Upload your own character

🎭 How do I upload my own character?

You can upload a reference image of your own character instead of generating one from scratch, useful for brand mascots, existing IP, or a look you've already locked elsewhere.

Upload your character

1. In your project, go to the character step (the Cast step, typically step 2) and click the character card. A popup will open.
2. Choose Upload and select your reference image. High-quality character images are supported.
3. Decide whether to check 'Convert the image to match your video's visual style.'
4. Attach the image before you generate the video. If you don't, the character image will be generated by AI instead.

The rule

• Choose Keep Uploaded Look if your uploaded image is already in the same visual style as your video; for example, it's already a 3D cartoon render and your video is also a 3D cartoon. Atlabs won't change your image.
• Choose Match Video Style only if your upload needs converting; for example, you're uploading a real photo of yourself, but your video's visual style is 3D cartoon. Atlabs converts it into that style.

🚨 Choosing Match Video Style on an image already in the correct style can noticeably alter the character, since it still runs a full style-conversion pass. If a character came out looking different than what you uploaded, this is the first thing to check.

Should I select the style-conversion box?

• Select "Match Video style" if your reference is a photo or a different art style than your video (e.g., a real photo, or a different animation style) and you want it repainted to match.
• Select "Keep uploaded look" if your reference is already in your target style: checking it in this case can distort features you specifically uploaded to preserve.

🚨 A common issue: leaving the box checked when the reference is already correct can shift the character's face, colors, or proportions. If your uploaded character looks "off" after generation, this checkbox is the first thing to check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use my own character or photo?
At the Cast step, click the character card and upload your image. Then choose either "Match video style" or "Keep uploaded look". Clear, well-lit, front-facing images work best.

Do I need to train my character?
No. Upload a character sheet for consistency. Note: The character sheet has the right preview; the same shall be followed throughout the story for generating the visuals with characters in it.

Can I use a character without a face?
The workflow is designed for characters with faces. Results for faceless characters may vary.

Need help? We've got your back — reach out to us at support@atlabs.ai.

Updated on: 10/15/2026