A Reusable Prompt Template for AI Image Generation

If you have ever typed a vague prompt into an AI image generator and got something random back, the fix is usually structure, not luck. Here is the template I use for predictable results.

The template

[subject], [setting], [lighting], [camera / composition], [style], [color palette]

Example:

ceramic coffee mug, minimal wooden desk, soft morning window light, top-down shot, clean product photography, warm beige tones

Why each part matters

• Subject first, so the model anchors on the main object.
• Setting gives context and avoids blank or random backgrounds.
• Lighting has the biggest effect on realism: "soft window light", "studio softbox", "golden hour".
• Camera / composition controls framing: "close-up", "top-down", "wide angle", "rule of thirds".
• Style sets the look: "product photography", "flat illustration", "watercolor".
• Color palette keeps a series consistent.

Tips

1. Change one slot at a time when iterating, so you know what caused the difference.
2. Keep a small prompt library in a text file and reuse the structure across a campaign.
3. Keep text on the image short; most models still struggle with long lettering.
4. For motion, the same structure works for image-to-video prompts if you add a camera move such as "slow push-in".

I tested this template with Freepik AI, which also handles image-to-video and text to speech, but the structure works with any image model.

What slots would you add to the template?