Image Prompting Best Practices

To elevate your results from good to great, incorporate these professional strategies into your workflow.

• Be Hyper-Specific: The more detail you provide, the more control you have. Instead of "fantasy armor," describe it: "ornate elven plate armor, etched with silver leaf patterns, with a high collar and pauldrons shaped like falcon wings."

• Provide Context and Intent: Explain the purpose of the image. The model's understanding of context will influence the final output. For example, "Create a logo for a high-end, minimalist skincare brand" will yield better results than just "Create a logo."

• Iterate and Refine: Don't expect a perfect image on the first try. Use the conversational nature of the model to make small changes. Follow up with prompts like, "That's great, but can you make the lighting a bit warmer?" or "Keep everything the same, but change the character's expression to be more serious."

• Use Step-by-Step Instructions: For complex scenes with many elements, break your prompt into steps. "First, create a background of a serene, misty forest at dawn. Then, in the foreground, add a moss-covered ancient stone altar. Finally, place a single, glowing sword on top of the altar."

• Use "Semantic Negative Prompts": Instead of saying "no cars," describe the desired scene positively: "an empty, deserted street with no signs of traffic."

• Control the Camera: Use photographic and cinematic language to control the composition. Terms like wide-angle shot, macro shot, low-angle perspective.

Limitations

• For best performance, use the following languages: EN, es-MX, ja-JP, zh-CN, hi-IN.

• Image generation does not support audio or video inputs.

• The model won't always follow the exact number of image outputs that the user explicitly asked for.

• The model works best with up to 3 images as an input.

• When generating text for an image, Gemini works best if you first generate the text and then ask for an image with the text.

• Uploading images of children is not currently supported in EEA, CH, and UK.

• All generated images include a SynthID watermark.

  • Text to image(s) and text (interleaved): Outputs images with related text.

  • Example prompt: "Generate an illustrated recipe for a paella."

  • Image(s) and text to image(s) and text (interleaved): Uses input images and text to create new related images and text.

    • Example prompt: (With an image of a furnished room) "What other color sofas would work in my space? can you update the image?"

  • Multi-turn image editing (chat): Keep generating and editing images conversationally.

    • Example prompts: [upload an image of a blue car.] , "Turn this car into a convertible.", "Now change the color to yellow."

Describe the scene, don't just list keywords. The model's core strength is its deep language understanding. A narrative, descriptive paragraph will almost always produce a better, more coherent image than a list of disconnected words.

Prompts for generating images

The following strategies will help you create effective prompts to generate exactly the images you're looking for.

1. Photorealistic scenes

For realistic images, use photography terms. Mention camera angles, lens types, lighting, and fine details to guide the model toward a photorealistic result.

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A photorealistic [shot type] of [subject], [action or expression], set in
[environment]. The scene is illuminated by [lighting description], creating
a [mood] atmosphere. Captured with a [camera/lens details], emphasizing
[key textures and details]. The image should be in a [aspect ratio] format.

A photorealistic close-up portrait of an elderly Japanese ceramicist...

2. Stylized illustrations & stickers

To create stickers, icons, or assets, be explicit about the style and request a transparent background.

A [style] sticker of a [subject], featuring [key characteristics] and a
[color palette]. The design should have [line style] and [shading style].
The background must be transparent.

3. Accurate text in images

Gemini excels at rendering text. Be clear about the text, the font style (descriptively), and the overall design.

Create a [image type] for [brand/concept] with the text "[text to render]"
in a [font style]. The design should be [style description], with a
[color scheme].

4. Product mockups & commercial photography

Perfect for creating clean, professional product shots for e-commerce, advertising, or branding.

A high-resolution, studio-lit product photograph of a [product description]
on a [background surface/description]. The lighting is a [lighting setup,
e.g., three-point softbox setup] to [lighting purpose]. The camera angle is
a [angle type] to showcase [specific feature]. Ultra-realistic, with sharp
focus on [key detail]. [Aspect ratio].

5. Minimalist & negative space design

Excellent for creating backgrounds for websites, presentations, or marketing materials where text will be overlaid.

A minimalist composition featuring a single [subject] positioned in the
[bottom-right/top-left/etc.] of the frame. The background is a vast, empty
[color] canvas, creating significant negative space. Soft, subtle lighting.
[Aspect ratio].

6. Sequential art (Comic panel / Storyboard)

Builds on character consistency and scene description to create panels for visual storytelling.

A single comic book panel in a [art style] style. In the foreground,
[character description and action]. In the background, [setting details].
The panel has a [dialogue/caption box] with the text "[Text]". The lighting
creates a [mood] mood. [Aspect ratio].

Prompts for editing images

These examples show how to provide images alongside your text prompts for editing, composition, and style transfer.

1. Adding and removing elements

Provide an image and describe your change. The model will match the original image's style, lighting, and perspective.

Using the provided image of [subject], please [add/remove/modify] [element]
to/from the scene. Ensure the change is [description of how the change should
integrate].

2. Inpainting (Semantic masking)

Conversationally define a "mask" to edit a specific part of an image while leaving the rest untouched.

Using the provided image, change only the [specific element] to [new
element/description]. Keep everything else in the image exactly the same,
preserving the original style, lighting, and composition.

3. Style transfer

Provide an image and ask the model to recreate its content in a different artistic style.

Transform the provided photograph of [subject] into the artistic style of [artist/art style]. Preserve the original composition but render it with [description of stylistic elements].

4. Advanced composition: Combining multiple images

Provide multiple images as context to create a new, composite scene. This is perfect for product mockups or creative collages.

Create a new image by combining the elements from the provided images. Take
the [element from image 1] and place it with/on the [element from image 2].
The final image should be a [description of the final scene].

5. High-fidelity detail preservation

To ensure critical details (like a face or logo) are preserved during an edit, describe them in great detail along with your edit request.

Using the provided images, place [element from image 2] onto [element from
image 1]. Ensure that the features of [element from image 1] remain
completely unchanged. The added element should [description of how the
element should integrate].

Sample Prompts

Landscapes:

  1. "A serene sunset over a tropical beach, vibrant colors, palm trees, crystal clear water."

  2. "A snow-capped mountain range at dawn, mist in the valleys, dramatic lighting."

  3. "A lush rainforest with a cascading waterfall, exotic plants, sunlight filtering through the canopy."

  4. "A vast desert landscape with sand dunes, a clear blue sky, heat haze."

  5. "Rolling green hills with wildflowers, a quaint cottage in the distance, puffy white clouds."

  6. "A futuristic cityscape at night, neon lights, flying cars, skyscrapers."

  7. "An underwater scene with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sunlight streaming through the water."

  8. "A desolate wasteland with abandoned buildings, stormy skies, a sense of decay."

  9. "A peaceful countryside scene with a winding river, grazing cows, a clear blue sky."

  10. "A dramatic volcanic eruption, lava flowing, smoke billowing, a fiery sky."

Portraits:

  1. "A portrait of a young woman with piercing blue eyes, long flowing hair, a mysterious smile."

  2. "A portrait of an elderly man with a weathered face, a kind smile, a wise expression."

  3. "A portrait of a child laughing, bright eyes, innocent expression, playful pose."

  4. "A portrait of a futuristic cyborg, metallic skin, glowing eyes, a determined look."

  5. "A portrait of a fantasy elf, pointed ears, flowing robes, a magical aura."

  6. "A regal queen sitting on a throne, jeweled crown, elegant gown, a commanding presence."

  7. "A fierce warrior with battle scars, a sword in hand, a determined gaze, armor."

  8. "A mysterious wizard with a long beard, a staff, a swirling cloak, a magical aura."

  9. "A steampunk inventor with goggles, a wrench, a complex machine, a focused expression."

  10. "A gothic vampire with pale skin, dark eyes, sharp fangs, a menacing presence."

Objects & Still Life:

  1. "A still life of a bowl of fruit, vibrant colors, realistic lighting, detailed textures."

  2. "A close-up of a vintage pocket watch, intricate details, golden gears, antique background."

  3. "A futuristic robot, sleek design, metallic finish, glowing lights."

  4. "A magical potion bottle, bubbling liquid, glowing ingredients, mystical symbols."

  5. "A steaming cup of coffee, aromatic steam, realistic texture, cozy setting."

  6. "A stack of old books, leather-bound covers, worn pages, antique atmosphere."

  7. "A single red rose, delicate petals, vibrant color, soft lighting."

  8. "A collection of antique keys, rusty metal, intricate designs, vintage background."

  9. "A futuristic spaceship, sleek design, glowing engines, orbiting a planet."

  10. "A pile of glittering jewels, sparkling gems, various colors, luxurious setting."

Abstract & Artistic:

  1. "An abstract painting with vibrant colors, dynamic shapes, a sense of energy."

  2. "A surreal dreamscape, floating islands, bizarre creatures, otherworldly atmosphere."

  3. "A geometric pattern with intricate details, symmetrical design, bold colors."

  4. "A minimalist design with clean lines, simple shapes, a sense of elegance."

  5. "A watercolor painting of a forest, soft colors, delicate brushstrokes, dreamy atmosphere."

  6. "A stained glass window with intricate designs, vibrant colors, light streaming through."

  7. "A neon sign with a catchy phrase, bright colors, futuristic font, urban background."

  8. "A mosaic of broken glass, colorful shards, intricate patterns, artistic expression."

  9. "A fractal pattern with infinite detail, complex shapes, mesmerizing visuals."

  10. "A black and white photograph of a city street, high contrast, dramatic shadows, urban realism."

Character Design:

  1. "A cute cartoon character, big eyes, colorful clothes, a friendly smile."

  2. "A superhero with a dynamic pose, powerful muscles, a flowing cape, a determined expression."

  3. "A fantasy creature, dragon scales, sharp claws, glowing eyes, a menacing roar."

  4. "A futuristic soldier with advanced armor, a laser rifle, a serious expression, battle-ready."

  5. "An anime character with vibrant hair, large eyes, a school uniform, a cheerful expression."

  6. "A steampunk robot with gears, pipes, and cogs, a whimsical design, a friendly expression."

  7. "A medieval knight with shining armor, a sword and shield, a noble stance, courageous."

  8. "An alien with strange features, otherworldly skin, glowing eyes, a curious expression."

  9. "A tribal warrior with body paint, feathers, and a spear, a fierce expression, powerful."

  10. "A zombie with decaying flesh, tattered clothes, a menacing groan, undead."

Image Editing Prompts

  1. "Take the uploaded image and make the sky more dramatic, adding darker clouds and a lightning strike."

  2. "Enhance the colors of the flowers in the image, making them more vibrant and saturated."

  3. "Convert the image to black and white, increasing the contrast for a more dramatic effect."

  4. "Remove the person standing in the background of the image."

  5. "Change the season in the image from summer to winter, adding snow to the landscape."