How to Write Better AI Image Generation Prompts: Complete Guide
Techniques for getting better results from DALL-E, Midjourney, and other image generators.
AI image generators produce output based on the text prompts you give them. Better prompts produce better images. Here is how to write effective prompts.
Be specific about what you want. Instead of a dog, try a golden retriever running through a field of wildflowers in summer sunlight, professional photography, shallow depth of field.
Include style references. If you want a specific art style, mention it: in the style of oil painting, watercolor, 3D render, anime, photorealism, etc. The generator knows these styles.
Use descriptive adjectives. Not just colors but qualities: vibrant, moody, bright, dark, cinematic, dreamy, hyper-realistic, abstract.
Include camera or composition notes if relevant: wide angle, macro photography, birds eye view, close up, symmetrical composition.
Mention the medium: oil painting, watercolor, digital art, photograph, charcoal drawing.
Exclude what you don't want. If you want no people in the image, specify no people. If you want something specific excluded, say it.
Length matters but not excessively. A prompt of 15-25 words is usually optimal. Too short and the generator is uncertain. Too long and priorities get diluted.
Test and iterate. Generate multiple versions, see what works, refine based on results.
Experiment with different generators. DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion all interpret prompts slightly differently. A prompt that works great in one might need adjustment in another.
Remember that these are tools that work best with clear direction. The better your prompt, the better your image.