> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.scaleflex.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.scaleflex.com/digital-asset-management-dam/library/assets/asset-details-window/asset-information-tabs/variations.md).

# Variations

Variations are dynamically generated transformations of an origin asset.

{% hint style="info" %}
Transformations are dynamic file changes that are applied via URL query string parameters. Examples:

* change of the file format (JPG -> WebP; MP4 -> WebM)
* resizing (crop, fit, trim, padding)
* applying filters (grayscale, brightness, background color)
* adding a watermark
* generative AI (plate blurring; background removal; background expanding; etc)
* video transformations (compression; transcoding)
  {% endhint %}

Transformations are not saved as separate files in the DAM storage. They are created by the processing servers on-the-fly when a user requests the asset (e.g opening some image URL in the browser).

If you frequently use the same transformations, you can save them as Variations for faster reuse.

{% hint style="info" %}
A Variation is a saved transformation which allows faster access and convenience when you need to download it or to copy its CDN link.
{% endhint %}

### Use cases where Variations are applicable

* Generate multiple resizings of an image, dedicated for different channels or marketplaces
* Collect optimized versions of a file in one place, without duplicating the original and managing several copies of the same content.
* Standardize output formats and ensure all teams work with the same file content

#### Creating a variation for a single image <a href="#creating-transformation-for-a-single-image-via-the-image-editor" id="creating-transformation-for-a-single-image-via-the-image-editor"></a>

1. Select a file and double-click it to open the asset management window
2. Go to the **Variations** tab.
3. Click the **+ Add variation** button to create a new variation using the [Image Editor.](/dynamic-media-optimization-dmo/transformations/image-optimization.md)

<figure><img src="https://2536208400-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqsq2dR7Fjagf5eTifWZx%2Fuploads%2FWWWT6ESpJA1cjfHkSvCv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=d6b42aff-65c3-4abc-8354-f7073b8d9eff" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After saving the variation, it will appear in the **Variations** tab. You can hover over the variation to either download it or copy an optimized CDN link for easy sharing.

If a file has multiple variations, you can download them in bulk.

**Variations of a design template**

When the asset is a design template, **+ Add variation** opens the template's variation builder instead of the Image Editor. Rather than transforming a file, you choose a layout and fill in the template's variables, and the result is saved to this tab as a reusable image link. See [Variations](/studio/template-builder/variations.md).

### Setting Presets

Presets is a special DAM feature which allows to create Variations automatically when a file is uploaded. In that way, you can create standard outputs for all uploaded files.

See the [Presets](https://docs.scaleflex.com/dynamic-media-optimization-dmo/settings/delivery/url-format#presets) configuration section for setup details.