Master AI Image Prompts With These Expert Tips

Translating the perfect image in your head onto the screen using an AI generator can be a frustrating process. After spending over a year testing and reviewing various AI image generators like Midjourney and Dall-E, I've learned that crafting a good prompt is the key to avoiding bizarre or horrifying results.

Prompt engineering, the art of using the right words to command AI, is essential. For image generation, this means creating a detailed description that goes beyond just the subject and setting. No matter which AI service you use, certain elements are crucial for achieving the best outcome. Here are my expert tips for writing effective prompts, including helpful phrases and common mistakes to avoid.

Start with the Three Core Elements

When you're staring at a blank text box, it can be hard to know where to begin. The best approach is to start with the essentials. Every good prompt needs these three components, which you can expand upon later:

• Characters and elements: Who or what is in the scene?
• Setting: Where does the scene take place?
• Dimensions: Specify the orientation, such as portrait, landscape, or a specific aspect ratio like 3:2 or 16:9.

A quick word of caution: avoid using negative prompts (e.g., "no hats"). Most generators tend to ignore these instructions or, even worse, misinterpret them and include the very thing you wanted to exclude. It's often easier to remove unwanted elements during the editing phase.

Define Your Style and Color Palette

Once you have the basic 'who, what, and where,' the next step is to guide the AI toward a specific artistic style. Some popular styles to consider include:

• Photorealistic: Aims to look as close to a real-life photograph as possible.
• Stock photography: Similar to real photos but with a brighter, more polished look.
• Cartoon: Fun, vibrant, and typically less detailed.
• Illustration: Can encompass styles like paintings or pencil sketches.
• Gaming/Game UI: A more advanced, sometimes anime-like style.

Be sure to specify the colors you want. If you don't have exact shades in mind, you can guide the generator by requesting "warm tones" or "cool tones" to set the overall mood.

This Canva image keeps the magic alive with a cartoonish warm-toned image. (Katelyn Chedraoui/Canva Magic Media AI)

Describe the Desired Vibe and Emotion

To add another layer of detail, describe the overall aesthetic or vibe you're aiming for. These keywords can help you get closer to your vision without writing a novel-length prompt. Consider using terms like:

• Abstract
• Anime
• Medieval
• Retro
• Psychedelic
• Neon
• Noir
• Vintage
• Minimalistic
• Fantasy or Sci-fi
• Surrealist

If a specific aesthetic doesn't fit, try describing the emotional tone of the scene. A 'happy' scene will likely generate bright colors and warm feelings, while a 'stressful' scene might produce cooler tones and more complex details, regardless of the style.

Leonardo might not understand "cottage core coastal grandma," but it does understand the rustic feel with blues and warm light. (Katelyn Chedraoui/Leonardo AI)

Troubleshooting Your AI Images

Even with a perfect prompt, AI image generators can still produce duds. The technology is constantly evolving, but it's not flawless. The quickest way to fix major issues is to tweak your prompt. If problems persist, try to identify exactly what's wrong. If an image doesn't look professional enough, perhaps the style you chose isn't appropriate.

Midjourney took the "stressful" emotion too far in this image and lost the photorealistic style I wanted. (Katelyn Chedraoui/Midjourney AI)

Many AI image services, like Adobe Firefly or Leonardo, offer post-generation editing tools to fix minor errors. However, sometimes the best solution is to start over. Resetting your settings and rethinking your prompt from scratch can feel like a step backward, but it can be a valuable last resort.

Ultimately, AI image generators are tools, not replacements for human creativity. Like any software, they require time and practice to master. By getting to know your chosen program and its capabilities, you'll gain a better understanding of what prompts deliver the best results. These tips should help you get closer to your desired image in the meantime.