Product Props: The Complete Guide

The Props Library is what makes ppl.studio different from generic AI image tools. Instead of describing your product in a text prompt and hoping for the best, you upload actual product photos. The AI then places your real product into every scene—held by your expert, on a shelf, on a desk, wherever the shot calls for it.

The Three Prop Categories

Every prop falls into one of three categories. Picking the right one tells the AI how to place your product in the scene:

Handheld Props

Products your expert holds in their hands. Coffee cups, phones, product boxes, skincare bottles, supplements, cosmetics. These appear in the expert's grip, matching natural hand placement for the scene.

Large Objects

Products too big to hold: gym equipment, furniture, electronics, bikes, luggage. The AI positions these in the scene near the expert—being used, leaned against, or interacted with naturally.

Ambient Props

Products that appear in the background or on surfaces: a laptop on a desk, a candle on a shelf, a plant in the corner, a product bottle on a bathroom counter. The expert doesn't interact with them directly—they're part of the environment.

How to Photograph Products for Upload

The AI needs a clean reference image to accurately reproduce your product. You don't need a photo studio—a smartphone and decent lighting are enough.

1. Use a plain background — White, light gray, or any solid color. The AI needs to distinguish your product from its background.
2. Light it evenly — Natural window light or a ring light works. Avoid harsh shadows that obscure product details.
3. Capture the label clearly — If your product has a logo or label, make sure it's readable. The AI will reproduce it in generated photos.
4. Show the full product — Don't crop. Include the entire product in frame, with a little breathing room around the edges.
5. Upload 1–2 angles — You can add up to 2 images per prop. A front view and a three-quarter view give the AI the most to work with.

Uploading and Categorizing Your Prop

1. Navigate to Props — Click New Prop in your Props Library.
2. Name your product — Use a clear, descriptive name: “Vitamin C Serum 30ml” not “Product 1.”
3. Select the category — Handheld, Large Object, or Ambient. This determines how the AI places it in scenes.
4. Add a text description (optional) — Details like “glass dropper bottle with orange label, about 15cm tall.” Helps the AI when the image alone isn't enough.
5. Upload your images — Drag and drop or click to upload. 1–2 images per prop.
6. Save — Your prop now appears in the selection menu during UGC generation.

Using Props in Photo Generation

When you generate a UGC photo, you'll see your Props Library in the generation form. You can select:

• Multiple handheld props — Your expert can hold more than one item (e.g., a phone and a coffee cup).
• Large objects — Place equipment or furniture in the scene.
• Ambient props — Add background products for lifestyle photography feel.

The AI handles placement automatically. Select a prop, choose a scene preset, and the generation engine composes the scene with your product positioned naturally.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Create multiple props for the same product — Upload different angles or packaging states (sealed vs. open) as separate props for variety.
• Use the text description for context — “Premium glass bottle, matte black pump, gold lettering” helps the AI when your photo is ambiguous.
• Match props to scenes — A skincare product works in bathroom and bedroom scenes. A fitness supplement works in gym and kitchen scenes. Use presets that match your product's natural context.
• Build a props library over time — Upload your full product line. Then any expert can be generated with any product in any scene—hundreds of combinations from one setup session.

What to Do Next

• Create an AI expert if you haven't already—props need a person to hold them.
• Generate your first product photo — Select your expert + prop + scene preset and hit generate.
• Build a storyboard — Create a multi-frame carousel showing your product in different contexts.
• Try the URL-to-Ad tool — Paste your product URL to get visual direction ideas for generation.