> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ideogram.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ideogram.ai/create/create.md).

# Create Images

Write a prompt, pick a model and generate images in the Image app.

You can start an image in two places: the box on Home, or the Image app. Both take a plain-language prompt. You don't need a perfect one. Write what you want in a sentence or two, then refine from the results.

## Start from Home

The box under **What will you design?** is the fastest way in.

1. Type what you want to see. If you'd rather try the example prompt that cycles in the box, press **Tab** to use it.
2. Pick **Image** in the type picker. Pick **Video** to make a clip instead (see [Create Videos](/create/video.md)).
3. Optional: select **Add reference images** to attach up to 9 images. You can also paste or drag them in. Files must be JPEG, PNG or WebP, up to 25 MB each.
4. Press **Enter** or select the arrow button. On mobile, Enter adds a new line, so tap the arrow.

Ideogram opens the Image app on **Auto**, copies in your prompt and images, and starts the run. You don't need to click again. Auto picks a model for you; see [Models](/create/models.md#auto).

## Open the Image app

Select **Image** in the sidebar. The app opens on **Auto**, with the settings panel on the left and your results on the right.

<figure><img src="https://1799634369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzjhNby3LLsIikYuvxAJP%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-a005b5210846893e645ab11ee73295d68ffe7d66%2Fcreate-images-1.png?alt=media" alt="Image app on Auto with a prompt filled in, four results in My assets, and the Generate button showing about 24 credits highlighted"><figcaption><p>Write a prompt, then select <strong>Generate</strong>. The cost shows on the button.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Pick a model

Open the **Model** picker at the top of the panel. It lists:

* **Auto**, always first
* **Recent**: models you used lately
* **Team models** and **My models**: [custom models](/create/custom-models.md) you or your team trained
* **All models**: every Ideogram and partner model

Type in **Search all models...** to find one by name, or filter with the chips: **My models**, **Team models**, then one chip per provider. **Browse community models** at the bottom opens models other people have shared.

Each model has its own set of settings, and the panel changes to match when you switch. [Models](/create/models.md) compares them.

## Write a prompt

Type in the **Prompt** box ("What do you want to see?"). Describe the subject, the setting and the style. Put any words you want in the image in quotes, like `a poster that says "Summer Sale"`.

A few helpers sit in or near the prompt box:

* **Describe** turns an image into a prompt. See [Describe](/create/describe.md).
* Type `@` to pull one of your past images in as a reference, on models that take references. See [Reference Images](/create/reference-images.md).
* **Magic Prompt**, on Ideogram models, expands a short prompt into a detailed one. See [Magic Prompt](/create/image-settings.md#magic-prompt).

For more on writing prompts, read the [Prompting Guide](/prompting/prompting.md) and [Text in Images](/prompting/text-in-images.md).

## Choose settings

Below the prompt you'll find the settings for the model you picked: aspect ratio, number of images, quality and more. Extra options such as **Seed** sit under **Advanced settings**, a collapsed row near the bottom of the panel. The defaults work well, so you can skip this step. [Image Settings](/create/image-settings.md) explains each one.

## Generate

Select **Generate**. The button shows the cost in credits on its right side. On Auto it shows an estimate with a `~` in front, because Ideogram picks the model when the run starts. Hover over the number to see whether it's an estimate or the exact cost. To learn how credits work, see [Available Plans](/plans-and-billing/available-plans.md#how-credits-work).

The button reads "Starting…" while Ideogram sends the request. On a free plan with no bought credits, picking a premium model opens an upgrade window instead. So does running out of free credits.

## Find your results

Results appear in the **My assets** tab on the right. A "Generation started" notice appears with **Jump to new generation**, and blank tiles hold each image's place until it's done. If a run fails, you'll see "Could not generate that image. Please try again."

Each run has its own actions:

* **Copy prompt** and **Reuse prompt**
* **Recreate**, which loads every setting from that run back into the panel
* **Download**, which saves every image in the run

Click an image to open it. From there you can **Edit**, **Remove BG**, **Upscale**, **Use as source**, **Recreate**, **Open in app**, **Add to collection**, **Like**, **Share** or **Download**.

Use the toolbar above your results to search ("Search your generations"), filter to the current app, switch between grid and list view, or change the image size.

{% hint style="info" %}
On paid plans, new images stay private until you publish one. On the free plan, everything you generate is public. To publish an image, open the image, then choose **More options** > **Manage** > **Publish to community**.
{% endhint %}

The **API** tab next to **My assets** shows a code sample of the same request, so you can run it through the Ideogram API.

## Next steps

* Change part of an image: open it and select **Edit**.
* Save it: see [Download](/organize-and-share/download.md) for file types and sizes.
* Need a clear background? See [Transparent Backgrounds](/create/transparent-backgrounds.md).