How to write better AI image prompts: a practical guide

Great AI images start with great prompts. The model can only render what you describe, so a clear, specific prompt is the difference between a generic result and exactly the image you pictured. This guide walks through a simple structure you can reuse every time.

Start with the subject

Lead with the single most important thing in the frame. Instead of "a coffee cup," try "a ceramic coffee mug with steam rising." The more concrete the subject, the less the model has to guess.

Add style and medium

Tell the model how the image should look: photograph, watercolor, 3D render, or anime art. If you are not sure where to start, a saved style does this for you. Browse the preset library and pick a look, then describe only your subject. For example, the Cinematic Portrait preset already handles the lens, lighting, and color grade.

Describe lighting and mood

Lighting carries most of the mood in an image. Words like soft window light, dramatic rim light, or warm golden hour change the feel dramatically. Add a time of day or weather for extra atmosphere.

Set framing and composition

Name the camera angle and distance: top-down flat lay, three-quarter view, wide establishing shot, or tight close-up. For product images, a clean angle matters as much as the lighting. The Studio Product Shot preset pairs a seamless white background with soft studio light so you only need to describe the product.

Edit instead of starting over

If a result is close but not perfect, you do not have to begin again. Switch to edit mode, upload the image, and apply a filter or describe the change you want. This keeps what is working and adjusts only what is not.

A simple prompt template

Put it together in one line: subject, then style, then lighting, then framing. For example: "a leather weekender bag, product photograph, soft studio lighting, three-quarter view on a white background." Save the prompts that work as presets so you can reuse them and build a consistent look over time.

Ready to try it? Open the studio and write your first prompt using this structure.