Using Text Prompts to Generate AI Images (from Claude.ai)

Text-to-image AI systems translate written descriptions into visual content, making image creation accessible to anyone who can describe what they envision. Here’s how to craft effective prompts for AI image generation:

Core Prompt Structure

Start with the main subject, then add descriptive layers. “A red bicycle” becomes “A vintage red bicycle with leather seat and brass bell, parked against a weathered brick wall.” Build from general to specific, adding details that matter most to your vision.

Subject and Composition

Clearly identify your primary subject – person, object, landscape, or concept. Specify the composition using photography terms like “close-up portrait,” “wide-angle landscape,” or “bird’s eye view.” Mention if you want multiple subjects and how they should relate to each other spatially.

Visual Style and Artistic Medium

Reference specific art styles, movements, or mediums to guide the aesthetic. Terms like “impressionist painting,” “digital art,” “pencil sketch,” “oil painting,” or “photorealistic” dramatically influence the output. You can also reference specific artists’ styles, though results vary.

Lighting and Atmosphere

Lighting transforms mood and realism. Specify “golden hour sunlight,” “dramatic shadows,” “soft studio lighting,” or “neon-lit cyberpunk atmosphere.” Weather conditions and time of day also affect the overall feel – “misty morning,” “stormy sky,” or “warm summer evening.”

Color Palette and Mood

Guide the emotional tone through color descriptions. “Muted earth tones,” “vibrant neon colors,” “monochromatic blue palette,” or “warm sunset colors” help establish the desired mood and visual harmony.

Technical Camera Settings

For photographic styles, include camera-specific terms like “shallow depth of field,” “wide aperture,” “macro lens,” or “long exposure.” These technical details help achieve more professional-looking results.

Environmental Context

Describe the setting and background elements. Instead of just “forest,” try “dense pine forest with dappled sunlight filtering through branches, moss-covered fallen logs, and morning mist.” Rich environmental details create more immersive scenes.

Quality and Resolution Modifiers

Include terms like “high resolution,” “detailed,” “sharp focus,” “professional photography,” or “award-winning” to encourage higher quality outputs. Some systems respond well to platform-specific terms like “trending on ArtStation.”

Negative Prompts

Many systems allow you to specify what you don’t want. Use negative prompts to exclude unwanted elements, styles, or qualities that commonly appear but don’t fit your vision.

Iterative Refinement

Start with basic prompts and progressively add detail based on initial results. If the first generation lacks certain elements or has unwanted features, adjust your prompt accordingly. This iterative process helps you understand how the specific AI system interprets different terms.

Cultural and Historical Context

For period-specific or culturally relevant images, include historical context, architectural styles, clothing periods, or cultural references that help the AI generate authentic details.

Effective AI image prompting combines artistic vision with technical precision. The more specific and descriptive your language, the closer the generated image will match your intended result. Practice with different prompt structures to develop an intuitive sense of how your chosen AI system responds to various descriptive approaches.