Variation System

Create multiple versions (variations) of a single character or location to efficiently produce a wide range of scenes.

Overview

A Variation is a system for managing different versions of a character or location. For example, you might maintain a character's "school uniform", "casual clothes", and "party dress" looks -- or a cafe's "daytime" and "nighttime" versions -- as separate variations.

Each variation has its own image gallery (concept images, sheets/images) and Primary selection, so you can specify exactly the right version for each cut and get consistent results.

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Base Variation

When you create a character or location, a Base variation is automatically created along with it.

The Base variation represents the default appearance of the character or location. For a character, this is their default outfit; for a location, it is the default setting (e.g., daytime).

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Named Variations

Beyond Base, you can add as many named variations as you need.

Character Variation Examples

Location Variation Examples

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Creating Variations

Character Variations

1. Select a character in the Studio.
2. In the detail panel's variation section, click the [+ New Variation] button.
3. Enter a variation name (e.g., "School Uniform").
4. Optionally add a description (e.g., "White shirt with navy blazer and plaid skirt").
5. Click the [Create] button.

Location Variations

1. Select a location in the Studio.
2. In the detail panel's variation section, click the [+ New Variation] button.
3. Enter a variation name and description.
4. Click the [Create] button.

Creating variations is free. Credits are only used for image/sheet generation.

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Per-Variation Asset Management

Each variation maintains its own independent set of assets (images and sheets).

Character Variation Assets

Location Variation Assets

Setting the Primary

Each variation can have a designated Primary asset.

• Characters: Primary Sheet per variation
• Locations: Primary Image per variation

When a variation is selected in the Editor, its Primary asset is automatically attached as the reference image.

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Using Variations in the Editor

Reference Images Panel

In the Cut Editor's Keyframes tab, when you @mention an @ID in the prompt, the Reference Images panel displays the corresponding character or location.

Each item includes a variation dropdown that lets you choose which variation to use for that cut.

Note: Changing the variation dropdown only affects generation for that specific cut. It does not change other cuts or the character/location's default settings.

When a Variation Has No Images

If the selected variation does not yet have a sheet or image, a "No image" state is displayed. Generate the sheet or image for that variation in the Studio first.

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Editing and Deleting Variations

Editing

1. Select a character or location in the Studio.
2. Choose the variation you want to edit from the variation list.
3. Modify the name and description.

Deleting

• The Base variation cannot be deleted.
• Named variations can be deleted. Deleting a variation also permanently removes all of its assets (concept images, sheets, images).
• Deleted variations cannot be recovered.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Series with Outfit Changes

Here is an example of creating a series where one character appears in both a school uniform and casual clothes.

1. Register the Character (Studio)

1. Register @Mina in the Studio.
2. Describe only the base appearance in the appearance description (exclude outfits).
3. Generate a concept image and Character Sheet for the Base variation.

2. Create the School Uniform Variation

1. In the @Mina detail panel, click [+ New Variation].
2. Name: "School Uniform", Description: "Korean high school uniform -- white shirt with navy blazer and plaid skirt"
3. Generate a concept image for the School Uniform variation.
4. Generate a School Uniform Character Sheet using the concept image as reference.

3. Create the Casual Variation

1. Click [+ New Variation] again.
2. Name: "Casual", Description: "Casual look -- cream knit sweater, denim pants, white sneakers"
3. Generate a concept image and Character Sheet for Casual.

4. Select Variations Per Cut (Editor)

• School scenes (Cuts 1--3): In the Keyframes tab's Reference Panel, select @Mina's variation as "School Uniform"
• Cafe scenes (Cuts 4--6): Switch the variation to "Casual"

Note: Changing a variation on one cut does not affect any other cuts.

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Tips & Best Practices

1. Don't include outfits in the appearance description: Describe only the base appearance and manage outfits through variations for maximum flexibility.
2. Invest in a quality Base: The Base variation's sheet quality sets the standard for all other variations.
3. Generate concept images first: Confirm the look with a concept image before generating the sheet for more satisfying results.
4. Make the most of location variations: Managing time-of-day and weather changes as variations significantly improves production efficiency.

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Related Docs

• Character & Location Studio -- Managing variations in the Studio
• Character Management -- Character variation detailed guide
• Location Management -- Location variation detailed guide
• Cut Editor -- Using the variation dropdown in the Editor