References, Looks, and States

One shared References workspace

ZenDreamer keeps reusable Character, Location, and Prop references in one References view. Shot results stay with their shots instead of becoming project references automatically.

A reference carries a stable identity through the project while its image can change between a Default and named visual variants.

Add a reference

1. Open References and choose Add New.
2. Choose From Media, Generate, or From Computer.
3. Select a specific Character, Location, or Prop destination and complete the import or generation.
4. Open the new reference to review its current image and alternatives.

Default, Looks, and States

• Every reference starts with a Default image.
• Character variants are named Looks, such as wardrobe or age changes.
• Location and Prop variants are named States, such as day/night or open/closed.
• Replacing the current image keeps the previous one as an alternative when possible.

Use a reference in a shot

1. Choose Add to Shot from the reference details or add the reference in the Shot Inspector.
2. Select Default, a named Look, or a named State when the shot needs an explicit variant.
3. Leave the shot without an explicit override when it should follow the effective scene state.
4. Review the selected reference chips before creating a visual or video.

Replace and remove safely

Replace can use an alternative, a Media asset, a file from the computer, or a new generation. If regeneration fails, the current image remains in place.

• Move scene and shot assignments back to Default before deleting a named Look or State.
• Deleting a reference or variant does not automatically delete its underlying media asset.
• Do not resubmit a failed generation until you have checked Jobs and the visible cost state.