# Source: https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/getting-started/the-basics-step-by-step.md

# The Basics, Step-by-Step

Here is a brief guide to help you understand how to prompt on Ideogram, step by step.

The prompts provided will always be written in the following format:

**Prompt:**\
\&#xNAN;*A rough pencil sketch featuring a boy with sandy hair and blue eyes, wearing a&#x20;*~~*<mark style="color:purple;">hoodie</mark>*~~ *<mark style="color:green;">checked shirt</mark> and jeans, playing with a friendly Golden Retriever, in a park on a sunny day.*

The <mark style="color:green;">text in green</mark> means this text is new or was added to a prompt previously used.\
~~<mark style="color:purple;">Strikethrough purple text</mark>~~ means this text has been removed or replaced from a prompt previously used.

{% hint style="warning" %}
For all examples below, we'll use the following settings:\
• [Magic Prompt](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/generation-settings/magic-prompt) set to OFF\
• [Aspect ratio](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/generation-settings/aspect-ratio-and-dimensions) of 1:1\
• [Model](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/generation-settings/available-models) v2.0 (unless otherwise stated)\
• [Style](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/features-and-tools/reference-features/style-reference/styles-in-older-models) Realistic (unless otherwise stated)
{% endhint %}

## 1- A Very Basic Prompt

Let's start with a very basic prompt:

**Prompt:**\
\&#xNAN;*A boy with blond hair on a grey background.*

<figure><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2F6SdnPm3bIKs2g6wlsBdM%2F01-a-boy-with-blond-hair-on-a-grey-backgrou_Ly2nLPPoQ9y1z6LIcw3XFA_PaBnaSuPS-avUkgh963fdg.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3e7cb25f-f683-4817-a4be-f2ce3cba380b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Nothing complicated here. The image of a boy and a grey background as requested. Now let's add more details...

## 2- Adding Details

Let's add some specific details like eye colour, and maybe he's wearing a wearing a denim jacket over a light blue shirt, and how about a more interesting background.

**Prompt:**\
\&#xNAN;*A boy with blond hair <mark style="color:green;">and blue eyes,</mark>&#x20;*~~*<mark style="color:purple;">on a grey background.</mark>*~~*&#x20;<mark style="color:green;">wearing a denim jacket and a checked shirt, against a backdrop of wooden planks.</mark>*

<div align="center" data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FOdryg28QNCv9HAT1eLoS%2F02-a-boy-with-blond-hair-and-blue-eyes-wear_ErLgiSIuTLOIeP6_wEowOA_FdSygSBYQg2RamlTZSsXKg.png?alt=media&#x26;token=334d2a1b-0a61-42ce-b20c-4c4dd656b05d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Nice! Now let's try to make it a bit more dynamic...

## 3- A Point of View

Perhaps changing the angle and/or the point of view would produce a more interesting image?

**Prompt:**\
\&#xNAN;*A boy with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a denim jacket and a checked shirt, <mark style="color:green;">seen partially in profile</mark>, against a backdrop of wooden planks.*

<figure><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FEKzo3JopwfJrRE4aJMV4%2F03-a-boy-with-blond-hair-and-blue-eyes-wear_w2SHXqZkSPmG6C_kJIcCUw_J7uxTxO6Sk-1A7No-GTVng.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5799b398-b5ab-4aa1-8b18-2c3041f59c06" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Almost a studio photo but still very natural, isn’t it?

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: there are also other terms used to achieve this pose, such as <mark style="color:green;">three-quarter pose</mark>, or <mark style="color:green;">slightly turned to the left</mark>, etc.
{% endhint %}

## 4- Adding Elements

Let's add a few elements to make the overall image more attractive?

**Prompt:**\
\&#xNAN;*A boy with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a denim jacket, a checked shirt <mark style="color:green;">and jeans, sitting cross-legged on the floor, beside a friendly dog. Between them both there is a house plant in a pot. The entire scene is set</mark> against a backdrop of wooden planks.*

<figure><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FQlylTfS4nF0sGuSP0RS0%2F04-a-boy-with-blond-hair-and-blue-eyes-wear_k4xIQmBRRz63zQZJUZI8sA_zhke1hkFSa2O2ffdEoV9Xg.png?alt=media&#x26;token=74668586-9c07-4fc3-b61e-777618522544" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Observe how effectively the AI has rendered the requested elements and their precise positioning within the image composition. Now, let’s shift the mood…

## 5- Make a Lively Scene

Prompt:\
\&#xNAN;*A boy with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing* ~~*<mark style="color:purple;">a denim jacket,</mark>*~~*&#x20;a checked shirt and jeans, <mark style="color:green;">playing with a friendly Golden Retriever, in a park on a sunny day</mark>.*

<figure><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2Fs99zJjCi2CNs0WERLVIy%2F05-a-boy-with-blond-hair-and-blue-eyes-wear_CxEC3eNFTOibsmMPfSOTDw_glodCDWlTHuawMwuJYYDmw.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6a848ab3-3dd6-48fb-888b-17bd671b2bd6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The addition of an environment contributes greatly to the atmosphere of a picture. And everyone knows that the Golden Retriever is a child's best friend. 😉

## 6- Using Available Pptions

As you may have noticed, Ideogram provides several options for generating images. From [Aspect ratio](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/generation-settings/aspect-ratio-and-dimensions) and [Style](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/features-and-tools/reference-features/style-reference/styles-in-older-models) to [Color palette](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/generation-settings/color-palette) and other features, these options are invaluable for creating unique and diverse visuals.

Let’s explore some of these possibilities to create various outputs.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2F0gSfbdmjCwas0Sci7LMM%2F6a-washed-out-soft-watercolour-painting-fea_tr8MFtTWQuqXdEyhmGkk-g_wLlBWoqVQby0KFVjLj8oXg.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9208a445-ed0d-4ef8-a0e3-d3626500e4ee" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><p><strong>Prompt:</strong></p><p><em><mark style="color:green;">Washed-out soft watercolour painting featuring</mark> a boy with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a checked shirt and jeans, playing with a friendly Golden Retriever, in a park on a sunny day.</em><br><strong>Model</strong>: v2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: General<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 4:5<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: Pastel</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FRp0tvlFklFY9tZ23VsbA%2F6b-an-anime-illustration-featuring-a-boy-wi_47x_QrUXSZWrei7GJoi2hg_dUPo5DZlQ96xWioteT4BUw.png?alt=media&#x26;token=99fa807d-46ff-4f8f-b280-023b37cfcf85" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><p><strong>Prompt:</strong></p><p><em><mark style="color:green;">An anime illustration featuring</mark> a boy with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a checked shirt and jeans, playing with a friendly Golden Retriever, in a park on a sunny day.</em><br><strong>Model</strong>: v2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: Anime<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 4:5<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: None</p></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FSuzU14dx9NzYbYPxUsPA%2F6c-a-cartoon-like-3d-boy-with-blond-hair-an_w5x5BIvySSKPtBGTAsKcGA_rMfJBRtPTjyNqXRSaONLNA.png?alt=media&#x26;token=44ca65de-b958-4ab6-b84d-23be7c838549" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><p><strong>Prompt:</strong></p><p><em><mark style="color:green;">A cartoon-like 3D</mark> boy with sandy hair and blue eyes, wearing a checked shirt and jeans, playing with a friendly Golden Retriever, in a paper-art park on a sunny day.</em><br><strong>Model</strong>: v2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: 3D<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 4:5<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: None</p></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Difference between v1.0 styles and v2.0 styles.**

**In v1.0, the styles are really just words added at the end of the prompt** to specify the style you want, nothing more. So if you select 'illustration', it is the very same as if you've added the word 'illustration' at the end of your prompt. This works even better if you describe the style you want in the context of the prompt rather than a simple word at the end of it.

**In v2.0, the different styles utilize slightly different models to generate the images.** It is as though you are using a model better suited to the style you want, rather than relying on a generic AI model.

For more information, refer to the [Style](https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/features-and-tools/reference-features/style-reference/styles-in-older-models) section of this documentation.
{% endhint %}

## 7- Add Some Text

Let's say you want to make a cover for a children book, give it a title and also add the author's name.

**Prompt:**\
\&#xNAN;*Washed-out soft watercolour painting featuring a boy with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a checked shirt and jeans, playing with a friendly Golden Retriever, in a park on a sunny day. <mark style="color:green;">At the top of the image, the book title is: "Michael and his dog" in a fun painted typography. At the bottom, the author's name: "John Johnson".</mark>*\
**Model**: v2.0\
**Style**: General\
**Aspect ratio**: 3:4\
**Color Palette**: None

<figure><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2Fc5q1lM5rIB6rbt6vZWWs%2F07-washed-out-soft-watercolour-painting-fea_eWdN0ys_ST-rzBQs8-T4Xw_ivqdZg8CSMq0kFRY9xpnug.png?alt=media&#x26;token=169d396f-dcbd-450e-9ff9-2b4ca1bac63c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 8- Other Examples

Here are some other subjects:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FcUn3thCAPNzbm1yQC8bh%2F08a-a-simple-modern-and-minimalist-logo-for-_rH_QXapiSwusrxkWJT9CMA_7JhYTubFQEqf6AMKXuDUfQ.png?alt=media&#x26;token=30218c6f-5936-451b-b83b-4403497e9994" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><p><strong>Prompt:</strong></p><p><em>A sleek and modern illustration of a logo for "PetPalace" featuring a minimalist stylized image of a regal cat wearing a crown, sitting next to a luxurious palace.</em></p></td><td><strong>Model</strong>: v2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: Design<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 1:1<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: None</td></tr><tr><td><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FEnfctPfe6C0RYeW0QJK4%2F08b-close-up-photo-of-a-beer-can-with-a-big-_N02X_t5rSoi1JBfjIJ0jfw_6hL8I8sPSUaL8ZatEBnmQA.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8299e813-c4b0-4d0f-a97d-dc457003029b" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><p><strong>Prompt:</strong></p><p><em>Close up photo of a beer can with a big modern sailor's anchor inspired logo named "Mariner's Brew" in big letters, a full glass of beer in the background, on the counter of an Irish pub, dynamic view, studio photography, food photography.</em></p></td><td><strong>Model</strong>: v2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: General<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 1:1<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: None</td></tr><tr><td><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2FrSKV7meu55uutLLcDxYq%2F08c-a-cool-cat-with-wearing-a-hat-and-sungla_cA-M6mCeSQm3REwdDuG_Lg_gFlRqk5QRJeYEGYin9C6Eg.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e9fb58b7-c664-4853-8b93-ebda8e18cf76" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><p><strong>Prompt:</strong></p><p><em>A cool cat with wearing a hat and sunglasses playing the saxophone with his paws on the stage of a jazz club, a neon sign in the background saying: "Cool Cat Jazz". Intense atmosphere, dark ambience, dark tones, jazz club genre, 40's and 50's look.</em></p></td><td><strong>Model</strong>: v2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: Realistic<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 1:1<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: Ultramarine</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Text enclosed in quotes “ ” helps the AI understand that it needs to render the text in the image.
{% endhint %}