Variations and Layers
Variations are alternative versions of a trait. Layers are the extracted transparent images ready for compositing.
What is a Variation?
A variation is a modified version of a specific trait in your image. For example:
- Original: Blue eyes → Variation: Red glowing eyes
- Original: Plain antenna → Variation: Satellite dish antenna
- Original: White background → Variation: Space nebula background
Each variation prompt describes how to modify just that trait while keeping everything else the same.
Variation Generation Process
- Select a trait in the Variations page
- Write a variation prompt - Describe the modification
- Generate - AI creates a new version of the full image with only that trait changed
- Layer extraction - The modified region is automatically extracted as a transparent PNG
Layer Extraction
When a variation is generated, VariantLab automatically:
- Uses the trait's favorite mask
- Extracts only the pixels within the mask
- Creates a transparent PNG layer
- Calculates the bounding box for efficient compositing
The result is a layer that can be placed over the base image to replace that trait.
Variation Variants
Like masks, each variation can have up to 5 variants per prompt:
- v1-v5 - Different generations of the same prompt
- Favorite - The starred version used in combinations
This lets you:
- Try multiple generations of the same prompt
- Compare results and pick the best
- Keep alternatives in case you change your mind
Writing Good Variation Prompts
Be specific about the change:
❌ "different eyes"
✅ "glowing red LED eyes with internal light"
Maintain consistency:
❌ "realistic photograph of eyes"
✅ "glowing red LED eyes, same digital art style"
Focus on the trait:
❌ "a robot with red eyes and a different body"
✅ "glowing red LED eyes" (body stays unchanged)
Original Layers
The "original" layer is extracted from your base image using the trait's mask. It's automatically included and marked as "orig" in the layer list.
You don't need to generate it - it's created when you first set a favorite mask for the trait.
Layer Types
| Type | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Base image + mask | The unmodified trait |
| Variation | AI generation + mask | A modified version |
Both types work the same way during combination - they're all just transparent layers.
Favoriting Layers
Click the star icon to mark a layer as favorite. Only favorited layers are used in combinations by default.
This lets you:
- Generate many variations
- Test and compare results
- Only include your best work in the final output
Layer Quality Tips
- Use high-quality masks - Clean masks = clean extractions
- Check edges - Zoom in on extracted layers to verify clean edges
- Generate multiple variants - AI results vary, pick the best
- Match styles - Ensure variations match your base image's art style
- Consider compositing - How will this layer look over the base image?