Learn about AI Image Generation How to Write Better AI Image Prompts

AI image generators offer endless possibilities for creativity. iStock’s AI Generator allows you to turn text into images that perfectly fit your needs.  

However, the key to unlocking their full potential is writing compelling prompts that guide the algorithm to produce desired outcomes.

In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies and examples for writing AI image prompts that produce unique and captivating images. 

Before you start writing your prompt, you’ll need to make sure you know what your goals and vision are.  

Are you trying to generate realistic landscapes, abstract patterns, or surreal compositions?

Define your objectives beforehand to make the prompt‑building process more effective.  

Prompt used: back of person looking at art on a wall in modern art gallery, solar panels framed in ornate frame, sustainability concept

Select keywords that accurately describe the visual elements, themes, and concepts you want to explore. For example, if you're aiming for a cinematic landscape at dusk, relevant keywords might include 'wide frame,' 'natural light,' 'dusk,' 'cinematic,' and 'night.'  

If you’re not sure what keywords to use, we’ve curated an extensive list of artistic keywords you can try for your AI image prompts.

Prompt used: paper cut style eco urban city with trees. horizon line, soft light, skyscrapers, cars, bus, airplane, clouds, pastel colors, clean lines, dreamlike, depth, layers, texture, mountain

When writing prompts, clarity is essential. Use precise and descriptive language to convey your artistic vision effectively.  

For example, a clear prompt could be: " illuminated doorway in the desert, wide frame, natural light, dusk, cinematic, night, dunes in the background".
 
To guide you through the prompt‑writing process, iStock’s AI Generator features a prompt builder which allows you to fill in fields to describe your image.

Prompt used: stunning portrait of a senior woman in a studio setting, natural lighting, silver hair, beautiful, looking to side, natural, authentic, real, pattern blouse, real skin wrinkles, natural beauty

Adjust parameters such as style, color palette, composition, and mood to generate a wide range of outputs. You could experiment with keywords like "vibrant colors," "soft lighting," or "moody atmosphere" to explore different visual aesthetics.

You can also use the Color & Mood filters on iStock’s AI Generator to generate images with specific undertones and feelings.

Iterate on your prompts based on feedback and outcomes from previous iterations. Refine the language, adjust parameters, and fine‑tune the prompts to achieve optimal results. For example, you could refine the prompt to emphasize specific qualities like "high fidelity," "intricate details," or "proportional composition" for more precise results.

Using synonyms can be incredibly helpful if you feel stuck or repetitive in your prompt writing. For example, if you find yourself overusing the word "big," consider swapping it out for alternatives like "huge," "gigantic," "massive," "enormous," or "colossal." Each of these words conveys a sense of size but with slight differences in tone and intensity.
 
For a bit of assistance, you could also use the “Refine” feature found in our AI Generator. The tool allows you to add, replace, or remove elements from an image. We also have an “Extend” feature which lets you adjust the dimension of your AI generated image to expand the scene to fit your needs.

Prompt used: a couch in a living room, couch is stuffed with wildflowers, blurred window in the background, natural light, red velvet couch, wide frame, wildflowers growing on couch

By following the strategies and examples above, you're one step closer to writing prompts that produce unique and engaging imagery that's aligned with your artistic vision.

Get started with iStock AI Image Generator and watch your prompts come to life.