> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.holala.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Before Generation

> Output quality in Holala is directly tied to the image you upload. Follow the guidelines on this page and you'll significantly reduce the chance of unexpected results.

<Note>
  **Important:** A poor input image causes the AI model to misread your product. Credits are consumed but you won't get the output you expect.
</Note>

## How to prepare your product image

The product image you upload gives the AI model all the information it has about your product. Any issues in this image will directly affect the output.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Column>
    <Card title="Correct" icon="circle-check">
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> Plain or white background\
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> Single-color, clean surface\
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> Product centered in frame\
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> Shot from the angle you want in the output\
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> Sufficient resolution — not blurry\
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> Full product in frame, not cropped
    </Card>
  </Column>

  <Column>
    <Card title="Incorrect" icon="do-not-enter">
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Tripods, light stands, or cameras in background\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Complex or patterned background\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Wanting a front view but uploading a side angle\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Part of the product cut off by the frame\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Low resolution or heavily compressed image\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Multiple products in the same frame
    </Card>
  </Column>
</Columns>

<Tip>
  **Angle rule:** If you want a front-facing output, your uploaded image must also be front-facing. The AI model cannot generate a front view from a side-angle photo.
</Tip>

### Cropping and background cleanup

Crop your image tightly before uploading. Don't leave excessive empty space around the product. If possible, remove the background beforehand — a plain white or transparent background gives the AI model the cleanest possible input.

## Choosing a reference image

The reference image is your second input and guides the style of the output. The cleaner and more focused your reference, the more predictable the result.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Column>
    <Card title="Good reference" icon="circle-check">
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> A single, clear style or atmosphere\
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> Shows the lighting and color tone you want\
      <Icon icon="check-double" /> A visual from a similar product category
    </Card>
  </Column>

  <Column>
    <Card title="Weak reference" icon="do-not-enter">
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> A busy scene with too many elements\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Unrelated category (mismatched product type)\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Low resolution or blurry image\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Part of the product cut off by the frame\
      <Icon icon="xmark" /> Multiple products in the same frame
    </Card>
  </Column>
</Columns>

## Next step

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Generation Steps" icon="sparkles" href="/development">
    A generation in Holala is completed in five steps. Follow them in order.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Product Images" icon="image" href="/input-uploads">
    The full input-prep guide, with per-category tips.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>