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Write clearer image prompts

Describe subject, composition and light before adding style details.

A clear image prompt explains what should be visible. It is more useful to specify the subject and arrangement than to pile on phrases such as “masterpiece” or “ultra quality.” Different image tools interpret the same instruction differently, so treat each result as a draft rather than an exact promise.

Build the scene in layers

Start with the subject: a ceramic mug, a mountain path or a fictional character. Add the setting and one action if needed. Then describe the composition: close-up, wide view, eye level or overhead. Mention which part of the frame should remain simple if you plan to place a headline over the result later.

Try:
“An editorial photograph of a handmade blue ceramic mug on a pale wooden kitchen table. Close-up at table height, with the mug on the right half of the frame. Soft morning light from a window on the left. Quiet neutral background. Leave the upper-left area uncluttered for a title. No text or logos.”

Choose lighting before decoration

Light changes the mood and makes a scene readable. Soft window light, a shaded outdoor setting and a hard studio spotlight lead to different results. Choose one main approach. Conflicting instructions such as midday sunlight and a dark moonlit room make the goal harder to interpret.

Use references thoughtfully

If your tool accepts references, use images you own or are allowed to use. Explain what the reference is for: colour, composition, a product’s shape or a specific identity. Do not assume the system will preserve exact details. Review faces, hands, text and brand marks before publication, especially when accuracy matters.

Change one variable at a time

Keep the subject fixed while testing the viewpoint. Then adjust lighting or background. Record the prompt and settings for a version you like. Some tools offer aspect-ratio or size controls outside the prompt; use those controls when available instead of relying on words alone.

Check the output in context

View the image at the size where it will appear. A detail that looks fine in a large preview may become distracting in a small card. Make sure any overlaid text is readable. Check usage rights and avoid presenting a generated scene as photographic evidence of a real event. For a product listing, verify that the image does not misrepresent the product.

Put the idea into practice.

Find a starting point in the prompt library and adapt it to your task.

Explore prompts →