edit_notePrompt Basics
Master the fundamental structure and common elements of AI image generation prompts. These basics apply to Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and most other AI tools.
Prompt Structure
A well-crafted prompt follows a logical structure that guides the AI to generate exactly what you envision. Think of it as giving directions - the clearer and more organized your instructions, the better the result.
[Subject] + [Details] + [Style] + [Atmosphere/Lighting] + [Quality modifiers]This structure works because it moves from the most important element (your subject) to supporting details. The AI processes your prompt sequentially, giving priority to earlier elements.
Example Breakdown
- Subject: A majestic eagle
- Details: soaring over snow-capped mountains
- Style: photorealistic, National Geographic
- Atmosphere: golden hour, dramatic sky
- Quality: 8K, ultra detailed, sharp focus
Common Keywords
These keywords are widely recognized by AI image generators and produce consistent results. Mix and match from different categories to achieve your desired look.
Quality Enhancement
Add these at the end of your prompt to improve image fidelity
Lighting
Control the mood and atmosphere with lighting terms
Photography Terms
Create photorealistic effects with camera-related terms
Composition
Control how elements are arranged in the frame
Word Order Matters
Words at the beginning of your prompt have significantly more influence on the final image. This is one of the most important principles in prompt engineering.
Always put your main subject first, followed by key details, then style and quality modifiers. This ensures the AI focuses on what matters most to you.
Not Recommended
high quality, 8K, ultra detailed, portrait of a beautiful woman with red hairQuality modifiers come first, subject is buried at the end
Recommended
portrait of a beautiful woman with red hair, high quality, 8K, ultra detailedSubject comes first, quality modifiers support it
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being Too Vague
Instead of "a nice landscape", try "serene mountain lake at sunset with pine trees, photorealistic"
Overloading with Keywords
Too many conflicting styles or modifiers confuse the AI. Focus on 2-3 key qualities.
Contradictory Instructions
Avoid combinations like "minimalist, highly detailed" or "dark, bright lighting"
Ignoring Aspect Ratio
Match your prompt to the intended aspect ratio. Wide landscapes need horizontal composition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic structure of an AI prompt?
A well-structured AI prompt follows this pattern: [Subject] + [Details] + [Style] + [Atmosphere/Lighting] + [Quality modifiers]. Place the most important elements first, as words at the beginning carry more weight.
Does word order matter in AI prompts?
Yes, word order significantly affects the output. Most AI image generators give more weight to words at the beginning. Always put your main subject first, followed by style and quality modifiers.
What are quality keywords in AI prompts?
Quality keywords improve image fidelity and detail. Common examples include "high quality", "4K", "8K", "masterpiece", "detailed", and "sharp focus". Add these at the end of your prompt.