---
title: "What Makes a Good Reference Image for AI? | ImageQuarry"
url: https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/what-makes-a-good-reference-image/
last_updated: 2026-10-20
---

# What makes a good reference image?

A good reference is clear, well lit and shows one thing you want: a texture, a color, a light, a shape or a character. Crop out everything that is not the point, use a sharp image rather than a screenshot of a screenshot, and tell the model what the reference is for.

Match the reference to its job. For texture, a close-up of the material. For color, a swatch or a photo dominated by that color. For light, a scene where the direction and hardness of the light are obvious. For a character or product, a front view on a plain background.

Avoid references with strong extra content (text, logos, other people) unless you want them; models can carry those into the result. Low resolution and heavy compression also carry over as mush.

In ImageQuarry a reference can show a material or texture, a color or palette, a light, or a shape. Add one reference per idea and say what it is for. References guide the result; review each version to see how closely it follows them.

_Source: the ImageQuarry homepage (reference examples), checked October 20, 2026._

Next step: [Can a reference image guide the lighting?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-i-use-a-reference-for-lighting/)

## Related questions

- [How many reference images should I use?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/how-many-reference-images-should-i-use/): A few clear ones, each with a stated job.
- [Can I use a reference image for color only?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-i-use-a-reference-for-color-only/): Yes, if you say the reference is for color only.
- [Why are AI images blurry?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/why-are-ai-images-blurry/): Low output size, upscaling or compression, usually.

Last reviewed 2026-10-20 by ImageQuarry.

## Pick one reference per idea

Add a clear reference, say what it is for, and see how the new version follows it.