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Reference Images

Import and manage reference images​

Use the add entry in the Reference panel to bring external images into the current project as references.

  • On mobile, you can add images from Files, Photos, or the clipboard.
  • On desktop, you can import directly from local files and also paste from the clipboard.
  • A single project can keep multiple reference images.
  • Deleting a reference removes it from the current project.
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Importing a reference image

The two screenshots below show the current Reference panel on iOS and desktop.

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Reference panel on iOS
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Reference panel on desktop

On desktop, if a project already has several reference images, you can switch between them directly in the Reference panel.

Viewing references in the panel​

By default, a reference image opens inside the Reference panel, which works well when you want to compare while drawing.

  • Drag the image to move your view.
  • Use the zoom control to adjust the display scale.
  • Use Fit Center to quickly return the image to a practical view.
  • Horizontal and vertical flipping are supported.
  • On mobile, you can long-press the reference to pick a colour quickly.
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Flipping a reference image
tip

On iOS, double-tapping the image in the Reference panel cycles through common zoom levels.

Show in Canvas​

If you want to use the reference as an overlay directly on top of your artwork, switch it to Show In Canvas.

  • This is useful for tracing, checking proportions, or comparing details while you paint.
  • In this mode, you can still scale, move, flip, and rotate the reference.
  • Both platforms support Fit Center so you can quickly return to a usable placement.

The next two screenshots show the control UI after switching to Show In Canvas on iOS and desktop.

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Show In Canvas controls on iOS
/new-medias/drawing/drawing-reference-desktop-show-in-canvas-controls.png
Show In Canvas controls on desktop

Common controls in Show In Canvas include:

  • Fit Center to quickly reset the placement against the current canvas.
  • Zoom and position for fine size and X / Y adjustments.
  • Flip and rotate for mirror checks and orientation changes.
  • Opacity so the reference can sit behind your drawing more comfortably.
  • Display Above Sprite when you need the reference to stay on top of the artwork.

If you prefer starting by dropping an image straight into the panel, desktop also supports drag and drop.

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Dragging an image into the desktop Reference panel

Paste from the clipboard​

After copying an image in another app, you can paste the clipboard contents into the current project as a reference.

Pasting a clipboard image as reference
tip

With Apple Handoff enabled, you can copy an image on a Mac and paste it into Resprite on iOS.

Picking colours from a reference​

Reference images are also a direct colour source.

  • With the Eyedropper tool selected, drag over the reference image to sample colours.
  • On mobile, long-pressing a reference can also trigger quick colour picking.
  • On desktop, you can also pick colours from a reference with the right mouse button.

Once colour picking is active, drag gestures prioritise sampling instead of moving the reference, which helps avoid accidental shifts.

Saved with the project​

Reference images are stored together with the current project.

  • When you share or back up the project, the linked reference images are included as well.
  • When you reopen the project, their display state, position, and related settings are restored.

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