AI is undeniably one of the most exciting technologies available for use right now. Whether it’s the endless outcomes or the dynamic imagery created, AI is an incredible tool that is changing the face of the creative world. However, an important thing to consider when creating your masterpiece is how to write an AI image prompt. Prompting is everything when it comes to generating the perfect image, and just a few terms or phrases can change the entire look and quality of your image. It’s the difference between your outcome looking like the Mona Lisa and people just moaning because “Lisa, that artwork is terrible!”

With it being one year since we launched our first generative AI tools on Picsart, we want to celebrate just how far AI technology has come. For those of you who are keen to learn the best tips and tricks for creating the perfect AI outcomes, you’re in the right place! Here are our top 5 pieces of advice for anyone who wants to become an AI prompt expert. 

Start Simple, Then Add

To start the perfect prompt, an easy way to not overthink the process is to keep your words short and concise to begin with. Then, expand your ideas and add additional specifications, styles, words, and details in order to create a longer description. Picsart UX Researcher and admin of our AI Product Design Space Charlotte explains, “I spend a long time thinking about what I want the output to look like before I even open up the AI tool. Start short, then add to and/or adapt. This makes it easier to see what changes to the prompt get you closer to the desired output.” For example, if you first start by saying “a man sitting on a chair,” you can then build on the prompt to say “ a middle-aged man sitting on a brown leather couch.”

” a man sitting on a chair”

“a middle aged man sitting on a brown leather couch”

The Order Is Key

Another important factor to consider with the creation of a good prompt is the order in which you input your ideas. By starting with the more important elements of your request, it helps to lay the foundations for a better outcome. Creative Lead Copy Kinzie suggests: “Be descriptive, order your prompt by importance. So start with the most important factors (subject, clothes, objects, environment) and work styles and parameters later.” For example, instead of saying “a street with a woman walking down in all black that’s busy,” try adding “a woman wearing all black walking down a busy street.”

“ a street with a woman walking down in all black thats busy”

“a women wearing all black walks down a busy street.”

A Technical Description

One of the most important steps in creating the perfect AI image is having a detailed description of what you want it to look like. Artist Guillermo says, “My advice is to enrich the prompt, the more technical details you provide, the better results you will get. Imagine you are painting a picture, you have it in your mind, you know what it looks like, and you know how to describe it. Put all your imagination into the prompt, and the magic will happen.” For example, instead of just typing “a dog walking down the street,” try adding more technical details to the description. What dog breed is it? What type of street is it on? What’s the weather like? Adding this extra info helps the prompt to feel more detailed: “a golden Labrador walking down a suburban street on a sunny day.”

“a dog walking down the street.”

“a golden Labrador walking down a suburban street on a sunny day.”

Make References To What You Want 

Another great way to make sure your prompt creates the best quality output possible is by specifically referencing specific artists or styles. Whether it’s Warhol or Van Gogh, specifically mentioning your inspo always helps your outcome shine the way it intended to!  Picsart’s very own AI image generator has certain styles already built in. This means if you choose ones that you like, they are then automatically added to the prompt. Super simple, right? Community and Systems Manager Caitlin explains, “To take your results to the next level with Picsart AI, referencing the artist, photographer, or designer that emulates the aesthetic you are trying to achieve is extremely impactful.” For example, if you want an outcome that looks like a painting, instead of just saying “a cat sitting in front of a fireplace,”  try adding “in the style of Van Gogh”. This will give the AI the extra information that it needs in order to create the best final product.

“a cat sitting in front of a fireplace.”

a cat sitting in front of a fireplace in the style of Van Gogh”

Specify Device Type/ Background Elements

To get an even more accurate and successful outcome, it’s also helpful to go into even more detail when crafting your prompt, specifically by describing things like lighting styles and color palettes. Creative Lead in Art Direction Zachary thinks, “If you’re creating photorealistic photography, make sure to include what type of camera or film type you’d like it to look like. Be super descriptive about what you want to generate, from what type of lighting you want to what color palette you’d like to see.” For example, if you say “a train crossing a viaduct bridge,” include in your prompt that you want an older-style photograph by adding “taken on a vintage film camera.” This will allow the AI to have a better reference to what you want and, therefore, a stronger outcome. 

“a train crossing a viaduct bridge”

“a train crossing a viaduct bridge, taken on a vintage film camera.”

Well, would you look at that? You now have the ultimate guide to creating the perfect prompt for working with AI. You’re officially ready to live your best digital life! Now go off and create all the incredible work you can think of.

Empowering the Creator in Everyone

Picsart is the world’s largest digital creation platform. Its AI-powered tools give creators of all levels the ability to design, edit, draw and share photo and video content anywhere. It’s used by consumers, marketers and content creators for both personal and professional design, and is available to businesses via API partnerships and integrations. Picsart has collaborated with major artists and brands like Discord, PopSockets, Shopify, Taylor Swift and more. Download the app or visit picsart.com.