It is recommended to prepare a sample image that can be opened and displayed normally.
Prioritize selecting normal photos from the same camera, mobile phone, drone, dashcam, or memory card as the damaged image, ideally taken by the same device at a similar time.
The sample image should ideally have the same or similar file format, resolution, shooting mode, and encoding parameters as the damaged image. For example, if the damaged image is a JPG, prioritize JPG; if the damaged image is in RAW format, such as CR2, NEF, ARW, DNG, etc., try to choose a similar RAW file taken by the same brand and model of equipment.
The sample image itself must not be damaged or unopenable. It is also not recommended to use images that have been heavily compressed, cropped, converted in format, or re-exported by third-party software.
In short, the more closely the sample image resembles the original damaged photo, the more effective the reference it provides for advanced restoration, thereby increasing the success rate of the restoration.