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How to write better prompts for AI image generation

AI IMAGE GENERATION4 minIntermediate

Master the art of prompt writing to get exactly the AI-generated images you want every time.

How to write better prompts for AI image generation

What you'll learn

  • The anatomy of a high-quality AI prompt
  • How to use style and technical keywords effectively
  • How to control composition and camera angles
  • How to iterate and refine prompts for better results

What makes a good AI prompt?

A good AI prompt is like giving directions to a talented artist who can't ask questions. You need to specify not just what you want, but how you want it to look. Great prompts balance detail with clarity, combining subject description, style preferences, and technical specifics. Think of it as painting with words instead of brushes.

Common use cases

  • Product photography: Generate professional product shots with specific backgrounds
  • Character design: Create consistent characters with detailed appearance descriptions
  • Architectural visualization: Build realistic building renders with lighting and materials
  • Fashion concepts: Design clothing and accessories with fabric and style details
  • Food photography: Make appetizing food images with plating and lighting
  • Abstract art: Control color palettes and artistic movements in generated art

Write better prompts step by step

STEP 1: Start with Aura

  • On web: Go to picsart.com/aura → Click "Start creating"
  • On mobile: Open Picsart → Tap "+" → Select "Aura"
Open Aura

STEP 2: Build your prompt structure

Structure your prompt using these elements in order:

  • Main subject: Start with what you want ("A vintage motorcycle")
  • Action or pose: What's happening ("parked on a cobblestone street")
  • Environment: Where it is ("old European town at dusk")
  • Lighting: Set the mood ("warm streetlamp glow, blue hour sky")
  • Style: Choose the look ("cinematic photography, shallow depth of field")
  • Camera details: Add technical specs ("50mm lens, f/1.8, film grain")

STEP 3: Test and compare

Generate with your detailed prompt. Then create a second version with a simpler prompt to see the difference. The detailed version should have better composition, lighting, and style.

STEP 4: Refine with keywords

Review your results and adjust: Not quite right? Add more specific keywords or adjust the order of your descriptions. Small changes in wording can produce dramatically different results.

  • Too generic? Add style keywords like "editorial photography" or "Renaissance painting"
  • Wrong mood? Change lighting words to "harsh shadows" or "soft diffused light"
  • Poor composition? Add camera angles like "low angle" or "bird's eye view"
Try Aura now

Tips for best results

💡 Use sensory language

Words like "rough texture", "soft fabric", "smooth glass" help the AI understand materials. "Glowing", "dusty", and "weathered" add realism.

💡 Reference photography terms

Photography keywords work great: "bokeh", "golden hour", "rim lighting", "motion blur", "long exposure". They tell the AI exactly how to render light and focus.

💡 Specify what you don't want

Add "no watermarks", "no text", or "no logos" to avoid unwanted elements. The AI pays attention to negatives.

💡 Study example prompts

Look at prompts from images you like on AI art platforms. Notice patterns in how successful creators structure their descriptions.

Style keyword reference

  • Photography styles: Portrait, landscape, macro, street photography, editorial, fashion, product shot, documentary
  • Art movements: Impressionist, surrealist, art nouveau, pop art, minimalist, abstract expressionist, cubist
  • Lighting types: Golden hour, blue hour, harsh midday, soft diffused, dramatic shadows, rim light, backlighting, studio lighting
  • Camera settings: Shallow depth of field, wide angle, telephoto, f/1.8, f/16, 35mm, 85mm, film grain, sharp focus
  • Mood words: Cinematic, moody, vibrant, muted, dramatic, peaceful, energetic, mysterious, nostalgic
  • Quality terms: High resolution, detailed, photorealistic, 4K, ultra sharp, professional, studio quality

Ready to experiment?

Put your new prompt skills to work and create better AI images with Aura.

Start generating