well as your saved references. Select a reference from the list to insert it into your prompt. For example:

The product in @[Image 1] rotating slowly with the music from @[Audio 1]

Saving and Managing References

By default, uploaded references are temporary — they exist only for the current session and won't be available in new sessions.

Saving a Reference for Reuse

To make a reference available across future sessions:

1. Hover over the uploaded reference.
2. Click the Reference details icon in the top right of the reference thumbnail.
3. Enter a name and press ENTER.

Saved references will appear in future sessions without needing to be re-uploaded.

Removing a Saved Reference

To remove an asset as a saved reference:

1. Hover over the uploaded reference.
2. Click the Reference details icon in the top right of the reference thumbnail.
3. Remove the name and click Delete.

Sharing References With Your Workspace

To make a saved reference available to all workspace members:

1. Save the reference with a name (see above).
2. Click the Reference details icon in the top right of the reference thumbnail.
3. Toggle on the Share with Workspace setting.

Shared references will be accessible to all members of your workspace.

When to Save vs. Use Temporary References

Example use cases

References support a wide range of creative approaches, including:

• Generating consistent characters across different scenes, lighting, and styles from a single image
• Transferring artistic styles between images — applying the look of one image to the subject of another
• Swapping or removing backgrounds to isolate subjects or place them in new environments
• Combining multiple references to blend characters, objects, and scenes into a single composition
• Stylizing text by applying handwritten or typographic styles from a reference image
• Designing interiors by placing furniture references into a room scene

Experiment with different combinations of references and prompts to discover workflows that fit your project. For a deeper look at specific techniques, see Advanced Reference Use Cases.