CharaFoldStart with an image, then explain what must stay.
A useful character reference sheet prompt specifies a visual source, the requested views and a small set of fixed design details. Attach one clear reference image if your image editor supports image input. A text description alone leaves more of the face and outfit open to interpretation.
These are original CharaFold starting prompts for reference-image editors. They are not a tested benchmark across every model, and no wording guarantees a perfectly identical character. If you are using CharaFold itself, its presets already supply the view and expression directions. Its optional instructions can be much shorter: add only details to preserve or clarify.
Build a character reference prompt.
Choose a layout and add the design details you want to keep. This only assembles text in your browser; it does not upload images or generate artwork.
01. Complete reference sheet
Replace the bracketed notes with your character’s details, or remove them.
Use the attached image as the primary visual reference for one character. Create a clean character reference sheet with four full-body views: front, three-quarter, right-side profile and back. Add four head-and-shoulders portraits: neutral, smiling, thoughtful and surprised. Preserve the visible facial structure, hairstyle, outfit colors, accessories and rendering style. Keep each row at a comparable scale against a plain background. Change only the viewing direction or requested expression. For details hidden in the source, follow these notes: [describe the back, footwear or other missing details]. Do not add extra characters or invent new accessories. Treat this as a concept reference, not an exact orthographic drawing.02. Four body views
Replace the bracketed notes with your character’s details, or remove them.
Use the attached full-body image as the primary reference for the same character. Show four standing views in one row: front, three-quarter, right-side profile and back. Keep the head and feet visible, with similar height and framing across the row. Preserve facial proportions, hair length and shape, body build, clothing layers, colors, footwear and recurring accessories. Use a plain background and comparable lighting. Keep the pose simple so the silhouette is readable. Hidden rear details: [add only what the source does not show]. Do not redesign the outfit between views.03. Four expressions
Replace the bracketed notes with your character’s details, or remove them.
Use the attached portrait as the primary identity reference. Create four head-and-shoulders portraits: neutral, smiling, thoughtful and surprised. Preserve the character’s facial proportions, eye spacing, nose shape, jawline, hairstyle, distinctive marks, accessories and illustration style. Keep the face crop and head size comparable. Change the expression rather than the character’s age or facial structure. Use a plain background. Pay particular attention to: [list the features that must remain recognizable].04. Correct one drifting detail
Replace the bracketed notes with your character’s details, or remove them.
Edit only this selected image, using the original reference as the identity anchor. Correct [one specific feature] so it matches [the visible feature in the reference]. Preserve the current viewing angle, pose, expression, framing, outfit and all other details. Do not redesign the whole character. If the reference does not show the feature clearly, follow this clarification: [brief note].Check the result before adding more instructions.
Put the reference beside the output. Compare face shape, hairstyle, body build, clothing layers and recurring accessories. A longer prompt is not automatically a more useful prompt: remove contradictory outfits or angle instructions before generating again.
When one image drifts, describe one visible correction. Rebuilding the entire character to fix a single pocket can introduce new differences elsewhere. Use the face and outfit troubleshooting guide to decide what to correct first, then assemble the accepted views in a free reference sheet template.