How to Write Better Image Prompts (With Examples)

AI image generators reward specific prompts. A vague prompt gives a generic picture; a structured prompt gives you control. Use this five-part formula.

The formula

• Subject: what is in the image, and what it is doing.
• Style: photo, 3D render, watercolor, flat illustration…
• Composition: close-up, wide shot, top-down, centered.
• Lighting and mood: soft morning light, neon, moody, bright and airy.
• Details: colors, materials, background, aspect ratio.

Before and after

Before: “a coffee shop”

After:

A cozy corner coffee shop with plants and wooden tables,
warm morning sunlight through large windows, soft focus,
photorealistic, wide shot, calm and inviting mood, 16:9

Tips that make a big difference

• Put the most important element first.
• Describe what you want, not what you don’t want (unless the tool supports negative prompts).
• Generate several variations, then refine the best one.
• Keep a library of style phrases that work for your brand.

Where to practice

Try the same prompt in Midjourney, Adobe Firefly and Ideogram to see how each model interprets it.