AI illustrations won’t always match your photos exactly. The goal is to create a magical, storybook version of your memories. Sometimes details shift a little, and that’s normal.
Common Reasons
Storybook Style: Choosing watercolor, sketch, or cartoon styles changes how characters and settings look.
Photo Interpretation: The AI uses your uploaded photos as references, but lighting, angles, or unclear details can affect how it draws.
Balanced Details: If one feature (like a hat or toy) is emphasized too much, the AI may exaggerate it across multiple pages.
AI Creativity: The AI sometimes adds small surprises, which is part of the charm of illustrated storybooks.
How to Fix It
Edit Tool
The Edit tool is the fastest way to make corrections without redrawing the whole page.
Write a short, specific prompt.
“Change Dad’s jacket from green to blue, keep everything else the same.”
“Make the dolphin larger, keep the family the same.”
Choose a reference image
This locks the character design to one of the generated images you like best.
Example: If Sophie’s hair looks right in one illustration, select that as the reference so the AI keeps it consistent.
Choose a style guide image
This locks the tone and colors to one of the generated images you like best.
Example: If you like the soft pastels in one picture, use it as the style guide so future edits stay in that look.
Tip: Using both reference and style guide images together is the best way to maintain consistent characters and consistent tone across your book.
Regenerate Tool
When the whole illustration feels wrong, start fresh with Regenerate.
Regenerate clears the current page and redraws based on your story text.
Add a short guiding prompt when regenerating.
“Regenerate this page with brighter colors in watercolor style.”
“Regenerate this page, same family, but focus on the penguins in the background.”
After regeneration, you can again pick a reference image and style guide image from the new set to lock in the look you like best.
Rewrite Tool
If the story text on the left page isn’t detailed enough, the picture may not match what you imagined. Rewrite helps you fix that.
Edit Copy: Make small tweaks to your current story text.
Before: “We went to the aquarium.”
After: “Sophie, age 4, clapped in front of the dolphin tank as dolphins leapt high in the air.”
Regenerate Copy: Create a brand-new version of the story text.
Before: “We had fun at the aquarium.”
After: “Inside the glowing jellyfish tunnel, Liam pointed at the lights while Sophie giggled at the fish swimming overhead.”
Once the story is rewritten, generate again, then use reference and style guide images to keep everything aligned.
Side-by-Side Example
Photo:
Sophie in a purple dress with white polka dots, standing by the dolphin tank.
Dad in a green jacket, leaning on the railing.
Generated Illustration:
Sophie in a lavender dress with stylized polka dots, drawn in a soft watercolor style.
Dad in a bluish-green jacket, simplified for the cartoon look.
Background softened to highlight the family.
Why it’s different: The AI stylized clothing colors, softened details, and emphasized the family over the background to match the storybook style.
Fix:
Use the Edit tool → Prompt: “Make Sophie’s dress purple with white polka dots.”
Select a reference image where Sophie’s face looks right.
Select a style guide image where the colors feel warm and soft.
FAQ
Can I make the AI match my photo exactly?
Not exactly, but you can guide it closer by editing and using reference + style guide images.
Why does my child’s outfit look different?
The AI may simplify or stylize clothing. Use the Edit tool:
Prompt: “Make Sophie’s dress purple with white polka dots.”
Select a reference image where Sophie’s shape looks right.
Select a style guide image where the colors are closest to your vision.
What if I want consistency across all pages?
Mention key details (age, clothing, quirks) once in your story.
Always choose a reference image for consistent characters.
Always choose a style guide image for consistent tone and colors.