How should I write image description prompts?

Overview

Prompt quality is the single most influential factor determining generation success. Well-crafted prompts produce usable images in 1-2 attempts, while vague or poorly structured prompts waste credits through multiple regenerations. Mastering prompt writing transforms GRYYD from a trial-and-error tool into a predictable, efficient creative system.

Proven Prompt Formula

Optimal Structure: ``` [Background/Environment] + [Mood/Atmosphere] + [Lighting] + [Color Palette] + [Style Keywords] ```

This formula provides AI with comprehensive creative direction while remaining concise. Each component addresses a specific visual dimension, ensuring nothing is left to random interpretation.

Formula in Action:

Example 1 - E-commerce Product: ``` Clean white studio background, professional and trustworthy mood, soft even lighting from front, neutral tones with product color accents, minimalist commercial photography style ``` Result: Amazon/e-commerce ready product images with clean, distraction-free presentation

Example 2 - Instagram Lifestyle: ``` Cozy café interior with wooden table and plants, warm inviting atmosphere, natural window light from left side, earth tones with warm browns and greens, candid lifestyle photography aesthetic ``` Result: Instagram-friendly lifestyle shots showing product in relatable context

Example 3 - Luxury Editorial: ``` Dark moody abstract background with subtle texture, sophisticated luxurious feel, dramatic side lighting with strong shadows, rich jewel tones of deep blue and gold, high-end fashion editorial style ``` Result: Premium, magazine-quality images emphasizing exclusivity and craftsmanship

Component Breakdown

1. Background/Environment: Be specific (e.g., "White seamless studio," "Rustic wooden table," "Abstract teal gradient"). Avoid vague terms like "nice background."

2. Mood/Atmosphere: Professional (trustworthy, polished), Lifestyle (cozy, inviting), Luxury (sophisticated, elegant), Energetic (playful, vibrant), Natural (earthy, serene)

3. Lighting: "Soft diffused from above" (even), "Golden hour backlight" (romantic), "Bright natural daylight" (fresh), "Dramatic side lighting" (editorial), "Studio strobe" (commercial)

4. Color Palette: Warm (orange, peach, cream), Cool (blue, teal, gray), Neutral (white, beige), Vibrant (hot pink, electric blue), Desaturated (muted, sophisticated)

5. Style Keywords: "Commercial product photography," "Lifestyle photography," "Editorial fashion," "Flat lay," "Minimalist Scandinavian," "Vintage film"

Length & Specificity

Optimal: 2-3 sentences (30-60 words). Too short (<20 words) lacks direction. Too long (>80 words) dilutes focus.

Specificity Examples:

• ✅ "Soft natural window lighting" | ❌ "Lighting at exactly 45° with 2000K temperature"
• ✅ "Warm earth tones: brown, cream, olive" | ❌ "Pantone 448C, RGB(74,65,42)"

Actionable vs Non-Actionable:

• ✅ "Soft bokeh blur," "Product in left third," "Golden hour lighting"
• ❌ "Feel expensive" → Use: "Sophisticated dark background, dramatic lighting, rich tones"

Common Mistakes

❌ Too complex: "Red background with blue accents and yellow highlights..." → ✅ "Gradient red to burgundy, warm tones" ❌ Contradictory: "Bright energetic lighting with dark moody atmosphere" → ✅ Choose one direction ❌ Technical jargon: "85mm f/1.4, ISO 400" → ✅ "Shallow depth of field, blurred background" ❌ Vague quality: "Look expensive" → ✅ "Luxury editorial, dark background, dramatic lighting, rich tones"

Pro Features (Pro/Max)

AI Prompt Suggestions: Real-time autocomplete suggestions as you type to improve specificity and structure

Prompt Template Library: Save successful prompts as reusable templates (e.g., "E-commerce Clean White," "Holiday Cozy Aesthetic")

Refinement Workflow

Gen 1 (Exploratory): "Wooden table, natural warm lighting, cozy atmosphere" Analyze: Adjust lighting, composition, or mood based on results Gen 2 (Refined): Add specifics: "Rustic farmhouse table with grain, soft window light from left, earth tones, lifestyle aesthetic" Gen 3 (Polished): Use best image as reference + refined prompt

Pro Tip: Build a prompt library categorized by use case (E-commerce, Lifestyle, Seasonal, Luxury). Reuse proven formulas to reduce trial-and-error.

See also: Unsatisfied Results | Draft Workflow | Variation Options | AI Chat Editing