# Reframe an image with Variations

> Use the Nodespell Variations Creative Tool to reframe one image as a new shot type or angle, or to direct a custom variation with your own words.

Source: https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/variations/ · Last updated: 2026-11-10

Variations is the Nodespell Creative Tool for making a new version of one existing image. In **Reframe** mode you choose a shot type, such as a close-up or a low angle, and the model redraws the scene from that framing while keeping the subject recognizable. In **Custom** mode you write exactly what should change and what should stay. Each run returns a new image take.

## When should I use Variations?

Use Variations when you like an image and want another shot of the same subject or scene.

| If you want to                                               | Use                                                                           |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| See the same subject from a new framing, angle, or viewpoint | Variations, **Reframe** mode                                                  |
| Make a directed change while keeping the subject consistent  | Variations, **Custom** mode, or [Image Editor](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/image-editor/) |
| Combine several images or edit with a mask                   | [Image Editor](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/image-editor/)                                 |
| Generate a fresh frame with camera and lens choices          | [Cinematic Shot](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/cinematic-shot/)                             |
| Change only the lighting                                     | [Relight](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/relight/)                                           |

## Reframe an image

1. Open **Create**, select **All tools**, and choose **Variations**.
2. Add the image under **Source image** with **Choose assets**. Variations uses exactly one source image.
3. Leave **Variation mode** on **Reframe**.
4. Open **Shot type** and choose a framing. Point at or focus an option to preview it.
5. Check the model card and the output settings.
6. Set **Generations** from 1 to 4, then select **Generate**.

To make a directed change instead, set **Variation mode** to **Custom** and describe the change in **Variation instructions**.

## Variations controls

| Control                    | What it does                                                | Options or default                                    |
| -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Source image**           | The image to transform                                      | Required, one image                                   |
| **Variation mode**         | Chooses how the variation is described                      | **Reframe** (default) or **Custom**                   |
| **Shot type**              | The new framing in **Reframe** mode                         | 23 options in four groups; default Three-quarter view |
| **Variation instructions** | What should change and what should stay, in **Custom** mode | Required in **Custom** mode                           |
| Model card                 | Chooses the model                                           | Default Nano Banana 2.1                               |
| **More settings**          | The model's remaining settings                              | Collapsed                                             |
| **Generations**            | Number of runs to submit                                    | 1 to 4, default 1 (Create only)                       |
| **Generate**               | Runs the model                                              | Shows the credit estimate on paid plans               |

**Shot type** groups and options:

| Group        | Options                                                                                                        |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Shot size    | Extreme close-up, Close-up, Medium close-up, Medium shot, Cowboy shot, Full shot, Wide shot, Extreme wide shot |
| Composition  | Establishing shot, Insert shot                                                                                 |
| Camera angle | Eye level, Low angle, High angle, Overhead, Aerial, Worm's-eye view, Dutch angle                               |
| Viewpoint    | Front view, Three-quarter view, Profile view, Back view, Over-the-shoulder, Point-of-view (POV)                |

In **Reframe** mode, Nodespell tells the model to create one reframed variation at the chosen shot type, using the source as the visual reference and keeping its subject, scene, and recognizable details where possible. In **Custom** mode, your instruction is sent as written.

## Which models work with Variations?

Variations uses a fixed list of image models. The picker shows Nano Banana 2.1 (the default) and FLUX 3 Image under **Featured**, and lists all of these under **All models**:

- Nano Banana 2.1, Nano Banana 2, Nano Banana Pro, Nano Banana 2 Lite
- GPT Image 2 Edit
- Seedream 5 Pro
- Flux Kontext Dev, FLUX 3 Image
- Qwen Edit Multiangle, Qwen Image 3, Qwen Image 3 Pro
- Ideogram 4.5 Edit

## How do the results change with the model?

Each model follows the shot type in its own way, and some keep the subject closer to the source than others. Qwen Edit Multiangle also receives matching camera moves for the chosen shot type, such as moving closer for a close-up or tilting for a low or high angle. The output controls come from the model: Nano Banana 2.1, for example, adds **Aspect ratio** and **Resolution**, while other models offer their own size or quality settings. When you switch model, your source image and settings carry over where the new model supports them.

## Where does the variation go?

Selecting **Generate** adds a model node to the current Level of your graph and runs it. Each variation is kept as a [take](https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/takes/) on that node and shown in **Results**. Nodespell stores the mode and shot type with the node, so selecting it later brings them back. The source image is not changed.

## Common problems

| Problem                                                                            | What to do                                                                                                        |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Describe the variation you want."                                                 | You are in **Custom** mode with empty **Variation instructions**. Write an instruction or switch to **Reframe**.  |
| The subject changes too much                                                       | Try another model, or use **Custom** mode and state what must stay the same.                                      |
| The prompt shows "Prompt controlled by an input node" instead of the mode controls | A node is connected to the prompt input. Select **Disconnect** to use **Variation mode** and **Shot type** again. |

## Frequently asked questions

### Can Variations use more than one source image?

No. Variations works from exactly one source image. Some models also accept separate reference images; to combine several images, use [Image Editor](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/image-editor/).

### What is the default shot type in Variations?

Three-quarter view, in **Reframe** mode. Change it from the **Shot type** list.

### Do I need to write a prompt in Reframe mode?

No. In **Reframe** mode the shot type is enough. **Variation instructions** are required only in **Custom** mode.

### Is Variations the same as Image Editor?

They overlap, but Variations is built around one source image and a shot-type choice, with a fixed list of models suited to reframing. Image Editor follows a free-form instruction and can take several images.

## Related

- [Image Editor](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/image-editor/) — instruction-based edits
- [Cinematic Shot](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/cinematic-shot/) — the same shot types for new images
- [Recipe: consistent character](https://docs.nodespell.com/recipes/consistent-character/) — keep a subject consistent across shots
- [Choose a model](https://docs.nodespell.com/creative-tools/choose-a-model/) — compare variation models
- [Takes](https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/takes/) — compare and keep variations