Stable Diffusion is a powerful AI image generation model that can create stunning visuals from text prompts. Mastering the art of writing effective prompts is key to getting the most out of Stable Diffusion.
In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide on writing AI prompts for Stable Diffusion, including prompt structure, formatting, tips and tricks, as well as over 50 example prompts categorized by topic.
Prompt Structure
A well-structured prompt has several key components:
Subject/Style
First, describe the main subject or content of the image. Be as specific as possible about what you want to generate.
Examples:
- A oil painting portrait of a girl
- A spaceship interior concept art scene
Details
Add relevant details about the subject like attributes, actions, surroundings etc.
Examples:
- A oil painting portrait of a girl with long blonde hair braided over one shoulder, looking pensively out a rain streaked window
- Spaceship interior with a round window overlooking an asteroid belt, a pilot seated in a leather chair operating glowing holographic controls
Style/Medium
Specify the art style, medium or aesthetic. Reference specific artists or movements if desired.
Examples:
- A oil painting portrait of a girl with long blonde hair braided over one shoulder, looking pensively out a rain streaked window in the style of Johannes Vermeer
- Spaceship interior with a round window overlooking an asteroid belt, a pilot seated in a leather chair operating glowing holographic controls, retro futuristic digital illustration
Quality
Add instructions on quality, rendering or composition.
Examples:
- A oil painting portrait of a girl with long blonde hair braided over one shoulder, looking pensively out a rain streaked window in the style of Johannes Vermeer, dramatic Baroque lighting, extremely detailed, digital painting
- Spaceship interior with a round window overlooking an asteroid belt, a pilot seated in a leather chair operating glowing holographic controls, retro futuristic digital illustration, cinematic lighting, unreal engine rendering
Prompt Formatting Tips
- Separate prompt components with commas
- Use present tense “a girl with blonde hair” not “a girl who has blonde hair”
- Specify number and type of subjects
- Use descriptive adjectives and strong verbs
- Reference photographic qualities like depth of field, lighting, lens type
- Add color scheme details
Negative Prompts
In addition to writing a detailed positive prompt, you can also specify attributes you want to avoid:
Examples:
- Low quality, blurry, bad anatomy, extra limbs, mutated, poorly drawn hands, text, signature, watermark
Prompt Examples
Below are some example prompts categorized by subject:
Portraits
- Oil painting portrait of a beautiful elf princess with long golden hair adorned with jewels, looking thoughtfully into the distance, by Ilya Kuvshinov
- Black and white photograph of an old sailor with a bushy white beard wearing a wool cap, dramatic side lighting, extremely detailed
Landscapes
- Misty autumn forest in the Pacific Northwest, tall evergreen trees covered in moss, golden afternoon light rays shining through the trees, Wes Anderson color palette
- Futuristic cityscape with flying cars zooming by towering skyscrapers, Blade Runner neon advertising signs, evening purple and blue lighting
Still Life
- Colorful fruit arrangement of oranges, grapes, pomegranates and figs artfully displayed in a wicker basket with overflowing vines set on a weathered stone table, natural soft lighting, by Caravaggio
Animals
- Watercolor painting of a cute baby sloth hanging from a tree branch in a lush jungle scene, looking at the viewer with big innocent eyes
Anime/Manga
- Anime digital art of a female mage casting a magic spell, long pink hair flowing dramatically, wearing a black cloak holding a glowing staff, intricate line art, by Wlop
Vehicles
- 80’s style retro futuristic spaceship interior concept art, Star Wars inspired decor, computer terminals displaying data, cinematic lighting
Prompt Engineering Resources
Here are some useful websites to learn more about crafting Stable Diffusion prompts:
Conclusion
Writing effective prompts is crucial to generating stunning AI art with Stable Diffusion. Follow the prompt structure outlined here, apply formatting tips, use negative prompts and refer to the categorized example prompts. Check the recommended websites to further develop your prompt engineering skills. With practice, you’ll be able to create imaginative, high quality AI images from text in no time!