How to Write Effective Prompts for AI Image Generators

Midjourney, DALL·E, Bing, Leonardo, Pixray… They all generate stunning images. But here’s the secret: how you write the prompt matters—and each platform understands prompts differently.

A glowing question mark with AI image tool logos including Midjourney, DALL·E, Bing Creator, Leonardo, and Pixray under a title about prompt writing.
< AI Prompt Visual Guide >

Why Prompt Writing Differs by Platform

Each AI model interprets input text differently based on:

  • Its training data and language model
  • How it converts words into visual elements
  • The level of style control or custom settings it offers

That means the same sentence can create totally different images depending on where you enter it.

AI Image Tools: How They Interpret Prompts

Platform Prompt Understanding Best Prompt Style Styling Power Notes
Midjourney Very high Short, strong keywords + options Very high Use --v 5, --ar, --style extensions
DALL·E 3 Exceptional Natural language, descriptive High Best for paragraph-style instructions
Bing Image Creator Moderate Simple short phrases Medium Limited customization, quick results
Leonardo.ai Moderate Key phrases + style presets High (via templates) Choose genre/style first
Pixray Experimental Abstract, layered instructions High Use settings like drawer, quality, model

Summary

  • Midjourney: Use precise keywords and command-line modifiers.
  • DALL·E 3: Use long descriptive sentences.
  • Bing: Use short, clear prompts.
  • Leonardo: Pick a style first, then provide details.
  • Pixray: Experiment with settings and abstract input.


 

AI Image Generator Prompt Examples by Platform

Here’s a practical reference sheet showing how to write prompts for each major AI image tool. Each set includes 3 examples tailored to the tool’s unique strengths and syntax.

1. Midjourney

  • a futuristic city skyline at sunset, ultra-realistic, cinematic lighting --v 5 --ar 16:9
  • Japanese cherry blossoms, watercolor style, soft pastel colors --v 5 --style 4b
  • close-up portrait of a lion wearing a crown, dramatic lighting --q 2 --v 5

2. DALL·E 3

  • A photo of a cat wearing a chef’s hat, baking cupcakes in a cozy kitchen
  • A watercolor painting of a peaceful mountain village in autumn, trees turning orange and red
  • A futuristic robot walking a dog in a park under a clear blue sky

3. Bing Image Creator

  • Fantasy castle on top of a floating island
  • Cyberpunk city with neon lights at night
  • Realistic photo of a coffee cup on a wooden table by the window

4. Leonardo.ai

  • Dragon warrior in battle armor, detailed fantasy style (preset: Epic Realism)
  • Steampunk airship above clouds during sunset (preset: Concept Art)
  • Magical forest with glowing mushrooms and fairies (preset: Dreamscape)

5. Pixray

  • prompt: "A galaxy shaped like a violin"
drawer: pixel
model: vqgan
quality: 2
aspect: wide

  • prompt: "A surreal desert made of melted clocks"
drawer: scribble
model: clipdraw

  • prompt: "An underwater cathedral made of coral"
drawer: pixel
model: bigsleep
quality: 3

These examples are optimized for each platform’s preferred format. Use them as templates, then adjust details to fit your needs.