Create and use elements

If the same person, product, or character appears across several shots, organize its references as an element first. You can then select that element when generating video instead of adding every file again.

An element can contain a name, description, and image, video, audio, or text references. It stores how those references belong together; it does not replace or delete the original files in the Library.

Element, asset, or template?

What you want to reuse	Use
One image, video, or audio file	Library
A set of references for the same person, product, or character	Element
A set of nodes, connections, and production steps	Template

For example, create separate elements for a lead character, a perfume bottle, or a brand mascot. Add the appearance, clothing, material, or packaging details the model should keep consistent.

1. Open Elements

1. Open Library from the toolbar on the left side of the canvas.
2. Switch to Elements.
3. Choose the Private or Team space.
4. Search for an existing element, or select New.

Only you can manage private elements. Copy or move an element to the team space when teammates need to use it.

2. Create an element

1. Select New.
2. Enter a recognizable name, such as “Lead character” or “Perfume product.”
3. Describe the details the model should understand and preserve.
4. Add references from the Library, Canvas, or your computer.
5. Check the asset order, then select Save element.

To add content from the canvas, select supported image, video, audio, or text nodes first. You can also choose Select from canvas, then click individual nodes or drag a selection around several nodes. Finish the selection to return to the editor.

You can save an empty element with only a name and description, then add assets later. The editor shows which asset types and limits are currently available.

3. Manage an element

From the element list, you can:

• rename the element or edit its description;
• add, remove, or reorder references;
• preview one or several assets;
• copy or move it to the team space;
• delete an element you no longer use.

Deleting an element does not delete its original Library assets. Before moving an element to the team space, confirm that teammates are allowed to view and use its references.

4. Use an element in a video node

1. Create or select a video generation node.
2. Choose a supported Seedance model and switch to Reference mode.
3. Select + beside the input and choose Add element. You can also type @ in the prompt.
4. Choose an element under Private elements or Team elements.
5. Describe what the element should do, where it appears, and how the camera moves.
6. Review the model and generation settings, then generate.

Creative OS sends the available references inside the selected element to the model. Your prompt should still describe the action, setting, and camera requirements.

5. Check compatibility

• Element references currently support Seedance 2.0, Seedance 2.0 Fast, and Seedance 2.0 Mini.
• Use Reference mode. Multi-shot mode does not currently support element references.
• Element and asset limits vary by model. Follow the limit shown in the picker.
• An audio-only element cannot be used by itself. Add at least one image or video.
• If an element reference is invalid, remove it and select the element again.
• If its assets are still loading, wait for them to finish and generate again.

If Add element does not appear for a model or mode, that configuration does not currently support element references.

Next: Generate and edit video