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How to create reusable characters and other elements
Elements are the building blocks you save once and reuse forever: your hero, their hometown, a magic hat, or the rules of your world. Mention them with @ in any story and ComicKnit keeps them looking and acting the same.
- Time
- About 5 minutes per element
- Steps
- 6 steps
Step 1: Know the four element types
Open Elements in the top menu. Your library holds four kinds of element:
- Character — a reusable cast member with a fixed look and personality.
- Location — a place you want to return to, like a café or a spaceship bridge.
- Prop — a specific recurring object, like a hat, a sword or a gadget.
- Text — lore, story-arc notes or world rules. It adds context to the script and has no image.
Step 2: Create a character
Click New Character. Give it a clear Element Name (for example “Captain Mira Sol”) and a Description of how they look: age, hair, clothes and one standout feature.
Under Character Form, choose Human or Natural Animal (then type the species, such as “red fox”). Animal characters are drawn as real animals, not cartoon people.
Add Traits (comma separated, like “brave, impulsive, funny”) and a Speech Pattern (like “Clipped and precise.”). These shape how the character talks in the script.
Step 3: Add a reference picture (optional) and generate the image
Under Reference Image, click Upload Image to add a PNG or JPG (up to 10 MB). ComicKnit uses it as a guide when it draws the library image — handy for a pet, a mascot or an existing design.
Press Create + Generate Image to save the element and draw its library image (10 credits). Or press Create Character to save the details without an image.
Step 4: Create locations, props and text elements
Locations and props work the same way: click New Location or New Prop, name it, describe it, optionally upload a picture, and generate its image.
For a Text element, click New Text, add a short Summary, and write your lore, rules or arc notes in Text Context. Text elements are free because no image is made.
- Location example: “Old Harbor District — foggy cobblestone docks, gas lamps, fishing boats, gulls.”
- Prop example: “Stormglass Hat — a brass-rimmed top hat with a swirling blue glass dome.”
- Text example: “Magic in this world costs a memory each time it is used.”
Step 5: Use elements in a story with @
On the create page, type @ in the story box. A list of your saved elements pops up — pick one (or keep typing to filter) and it's inserted as @Name.
Each mentioned element shows as a chip under the box. That means it's locked: the script uses its saved name and details, and its image guides the art on every page.
Step 6: Edit or improve an element later
Click an element in your library to edit it. Save Details updates the text only. Save + Regenerate Image also redraws the library image with your changes.
Future comics use the updated version. Comics you already made keep the look they were drawn with.
Questions & answers
Why use elements instead of just describing the character each time?
A saved element gives ComicKnit a fixed reference image and description. Every page is drawn with that reference attached, so faces, colors and proportions stay consistent across pages and across comics.
Do text elements cost credits?
No. Text elements add written context to the script and never create an image, so they're free.
Can I use the same character in a series?
Yes. Mention the character in each episode, or pin it to the series cast so it's preselected for every new episode. See the guide to creating a comic series.
What image can I upload as a reference?
A PNG or JPG up to 10 MB. Upload only images you have the right to use, such as your own drawings, photos or original designs.