Prompting Basics for Consistent AI Images

A simple prompt structure to keep outputs on-brief and repeatable.

Start with a clear brief

Before you type a prompt, write a one-sentence brief. It should answer:

  • What is the subject?
  • What is the context or scene?
  • What style should it match?
  • What output format do you need?

Clarity here prevents wandering results later.

Use a repeatable structure

A consistent prompt template makes results more predictable. Try this:

[subject], [context], [style], [lighting], [composition], [constraints]

Example:

Minimalist smartwatch product hero, studio scene, premium photography, soft light,
centered composition, clean background, 16:9 aspect ratio

Add constraints early

Specify aspect ratio, background, and framing up front. These constraints reduce random variation and make it easier to compare iterations.

Iterate with small changes

Change one variable at a time (style, lighting, or composition). Save each version as a short note so you can reuse what works.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using too many adjectives without a clear subject
  • Mixing conflicting styles in a single prompt
  • Forgetting output format (aspect ratio, crop, or framing)