Variants allow a single position to deliver multiple image outputs with different file formats, DPI, dimensions, or other specifications. Auto-Generated Variants allow studios to skip manual processing of individual variants and instead deliver them automatically to the selected delivery location.
➕ Add On: Auto-Variants are part of an add-on package. If you are interested in using them in your studio, please contact your CSM.
Feature Overview
Studios may have a wide array of variant requirements for various clients. Creative Force has partnered up with Cloudinary to auto-generate variants for you, meaning the variants will be created automatically and do not require manual processing by retouchers.
Processing Method
Creative Force offers two methods of interacting with Cloudinary to deliver auto-variants. The default method is via a Creative Force Cloudinary instance, but users can also utilize their own Cloudinary instance via the Cloudinary Connector.
Processing Method | Description |
Creative Force Provided Instance | The default method, limits file size to 100 MB. |
Studio Provided Instance | Requires setup via the Cloudinary Connector and a paid Cloudinary account. No size limits. |
Getting Started
Auto-Variants are assigned to assets at the Style Guide level via Presets. To get started, you will first want to edit an existing or create a new Preset.
For more information on the general setup and configuration of Presets, please see our dedicated article on the subject by following the link below.
Auto Variant Setup
Once you have this feature enabled on your account, you will see Add Auto-Variant as an available option within the spec menu.
After selecting to create the auto-variant, the menu will split into two separate sections with individual configuration fields for each.
Option | Function |
Spec (Main) | The main image to be produced as the source for the variants. |
Auto Variant | The auto-variant, which will be spun out from the source image. |
Main Specs
In order to have auto-variants work effectively, the main spec is produced during the fan-out step during production by a retoucher, and serves as the source for the generated auto-variants automatically produced during asset delivery.
You can define the specifications for the main spec using the options in the table found here.
Main Spec Considerations
It is not possible to generate an auto variant that is larger in dimension than the original file that was input.
When the background color of the variant needs to be changed (different than the background of the main file), we do recommend producing the main file on a transparent background for the background change to work properly, as otherwise we can not guarantee optimal results.
Auto-Variant Specs
You can define the specifications for the main spec using many of the same options in the main spec, in addition to a few unique configuration options detailed in the next sections.
Auto-Specification | Function |
| Define various resizing options for the variant to follow in relation to the main image. |
| Define various cropping options for the variant to follow in relation to the main image. |
| Choose how to treat mask channels embedded within the file.
This option only shows up when the variant's File Format is set to TIF. |
Auto Resize
Auto Cropping
Ignore Mask Channels
Auto Resize
Resize Method | Function |
No Resize | The main image dimensions will be applied to the variant during creation. |
Resize & Fill | Image is scaled up or down to meet the exact target dimensions without distorting the image.
If the target aspect ratio is different than the original, cropping will occur. |
Resize & Pad | Image is resized to the configured dimensions and maintains the original aspect ratio.
If target dimensions do not match the original aspect ratio, padding is added to reach the desired size. |
Resize to Fit | Image is resized to fit within a bounding box defined by the specified dimensions below.
The aspect ratio of the original image will be retained. |
Padding & Fill
When Resizing and Pad or Resize & Fill is selected as the Auto Resize method, additional configuration options will become available.
⚠️ Important: Please note that Padding Type, Gravity, and Color are only applied to the image when the target aspect ratio differs from the original – this is only possible when both the width and height are defined.
Resize Option | Function |
Padding Gravity | Set a gravity alignment to tell the system where to anchor the original image inside the canvas. In other words, designate which side(s) get the padding. |
Padding Type | This will determine how to fill in the padding when the target dimensions are different than the original image’s aspect ratio.
Select between Solid or Generative Fill. |
→ Solid Fill | This is the default option; you will be able to select the color for the padding fill from the color picker. |
→ Generative Fill | Utilizes Cloudinary's generative fill to extend the existing image into the padded area. Generative Fill is not supported when the Main variant has a transparent background. |
📝 Notes: When the main variant has a color background, and you select ‘No Change’ as background color for the auto-variant, the default padding color is kept as per the main variant’s.
Auto Cropping
Auto Cropping Method | Function |
No Cropping | No cropping will be applied to the variant. |
Standard | Set the dimensions by length and width in pixels, then choose a cropping gravity (alignment).
When Center is selected, the cropped space is distributed evenly on all sides. |
Fixed Coordinates | The system crops a rectangle from a specific, hard-coded position and size. The top-left cropping coordinate is the anchor point where the crop region begins. |
Face Detection | The system will attempt to automatically locate the face(s) in the image and use them as the anchor point for the crop.
This is ideal for portrait, talent, model, or e-commerce on-figure imagery where the subject's face must stay framed correctly across every output. |
When Face Detection is selected as the Auto Cropping method, additional configuration options will become available.
Face Detection Option | Function |
→ Cropping Gravity | Select between Face or Faces:
|
→ Cropping Mode | How the crop is composed around the detected face(s). Select an option from the drop-down:
|
→ Dimensions | Set the width & height of the target crop in pixels. |
Ignore Mask Channels
TIFFs from retouching pipelines (Photoshop, Capture One, etc.) often carry clipping masks in additional channels. In some scenarios, treating those as transparency would incorrectly knock out parts of the image.
Ignore Mask Channel Option | Function |
Yes | This is the default option. The mask channel is preserved as data inside the TIFF, but not flattened onto the visible image. |
No | The alpha channel will be applied to the image even when it's a mask channel. |
Next Steps
When you are ready to define which assets should be related to your Presets during Production, you will be able to do so at the Style Guide level.
Specs related to auto variants in the Style Guide will show a lightning icon next to their Preset & Naming field.
For more information on Asset Settings in Style Guides, please see our dedicated article on the subject by following the link below.
Auto variants will be displayed in the Assets tab once the task is 'Done' at the Asset Delivery step.