State Image Messages: ‘Needs Its Main Image First’, ‘Describe How It Differs’, ‘Can’t Use Reference Images’

Quick answer: A state (a costume change, a burnt room, a drawn blade) is generated from the card’s main sheet, so it needs three things: the main sheet must exist, the state must have a name, and it must have a sentence saying what differs. Each missing piece has its own message. Two others are about limits: a card can hold only so many states, and a state that is still generating cannot be replaced until it lands. One is about your settings: if your chosen image model cannot work from a reference image, states cannot be made with it; pick another image model in settings and generate again. And one means the feature is switched off site-wide for the moment.

Still from “The Eagle's Vow”, an AI short drama generated end-to-end by SceneMixer (9 characters, 1 episode) — Sample: “The Eagle's Vow” — Realistic HD, 1 episode, produced end-to-end by SceneMixer from the script · watch the episodes

On a card with no image yet, add a state and generate it: the message asks for the main image first; generate the sheet, then the state.

How a state image is made

The main sheet is the reference; the difference sentence is the instruction; the model edits the sheet into the new look. That is why every message here is about one of those inputs. What states are for: Costume Change and Scene States.

The episode asset library showing generated character sheets, location images and prop images — A state is generated from the main sheet; it needs that sheet, a name, and a difference sentence.

The messages, one by one

This asset needs its main image first — the card has no sheet yet, or it is still generating. Generate the sheet, wait for it, then the state. Describe how this state differs from the main image first — the difference field is empty. Write what changes, in structural words. Write the Change, Not the Picture. Give this state a name — the name field is empty. This asset already has a state with that name — names are unique per card. You’ve reached the maximum number of states for this asset — delete one you do not use, or merge two into one. This state is still generating — wait for it to land or fail before replacing its image. Asset states are turned off right now — site-wide switch; while it is off, clips use the base sheets instead of any state images.

The image model message

The current image model can’t use reference images: you selected an image model in settings that generates from text only. States are always edits of a reference, so they cannot be made with it. Open settings, choose an image model that accepts references (the default does), generate the state, and switch back if you prefer the other model for plain sheets.

If the state did not come out as described

The difference sentence is the lever: shorter, structural, one change. A state that came out as the original means the sentence restated the whole sheet. Use a State in One Scene once it looks right.

Credits

A state image is a generation at the sheet price; the first project has a separate free allowance for states. Messages above are refusals and charge nothing; a state that fails after starting is settled by the usual rules.

Message	Needs
Needs its main image first	Generate the sheet, wait for it
Describe how this state differs	A difference sentence
Give this state a name	A name
Already has a state with that name	Another name
Maximum number of states	Delete or merge one
Still generating	Wait for it to land
Image model can't use reference images	Pick another image model in settings
States are turned off	Wait; clips use the base sheets meanwhile

FAQ

Can I upload my own image as a state?

Yes; then no difference sentence is needed for generation, though a short one helps the storyboard.

Do states share the free sheet allowance?

No. States have their own first-project allowance.

Why can't the text-only image model make states?

A state is an edit of the main sheet; a model that cannot read references cannot edit.

Does deleting a state affect clips already made?

No. It only stops future scenes from selecting it.

Where do I pick which scene uses the state?

In the editor, per segment; or per episode in Step 3.

Sheet, name, difference

With those three, the state generates.

Open Step 2

Updated September 27, 2026