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Reference Image Handling

Guide for processing user-provided reference images in cover generation.

Input Detection

Input Type	Action
Image file path provided	Copy to `refs/` → can use `--ref`
Image in conversation (no path)	ASK user for file path with AskUserQuestion
User can't provide path	Extract style/palette verbally → append to prompt (NO frontmatter references)

CRITICAL: Only add references to prompt frontmatter if files are ACTUALLY SAVED to refs/ directory.

File Saving

If user provides file path:

Copy to refs/ref-NN-{slug}.{ext} (NN = 01, 02, ...)
Create description: refs/ref-NN-{slug}.md
Verify files exist before proceeding

Description File Format:

---
ref_id: NN
filename: ref-NN-{slug}.{ext}
usage: direct | style | palette
---
[User's description or auto-generated description]

Usage	When to Use
`direct`	Reference matches desired output closely
`style`	Extract visual style characteristics only
`palette`	Extract color scheme only

Verbal Extraction (No File)

When user can't provide file path:

Analyze image visually, extract: colors, style, composition
Create refs/extracted-style.md with extracted info
DO NOT add references to prompt frontmatter
Append extracted style/colors directly to prompt text

Deep Analysis ⚠️ CRITICAL

References are high-priority inputs. Extract specific, concrete, reproducible elements:

Analysis	Description	Example (good vs bad)
Brand elements	Logos, wordmarks, specific typography	Good: "Logo uses vertical parallel lines for 'm'" / Bad: "Has a logo"
Signature patterns	Unique decorative motifs, textures	Good: "Woven intersecting curves forming diamond grid" / Bad: "Has patterns"
Color palette	Exact hex values for key colors	Good: "#2D4A3E dark teal, #F5F0E0 cream" / Bad: "Dark and light colors"
Layout structure	Specific spatial arrangement	Good: "Bottom 30% dark banner with branding" / Bad: "Has a banner"
Typography	Font style, weight, spacing, case	Good: "Uppercase, wide letter-spacing" / Bad: "Has text"
Content/subject	What the reference depicts	Factual description
Usage recommendation	`direct` / `style` / `palette`	Based on analysis

Output format: List each element as bullet that can be copy-pasted into prompt as mandatory instruction.

Verification Output

For saved files:

Reference Images Saved:
- ref-01-{slug}.png ✓ (can use --ref)
- ref-02-{slug}.png ✓ (can use --ref)

For extracted style:

Reference Style Extracted (no file):
- Colors: #E8756D coral, #7ECFC0 mint...
- Style: minimal flat vector, clean lines...
→ Will append to prompt text (not --ref)

Priority Rules

When user provides references, they are HIGH PRIORITY:

References override defaults: If reference conflicts with preferred palette/rendering, reference takes precedence
Concrete > abstract: Extract specific elements — not vague "clean style"
Mandatory language: Use "MUST", "REQUIRED" in prompt for reference elements
Visible in output: Verify elements are present after generation; strengthen prompt if not

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