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Edit using reference Style reference · Free

AI Style Reference Editor

Upload your photo and a reference image. AI matches lighting, color grading, and artistic style in seconds.

Standard daylight portrait of a young woman with natural lighting
Before
→
Same portrait with cinematic film look - dramatic shadows and warm color grading
After

AI Style Reference Editor

Upload photo to edit using reference style reference

Free • Results in 30 seconds • No signup

Release to upload

FreeNo signupNo watermark
Popular use cases:
  • Photography style consistency
  • Film emulation matching
  • Cinematic color grading
  • Vintage aesthetic transfer
  • Professional photo editing
  • Creative style inspiration
  • Reference-based editing
Cost
Free No signup required
Time
Instant results in 15-30 seconds
Works on
Any device - browser, phone, tablet, desktop
Powered by
AI-powered photo editing
Scenario Prompt Time
Cinematic style match the dramatic lighting and color grading from the reference image 25s
Vintage aesthetic transfer the vintage look - match the color tones and retro aesthetic 30s
Portrait lighting copy the portrait lighting setup, matching shadows and highlights 30s
Golden hour mood transfer the warm golden hour lighting and mood from reference 25s

How it works

  1. Upload your main photo

    Choose the photo you want to edit. This will be transformed to match your reference style while keeping all the original content and subjects intact.

    Expect: Works with any photo type: portraits, landscapes, products. Clear, well-lit photos give the best style transfer results.

  2. Add your reference image

    Upload a second image that has the style, lighting, or mood you want to match. This could be a film still, artwork, vintage photo, or any image with appealing aesthetics.

    Tip: Choose reference images with clear, distinctive styles - film stills, professional photography, or strong artistic aesthetics work best.

    Copy one of these to get started:

    Match cinematic lighting match the dramatic lighting and color grading from the reference image, copying the mood and atmosphere
    Try This →
    Copy vintage aesthetic transfer the vintage look from the reference photo - match the color tones, grain, and retro aesthetic
    Try This →
    Match portrait lighting style copy the portrait lighting setup from the reference image, matching the shadows and highlights
    Try This →
    Transfer artistic style match the artistic style and visual treatment from the reference image, copying the creative aesthetic
    Try This →
    4 more prompts
    Copy film emulation look match the film stock aesthetic from reference - copy the grain, color response, and analog look
    Try This →
    Match sunset/golden hour mood transfer the warm golden hour lighting and mood from the reference sunset photo
    Try This →
    Copy black and white style match the black and white treatment from reference - copy the contrast, grain, and monochrome aesthetic
    Try This →
    Match neon/cyberpunk aesthetic copy the neon lighting and cyberpunk color scheme from the reference image, matching the futuristic mood
    Try This →

  3. Describe what to match

    Type what style elements to copy: 'match the lighting and color grading' or 'copy the cinematic film look' or 'transfer the vintage aesthetic.' Be specific about which visual elements you want transferred.

    Tip: Mention specific elements like 'warm color tones,' 'dramatic shadows,' or 'film grain texture' for more precise style matching.

    Copy one of these to get started:

    Match cinematic lighting match the dramatic lighting and color grading from the reference image, copying the mood and atmosphere
    Try This →
    Copy vintage aesthetic transfer the vintage look from the reference photo - match the color tones, grain, and retro aesthetic
    Try This →
    Match portrait lighting style copy the portrait lighting setup from the reference image, matching the shadows and highlights
    Try This →
    Transfer artistic style match the artistic style and visual treatment from the reference image, copying the creative aesthetic
    Try This →
    4 more prompts
    Copy film emulation look match the film stock aesthetic from reference - copy the grain, color response, and analog look
    Try This →
    Match sunset/golden hour mood transfer the warm golden hour lighting and mood from the reference sunset photo
    Try This →
    Copy black and white style match the black and white treatment from reference - copy the contrast, grain, and monochrome aesthetic
    Try This →
    Match neon/cyberpunk aesthetic copy the neon lighting and cyberpunk color scheme from the reference image, matching the futuristic mood
    Try This →

  4. Generate and compare

    AI analyzes both images and applies the reference style to your photo. Compare the result with your original to see how the lighting, colors, and mood have been transformed.

Try it free ↓

AI Style Reference Editor

Upload photo to edit using reference style reference

Free • Results in 30 seconds • No signup

Release to upload

Free • No signup

See it in action

Standard daylight portrait of a young woman with natural lighting
Before
->
Same portrait with cinematic film look - dramatic shadows and warm color grading
After

Portrait with cinematic film look

A standard daylight portrait transformed to match a moody film reference, copying the dramatic lighting and color grading for a professional cinematic aesthetic.

Prompt: match the dramatic lighting and color grading from the reference image, copying the mood and atmosphere
Try This →
Modern digital landscape photo with mountains and trees
Before
->
Same landscape with vintage film aesthetic - warm tones and slight grain
After

Landscape with vintage film aesthetic

A modern landscape photo edited to match a vintage film reference, transferring the warm color tones, slight grain, and nostalgic mood of analog photography.

Prompt: transfer the vintage look from the reference photo - match the color tones, grain, and retro aesthetic
Try This →
Daytime street scene with neutral lighting and overcast sky
Before
->
Same street scene with warm golden hour glow and atmospheric lighting
After

Street photo with golden hour mood

An ordinary daytime street scene transformed using a golden hour reference image, adding warm sunlight mood and atmospheric glow to create a completely different emotional tone.

Prompt: transfer the warm golden hour lighting and mood from the reference sunset photo
Try This →

Detailed Guides by Scenario

📷

Photography Style Consistency

Match lighting and color treatment across multiple photos for cohesive portfolios, social media feeds, and professional presentations.

Common Scenarios

  • Creating consistent style across a wedding photo series using one perfectly edited image as reference
  • Matching Instagram feed aesthetic by using your best photo as a style template
  • Ensuring brand consistency in product photos by referencing your established visual style

Best Practices

  • Choose your best-edited photo as the reference - this becomes your style template for the entire series
  • Be specific about which elements to match: 'copy the warm tones and soft shadows' rather than just 'match the style'
  • Process similar lighting conditions together - indoor references work best with indoor photos
📷

Creative Style Inspiration

Transform your photos using artistic inspiration - films, paintings, vintage photography, or any visual reference that captures the mood you want.

Common Scenarios

  • Recreating the color palette and mood from your favorite movie scene
  • Applying vintage film aesthetic using old photographs as style reference
  • Matching the artistic treatment from a painting or illustration you admire

Best Practices

  • Use references with strong, obvious styles - dramatic lighting, distinctive color grading, or clear artistic treatment
  • Film stills and professional photography make excellent references for realistic style transfers
  • For artistic effects, paintings and heavily stylized images can create unique creative looks
📷

Professional Photo Enhancement

Achieve professional-quality results by matching your photos to high-end photography references - perfect for portraits, headshots, and commercial work.

Common Scenarios

  • Matching studio portrait lighting from professional headshot references
  • Applying commercial photography color grading to product photos
  • Recreating magazine-quality lighting and mood in your own portraits

Best Practices

  • Use high-quality professional photography as reference - studio portraits, commercial work, magazine shots
  • Focus on one key element: lighting setup, color grading, or overall mood rather than trying to match everything
  • Professional references with clear lighting patterns transfer most successfully

If something looks off

Style isn't transferring properly

Why: The reference image might not have a clear enough style, or the prompt needs to be more specific about which elements to match.

Try: be more specific about style elements: 'match the dramatic shadows and warm color tones' instead of just 'match the style'
Try This →

Tip: Choose reference images with distinctive, obvious styles - avoid subtle or mixed aesthetics.

Colors look oversaturated or unrealistic

Why: The AI may have applied the reference style too strongly, especially with very vibrant or stylized reference images.

Try: add 'subtle' or 'natural' to your prompt: 'subtly match the warm tones from the reference while keeping natural colors'
Try This →

Tip: For more natural results, use reference photos rather than heavily edited or artistic images.

Original photo content is changing too much

Why: The AI is modifying the subject or composition instead of just the style and aesthetics.

Try: specify to preserve content: 'match only the lighting and color style from reference, keep all original subjects unchanged'
Try This →

Tip: Emphasize 'preserve original composition' or 'keep subjects unchanged' to maintain your photo's content.

Reference style is barely visible

Why: The style difference between images might be too subtle, or the AI needs stronger guidance.

Try: emphasize the style transfer: 'strongly apply the dramatic mood and color treatment from the reference image'
Try This →

Tip: Use reference images with very obvious, distinctive styles for more dramatic transformations.

Multiple style elements are conflicting

Why: The reference image has mixed styles or the prompt is asking for too many different elements.

Try: focus on one main element: 'match only the lighting style' or 'copy only the color grading' from the reference
Try This →

Tip: Better to nail one aspect of the style perfectly than to partially match multiple elements.

Quick answers

How does AI reference style editing work?

Upload your photo and a reference image with the style you want. AI analyzes the visual characteristics of your reference - lighting, color grading, mood, artistic treatment - and applies those same qualities to your photo while preserving your original content and subjects.

What makes a good reference image for style matching?

The best reference images have clear, distinctive visual styles: dramatic lighting, unique color grading, obvious artistic treatment, or strong aesthetic mood. Film stills, professional photography, vintage photos, and artwork work well. Avoid images with subtle or mixed styles.

Can I match lighting from one photo to another?

Yes. Upload your photo and a reference with the lighting you want to match. Describe specifically what to copy: 'match the dramatic shadows and highlights' or 'copy the soft studio lighting setup.' AI analyzes the lighting patterns and applies them to your image.

Will reference editing change my photo's content?

No. Reference style editing only changes visual aesthetics like lighting, colors, and mood. Your photo's subjects, composition, and content remain exactly the same. Only the style treatment is transferred from the reference image.

What's the difference between reference editing and filters?

Filters apply preset effects to every photo the same way. Reference editing analyzes your specific reference image and applies its unique visual characteristics to your photo. You get the exact style you want, not a generic effect.

Can I use paintings or artwork as reference images?

Yes. Artistic references work great for creative style transfers. Upload a painting, illustration, or stylized artwork as your reference, and AI will apply similar visual treatment to your photo - color palette, mood, artistic aesthetic.

How do I match color grading from film references?

Use film stills or shots from movies as reference images. Describe what to match: 'copy the cinematic color grading and film look' or 'match the warm tones and contrast.' AI analyzes the color treatment and applies it to your photo.

Is reference style editing free on EditThisPic?

Yes — you get 1 free edit per week, no account needed. Reference editing uses the same credit system as other edits. For unlimited access, plans start at $3.99/month.

What file formats work for reference images?

JPG, PNG, WebP, and HEIC. Upload both your main photo and reference image in any common format. The AI processes both and applies the reference style to your photo.

Can I match vintage or retro aesthetic styles?

Absolutely. Use vintage photos, old film shots, or retro imagery as reference. The AI copies period-specific characteristics like color tones, grain texture, contrast levels, and nostalgic mood.

How long does reference style editing take?

Usually 20-40 seconds. Upload both images, describe the style to match, and AI analyzes the reference and applies the style to your photo automatically.

Can I combine multiple reference styles?

It's better to focus on one reference image at a time for best results. If you need multiple style elements, describe them specifically in your prompt: 'match the lighting from this reference and add warmth like golden hour.'

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Ready to match any style?

Upload your photo and reference image to get started.