Why We Put the Reference Before the Prompt

Prompts matter, but they are often asked to do a job they should not have to do: describe a result before the user has any idea what that result looks like.

That is not a fair starting point. So we reversed the order.

See it first, then describe it

A template starts with a reference image. It tells you what kind of light, texture, and framing the look will produce. You can decide whether you want that direction before spending time on details.

For people who are new to prompting, this is much easier than writing a description from scratch. For people who are experienced, it saves the trial-and-error loop.

A reference gives everyone the same language

The phrase "cinematic" might mean Wong Kar-wai to one person and Christopher Nolan to another. A reference image is not ambiguous. It turns "cinematic" into something you can discuss: warm or cool? Handheld or locked off? Close-up or wide?

The template description exists to spell out those differences.

The prompt still matters

The reference sets the direction; the prompt sets the variation. With the same template, one changed sentence can produce a completely different result.

We suggest using the prompt for three things: light, motion, and emotion. "Warm evening light", "a slow push in", "quiet but expectant". These are the details that change a frame the most, and the ones a reference cannot fully carry.

How we choose templates

Not every trending effect deserves to become a template. We prioritize looks that:

• have a clear, repeatable visual reference;
• do not demand unusually perfect source material;
• hold up across different people, scenes, and languages;
• give people a reason to share, rather than just showing off a model.

That is the bar for our weekly update. Rather than chasing every trend, we care whether you can actually start creating after opening a template.

The next time you face a blank prompt box, ask what feeling you want to recreate. Find the reference first, then write the prompt.