A great AI image comes from a great brief, not a lucky guess. The difference between a generic result and a stunning one is usually five details: the subject, the style, the lighting, the composition, and the aspect ratio. This library gives you 100 image prompts that already have those details built in, organized into 12 categories, ready to copy and paste.
Every prompt below works across the major image models, including Nano Banana, Midjourney, Gemini, and DALL-E, because they all reward the same clear, layered description. Copy a prompt, swap in your own subject, and generate. Then use the formula at the end to write your own in the same style.
How to use this library: find the category that matches what you want to create, copy a prompt, change the subject and details to yours, and paste it into your image tool. Keep the style, lighting, and aspect ratio words, because those are what make the image look intentional.
If you also want text-and-chat prompts, our 100 best Gemini prompts and best AI prompts for work cover writing, coding and productivity.
How to Write a Great AI Image Prompt
The best AI image prompts describe six things: subject, style, lighting, composition, mood, and aspect ratio. Include all six and the model gives you a deliberate image instead of a generic one. This is the formula behind every prompt in this library.
- Subject: what is in the image. Be specific: a matte-black water bottle, not a bottle.
- Style: the single biggest lever. Photorealistic, watercolour, 3D render, flat vector, retro poster.
- Lighting: soft window light, golden hour, dramatic low key. Lighting sets the whole mood.
- Composition: the framing and focus. Close-up, shallow depth of field, overhead flat lay, negative space for text.
- Mood: cozy, dramatic, energetic, serene. One word that ties it together.
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 for social, 16:9 for banners, 4:5 for posters and portraits.
The one detail people forget: ask for negative space when you plan to add text or a logo. A prompt that ends with clean space on the right for a headline gives you an image you can actually use in a design, not just admire.
1. Photorealistic Portrait Prompts
For lifelike people shots, name the lens, the light, and the mood. These read like a photographer's brief.
1. Studio headshot
Photorealistic corporate headshot of a woman in her 30s, soft key light from the left, neutral grey backdrop, shot on an 85mm lens at f1.8, shallow depth of field, sharp eyes, natural skin texture, professional and approachable. Aspect ratio 4:5.
2. Golden hour portrait
Candid portrait of a young man laughing, warm golden hour sunlight behind him creating a rim light, blurred park background, 50mm lens, shallow depth of field, film-like colours, joyful mood. Aspect ratio 3:2.
3. Dramatic low key
Cinematic low-key portrait of an older artist, single hard light from one side, deep shadows, dark background, textured skin and stubble, thoughtful expression, Rembrandt lighting. Aspect ratio 4:5.
4. Editorial fashion
High-fashion editorial portrait, model in a red silk outfit against a matching red seamless backdrop, bold beauty lighting, glossy magazine style, confident pose, crisp detail. Aspect ratio 4:5.
5. Environmental portrait
Environmental portrait of a chef in their kitchen, natural window light, steam rising, background softly blurred with copper pans, documentary style, warm and authentic. Aspect ratio 3:2.
2. Product and E-commerce Prompts
Clean product shots need controlled light and negative space for text. Ask for both up front.
6. Product hero
Photorealistic hero shot of a matte-black water bottle on a light concrete surface, soft natural window light from the left, shallow depth of field, minimalist studio style, clean negative space on the right for text. Aspect ratio 16:9.
7. Floating product
A pair of white wireless earbuds floating against a soft gradient blue background, even studio lighting, subtle shadow beneath, crisp focus, premium tech advertising style. Aspect ratio 1:1.
8. Lifestyle product
A ceramic coffee mug on a wooden cafe table beside a book and warm morning light, cozy lifestyle mood, shallow depth of field, natural tones, space at top for a headline. Aspect ratio 16:9.
9. Cosmetics flat lay
Top-down flat lay of skincare bottles on a marble surface with eucalyptus leaves and soft shadows, clean beauty aesthetic, bright even light, pastel palette. Aspect ratio 1:1.
10. Packaging mockup
Photorealistic mockup of a kraft-paper coffee bag standing on a rustic shelf, warm directional light, blank front label ready for a logo, artisanal brand feel. Aspect ratio 4:5.
3. Logo and Branding Prompts
For marks and icons, keep it simple, name the style, and specify a plain background you can cut out.
11. Minimal logo
A minimalist line-art logo of a mountain peak inside a circle, single navy colour, clean geometric style, flat vector look, plain white background, plenty of surrounding space. Aspect ratio 1:1.
12. App icon
A modern app icon of a friendly chat bubble, soft gradient from blue to purple, rounded square, subtle depth, flat modern UI style, plain background. Aspect ratio 1:1.
13. Mascot logo
A playful mascot logo of a smiling fox holding a leaf, bold flat colours, thick clean outlines, friendly and approachable, vector illustration, white background. Aspect ratio 1:1.
14. Monogram
An elegant monogram logo combining the letters B and F, thin serif style, gold on a cream background, luxury brand feel, symmetrical, generous margins. Aspect ratio 1:1.
15. Badge emblem
A vintage badge emblem for a coffee roastery, circular layout with text ring and a coffee bean at the center, muted brown and cream, retro line style, plain background. Aspect ratio 1:1.
4. Marketing and Social Media Prompts
Ad and post visuals win when they leave room for text and match a clear mood. Say the platform and the space.
16. Instagram ad
Bright, scroll-stopping product photo of a smoothie in a glass surrounded by fresh berries, vivid colours, soft daylight, clean background, space at the bottom for a call to action, energetic and fresh. Aspect ratio 4:5.
17. Sale banner
A bold e-commerce sale banner background, dynamic diagonal shapes in orange and white, energetic and modern, large clear area in the center for a discount headline. Aspect ratio 16:9.
18. Quote graphic
A calm minimalist background for an inspirational quote, soft beige gradient with a single delicate leaf in the corner, lots of clean center space for text, serene mood. Aspect ratio 1:1.
19. Event poster
A vibrant music event poster background, abstract neon gradients and light streaks on a dark background, energetic nightlife feel, clear vertical space for the lineup text. Aspect ratio 4:5.
20. Thumbnail
A high-contrast YouTube thumbnail background, dramatic lighting on a surprised facial expression on the left, bold colourful background on the right with space for large text. Aspect ratio 16:9.
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5. Illustration and Art Style Prompts
Name the exact art style and it delivers. Style is the single biggest lever in an illustration prompt.
21. Flat vector
A flat vector illustration of a person working on a laptop at a cafe, simple geometric shapes, warm limited colour palette, clean modern style, subtle shadows, editorial tech blog feel. Aspect ratio 16:9.
22. Watercolour
A soft watercolour illustration of a quiet mountain village at dawn, gentle washes of blue and pink, visible paper texture, loose brush strokes, peaceful and dreamy. Aspect ratio 3:2.
23. Line art
A single continuous line drawing of a woman's face in profile, black ink on white, elegant and minimal, plenty of negative space, modern gallery style. Aspect ratio 1:1.
24. Isometric
An isometric illustration of a cozy home office, clean vector style, soft pastel colours, tiny detailed props, subtle ambient shadows, playful modern look. Aspect ratio 1:1.
25. Retro poster
A 1950s retro travel poster of a coastal town, bold flat shapes, warm sunset palette, grainy print texture, vintage typography space at the top. Aspect ratio 2:3.
6. 3D and Render Prompts
For 3D looks, name the render style and material, and it produces clean CGI-quality frames.
26. Cute 3D character
A cute 3D character of a round robot with big friendly eyes, soft matte plastic materials, pastel colour scheme, soft studio lighting, Pixar-style render, plain background. Aspect ratio 1:1.
27. Product render
A clean 3D product render of a modern armchair, soft global illumination, neutral studio background, realistic fabric texture, subtle contact shadow, premium furniture catalogue style. Aspect ratio 4:5.
28. Abstract 3D
An abstract 3D render of flowing glossy liquid shapes in blue and purple, soft reflections, smooth gradients, clean studio lighting, modern tech wallpaper style. Aspect ratio 16:9.
29. Isometric 3D room
A 3D isometric render of a tiny cozy bedroom in a glass cube, warm interior lighting, detailed miniature furniture, soft shadows, diorama style, plain background. Aspect ratio 1:1.
30. Claymation style
A claymation-style 3D scene of a small character baking, visible clay texture and fingerprints, warm soft lighting, handmade charm, shallow depth of field. Aspect ratio 3:2.
7. Landscape and Nature Prompts
Scenery shines when you set the time of day and the weather. Those two words change everything.
31. Misty forest
A misty pine forest at sunrise, soft golden light filtering through the trees, low fog on the ground, dew on ferns, atmospheric and serene, wide angle. Aspect ratio 3:2.
32. Mountain vista
A dramatic mountain range at golden hour, snow-capped peaks glowing warm, a calm alpine lake reflecting the sky in the foreground, crisp and majestic. Aspect ratio 16:9.
33. Ocean sunset
A tranquil ocean at sunset, gentle waves catching orange and pink light, a lone silhouette on the beach, long exposure smoothness, peaceful and cinematic. Aspect ratio 16:9.
34. Desert night
A vast desert under a starry night sky, the Milky Way arcing overhead, cool blue tones, sand dunes in soft moonlight, wide and awe-inspiring. Aspect ratio 3:2.
35. Autumn path
A winding path through an autumn forest, warm red and gold leaves, soft overcast light, fallen leaves on the ground, cozy and nostalgic mood. Aspect ratio 4:5.
8. Text-in-Image and Poster Prompts
Newer models render legible text well. State the exact words and where they go, and keep the layout clean.
36. Poster with headline
A clean event poster with the large legible headline SUMMER FEST at the top, a simple sun illustration in the center, warm gradient background, modern sans-serif type, balanced layout. Aspect ratio 2:3.
37. Quote typography
A minimalist typographic image with the legible text STAY CURIOUS in bold black letters centered on a cream background, subtle grain, plenty of margin, gallery print style. Aspect ratio 1:1.
38. Menu board
A rustic cafe menu board with the legible header COFFEE and three item lines below in clean handwritten-style text, chalkboard background, warm cozy feel. Aspect ratio 4:5.
39. Sign mockup
A realistic storefront sign reading BLOOM FLORISTS in elegant serif letters on a soft green wooden panel, natural daylight, shallow depth of field, boutique brand feel. Aspect ratio 16:9.
40. Infographic tile
A clean infographic tile with the legible number 100% large in the center and a short label below, flat modern style, brand blue and white, generous spacing. Aspect ratio 1:1.
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9. Character and Avatar Prompts
For consistent characters, describe features precisely. Detail is what keeps a character recognisable across images.
41. Profile avatar
A friendly stylised avatar of a young man with short curly hair, glasses, and a warm smile, flat modern illustration style, soft colour palette, plain circular background. Aspect ratio 1:1.
42. Game character
A full-body concept of a fantasy ranger character, green cloak, leather armor, bow on the back, detailed digital painting, dramatic side lighting, neutral background. Aspect ratio 4:5.
43. Sticker style
A cute sticker-style illustration of a happy corgi with a bold white outline, flat vibrant colours, simple expression, plain background, ready to cut out. Aspect ratio 1:1.
44. Sci-fi hero
A cinematic portrait of a sci-fi pilot in a sleek helmet, neon reflections on the visor, dark cockpit background, moody blue and orange lighting, detailed and dramatic. Aspect ratio 4:5.
45. Cartoon mascot
A cheerful cartoon mascot of a coffee cup with arms and a big smile, bold flat colours, thick outlines, bouncy friendly pose, plain background. Aspect ratio 1:1.
10. Interior and Architecture Prompts
Spaces need a defined style and light source. Name both and the render looks like a design magazine.
46. Scandinavian living room
A bright Scandinavian living room, light wood floors, white walls, a grey sofa, green plants, soft natural daylight from large windows, minimalist and airy, interior magazine style. Aspect ratio 16:9.
47. Cozy reading nook
A cozy reading nook by a window, warm lamp light, a soft armchair, a stack of books, a mug of tea, autumn evening mood, shallow depth of field. Aspect ratio 4:5.
48. Modern kitchen
A sleek modern kitchen with matte black cabinets, marble countertops, brass fixtures, warm under-cabinet lighting, clean and luxurious, architectural photography style. Aspect ratio 16:9.
49. Exterior house
A modern minimalist house exterior at dusk, warm interior lights glowing, clean concrete and glass, a calm reflecting pool in front, architectural render style. Aspect ratio 16:9.
50. Boutique cafe
A charming boutique cafe interior, exposed brick, hanging plants, warm pendant lights, a wooden counter, inviting and stylish, natural afternoon light. Aspect ratio 3:2.
11. Food Photography Prompts
Food looks best with soft light and steam or freshness cues. Ask for both and name the angle.
51. Overhead dish
An overhead shot of a colourful poke bowl on a light wooden table, fresh vibrant ingredients, soft natural light, small props around the edge, clean food-blog style. Aspect ratio 1:1.
52. Steaming coffee
A close-up of a latte with delicate latte art, gentle steam rising, warm cafe background softly blurred, cozy morning light, shallow depth of field. Aspect ratio 4:5.
53. Gourmet plate
A fine-dining plated dish, artful minimal arrangement, soft directional light, dark elegant plate, subtle sauce drizzle, Michelin-style food photography. Aspect ratio 3:2.
54. Fresh ingredients
A rustic flat lay of fresh vegetables on a dark wooden board, dramatic side light, rich colours, water droplets for freshness, farm-to-table mood. Aspect ratio 16:9.
55. Dessert hero
A hero shot of a chocolate cake slice on a white plate, a fork lifting a bite, soft window light, crumbs for realism, indulgent and inviting. Aspect ratio 4:5.
12. Fantasy and Concept Art Prompts
For imaginative scenes, lean into mood and lighting. These prompts push the model to be cinematic.
56. Fantasy castle
A majestic fantasy castle on a floating island above the clouds, waterfalls cascading off the edges, warm sunset light, epic cinematic scale, detailed digital matte painting. Aspect ratio 16:9.
57. Cyberpunk city
A rain-soaked cyberpunk street at night, glowing neon signs reflecting on wet pavement, dense futuristic buildings, moody blue and pink lighting, cinematic depth. Aspect ratio 16:9.
58. Enchanted forest
An enchanted forest glowing with bioluminescent plants, soft magical light, floating spores, a winding path, dreamy and mysterious, detailed fantasy art. Aspect ratio 3:2.
59. Space scene
A lone astronaut floating near a giant colourful nebula, distant stars, dramatic cosmic lighting, sense of scale and wonder, cinematic sci-fi concept art. Aspect ratio 16:9.
60. Dragon encounter
A knight facing a massive dragon on a misty mountain ledge, dramatic backlight, embers in the air, epic fantasy mood, detailed digital painting. Aspect ratio 16:9
Model Tips: Nano Banana, Midjourney, Gemini
The same prompt works across models, but a few tweaks get the most from each. Match the prompt to the tool and the results jump.
Nano Banana and Gemini: these are strong at legible text in images and at editing an existing image with natural-language instructions. Use full sentences, be specific about text content and placement, and lean on them for posters, packaging and UI mockups where words matter.
Midjourney: excellent at artistic and photorealistic styles. It rewards style and mood keywords, and it uses parameters like an aspect-ratio flag rather than the words. Front-load the subject and style, and keep the description vivid.
DALL-E and others: clear, literal descriptions work best. If text rendering matters, keep the words short, and if a result drifts, add the missing detail rather than rewriting the whole prompt.
For real-world use cases with these models, our Nano Banana Pro use cases and prompts and our guide to writing good AI art prompts go deeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best AI image prompts?
The best AI image prompts describe the subject, style, lighting, composition, mood, and aspect ratio in one clear sentence. Across categories, the strongest prompts name a specific style such as photorealistic or watercolour, set the lighting, and end with an aspect ratio, which is what turns a generic result into a deliberate one.
Q: How do I write a good AI image prompt?
Include six things: a specific subject, a style, the lighting, the composition, a mood, and an aspect ratio. For example, photorealistic product shot, soft window light, shallow depth of field, clean negative space, minimalist mood, 16:9. Being specific about style and lighting matters more than length.
Q: Which AI is best for image generation?
It depends on the job. Midjourney leads on artistic and photorealistic quality, Nano Banana and Gemini are strong at legible text in images and editing existing images, and DALL-E is a reliable all-rounder. The prompts in this library are written to work across all of them.
Q: Do these prompts work in Nano Banana and Midjourney?
Yes. Every prompt here is model-agnostic and works in Nano Banana, Midjourney, Gemini, DALL-E and most other image generators. For Midjourney, you may set the aspect ratio with its parameter flag instead of the words, but the description stays the same.
Q: How do I add text to an AI image?
State the exact words in quotes or capitals and where they should sit, and keep the text short. Newer models like Nano Banana and Gemini render legible text well, so a prompt like a poster with the legible headline SUMMER FEST at the top works. Always leave clean space for the text in the composition.
Q: What makes an AI image prompt look realistic?
Photorealism comes from naming a camera lens and real lighting. Words like shot on an 85mm lens at f1.8, soft window light, shallow depth of field, and natural skin texture push the model toward a photographic look rather than an illustrated one. Adding one imperfection, like crumbs or dew, increases realism.
Q: Are AI image prompts free to use?
Yes, the prompts themselves are free to copy and adapt, and every prompt in this library is free to use. You only pay for the image tool you run them in, and several image generators offer free tiers or credits to get started.
Recommended Blogs
- 100 best Gemini prompts
- Nano Banana Pro use cases and prompts
- How to write AI art prompts
- Best AI prompts for work
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