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runwayml/gen4-image

Runway's Gen-4 Image model with references. Use up to 3 reference images to create the exact image you need. Capture every angle.

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If enabled, the output will be encoded into a BASE64 string instead of a URL. This property is only available through the API.

Idle

In a dusty, cluttered garage filled with old books and woodworking tools, a kind grandfather is bending over, his hands gently guiding his young grandson's hands as he learns to sand a small piece of wood with sandpaper. Afternoon sunlight slants in through the open garage door, creating a warm beam of light that illuminates the floating sawdust. The child's expression is a mixture of concentration and curiosity, while the grandfather's eyes are full of patience and love.

Your request will cost $0.05 per run.

For $1 you can run this model approximately 20 times.

One more thing:

ExamplesView all

In a dusty, cluttered garage filled with old books and woodworking tools, a kind grandfather is bending over, his hands gently guiding his young grandson's hands as he learns to sand a small piece of wood with sandpaper. Afternoon sunlight slants in through the open garage door, creating a warm beam of light that illuminates the floating sawdust. The child's expression is a mixture of concentration and curiosity, while the grandfather's eyes are full of patience and love.
close-up photo of an elderly male watchmaker, his wrinkled face wearing a monocle loupe, intense focus in his eyes, repairing the intricate interior of an antique pocket watch. He is wearing a dark vest. The background is his dimly lit workshop, only a single warm yellow desk lamp illuminates his hands and the watch, tiny dust particles visible in the air. high-texture, shallow depth of field.
A photograph of the Scottish Highlands in the early morning, thick fog rolling over the green hills and ancient stone walls. The sun is just rising, casting golden sunbeams through the mist (crepuscular rays). a lone Highland cow with dew on its fur stands in the meadow. wide-angle shot, epic and serene atmosphere.
Food photography of a delicious brunch set on a rustic wooden table next to a window with soft morning light. On the plate are two golden-brown croissants with powdered sugar, next to a few fresh strawberries and blueberries. A steaming cup of latte with perfect latte art. macro shot, extremely detailed.
Action photograph of a female boxer during an intense training session in a gritty, dimly lit gym. She has just thrown a powerful right hook, and beads of sweat are flying off her brow. Her eyes show fierce determination, muscles tense and defined. The background is blurred with punching bags and a boxing ring. Dramatic side lighting highlights the contour of her body and the flying sweat droplets.
A mountain climber has just reached the summit of a snow-covered mountain at sunrise. He is wearing professional orange cold-weather gear and climbing equipment, his face a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. His breath forms a visible cloud of vapor in the frigid air. The background is a breathtaking panorama of sprawling mountain ranges and a sea of clouds, all tinted gold by the rising sun. Epic wide-angle shot, sense of scale.
In a modern operating room, a female surgeon wearing surgical loupes and a mask is performing a delicate procedure with intense focus. The bright, shadowless surgical lamp illuminates her eyes, which are sharp and steady. A slight sheen of sweat is visible on her forehead. In the background, monitors display vital signs, and various medical instruments are visible. Close-up shot, filled with tension and professionalism.
On a sunny spring afternoon, three young female friends are having a picnic on the grass in a park. They are sitting on a checkered picnic blanket, surrounded by a basket of fruit and some bread. One of the girls is telling a joke, causing the other two to laugh heartily and unreservedly. The sunlight filters through the leaves of a tree overhead, creating dappled, dancing spots of light on their hair and clothes. The image is full of youthful energy and genuine friendship.
At dawn, an old farmer with dark, weathered skin stands in his vegetable field. The early morning mist has not yet dissipated, blurring the distant fields. He wears a simple, old jacket, and his hands are soiled with earth as he gently touches a dew-covered leaf with his calloused palm. The faint light of the rising sun comes from behind him, creating a golden rim light around his figure.
Inside a cozy, sunlit flower shop, a young female owner is focused on trimming a fresh bouquet of roses. She wears a linen apron, her hair casually tied up, with a gentle smile on her face. She is surrounded by buckets of various flowers, green plants, and rolls of wrapping paper, creating a scene of organized chaos. Soft morning light streams through the large street-front window, making the texture and colors of the petals incredibly vibrant.





In a cozy living room corner, a young woman is curled up in a soft armchair under a knitted blanket, peacefully reading a book. Warm afternoon sunlight streams generously through a large window, creating bright patches of light on the floor and visibly illuminating tiny dust motes dancing in the air. An orange tabby cat is curled up asleep by her feet. The entire scene exudes serenity, comfort, and a sense of peaceful contentment.

README

Overview

Gen-4 Image with references enables generation of consistent characters and locations using 1-3 reference images. The model preserves visual identity while allowing transformation of lighting, poses, settings, and styling through text prompts.

Core Features

  • Character preservation: Maintain facial features and identity across different scenes
  • Location consistency: Generate multiple angles and shots of the same environment
  • Multi-reference support: Use up to 3 reference images per generation
  • Conversational prompting: Natural language descriptions with iterative refinement

Optimal reference images

  • Natural, even lighting (avoid harsh shadows)
  • Neutral expressions for maximum flexibility
  • Moderate to high quality
  • Clear subject visibility

Usage Patterns

Single Reference

Use text prompts to describe transformations while preserving character identity.

@character_name wearing a leather jacket in a cyberpunk city

Multi-Reference

Combine character and scene references for precise control.

@character sitting in @location with dramatic lighting

Scene Generation

Create consistent environments from different angles.

show the castle courtyard from above
wide shot of the same location at sunset  

Advanced Workflows

  • Iterative refinement: Use generated outputs as new references to build complex scenes step-by-step.
  • Separate pathways: Develop character and environment references independently, then combine.
  • Element isolation: Generate specific clothing, poses, or lighting setups as references for final compositions.