> 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/using-ideogram/getting-started/the-basics-step-by-step.md).

# The Basics

Let's try to generate some more images together. **In this guide, we'll be experimenting with details like angles, additional image elements, text and more!** This guide will help you understand how to prompt on Ideogram, step by step with corresponding output examples.

For this guide, 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.

Please note that we'll be referencing this format throughout the rest of our documentation, but **you can write prompts in Ideogram without any formatting!**

{% hint style="warning" %}
For all of the examples below, we'll use the following settings:\
• [Magic Prompt](/using-ideogram/generation-settings/magic-prompt.md): OFF (AUTO for Ideogram 4.0)\
• [Aspect ratio](/using-ideogram/generation-settings/aspect-ratio-and-dimensions.md): 1:1\
• [Model](/using-ideogram/generation-settings/available-models.md): 2.0 (unless otherwise stated)\
• [Style](/using-ideogram/features-and-tools/reference-features/style-reference/styles-in-older-models.md): Realistic (unless otherwise stated)
{% endhint %}

## 1. A very basic prompt

Let's start with a very basic prompt. This way, we can see what the model generates and build on that step-by-step.

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

<figure><img src="/files/b9AZlTXypL4SeTeiaw7H" 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

Next, let's add some specific details like eye color, 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>* ~~*<mark style="color:purple;">on a grey background.</mark>*~~ *<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="/files/ysLbp2Xt1SZLtU3z7bOW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

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

## 3. A point of view

Let's play around with the perspective of the image! Maybe changing the angle or the point of view would produce a more interesting image? We're all about experimentation here!

**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="/files/gOtUuYoKHRiBCw0b2oj6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Wow! Almost a studio photo, but it still looks very natural!

{% 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="/files/Hzb8fY5II7UlnQFlY567" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

I'd love to point out how effectively the model has rendered the requested elements and their precise positioning within the image composition. Now, let’s try adding details that will liven up 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="/files/NScbCbWCR9MvErY5bpdq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Super cute, now the boy we were working with originally has a fluffy buddy to pose with! Adding other elements and an environment really helps make your images feel alive and natural.&#x20;

## 6. Using available options

As you may have noticed from previous sections, Ideogram provides several options for generating images. [Aspect ratio](/using-ideogram/generation-settings/aspect-ratio-and-dimensions.md), [Style](/using-ideogram/features-and-tools/reference-features/style-reference/styles-in-older-models.md), [Color palette](/using-ideogram/generation-settings/color-palette.md) and other features 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="/files/wPzO6Jo672BIaFD3prVF" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><p><strong>Prompt:</strong></p><p><em><mark style="color:green;">Washed-out soft watercolor 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>: 2.0<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="/files/PCrjZb5jdVfy4sG8Illn" 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>: 2.0<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="/files/yCqgPc5ERg2XAJQEV34b" 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>: 2.0<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](/using-ideogram/features-and-tools/reference-features/style-reference/styles-in-older-models.md) 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 watercolor 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**: 2.0\
**Style**: General\
**Aspect ratio**: 3:4\
**Color Palette**: None

<figure><img src="/files/7GB3RFNqdDg51BkVbrhp" 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="/files/jU5HT8iD2iLnNgadowAM" 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>: 2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: Design<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 1:1<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: None</td></tr><tr><td><img src="/files/OCuY6kF26xStXBrcbvev" 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>: 2.0<br><strong>Style</strong>: General<br><strong>Aspect ratio</strong>: 1:1<br><strong>Color Palette</strong>: None</td></tr><tr><td><img src="/files/YaJbNvOY5FJwIjOGzguK" 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>: 2.0<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" %}
Please note: **Text enclosed in quotes “ ” helps the AI understand that it needs to render the text in the image.**
{% endhint %}

## What's next?

As you've seen, **great results come from building your prompt gradually**. We started simple and continued layering in details, perspective, elements, style, and text step by step. Each addition shapes the final image in a meaningful way, and small changes can have a big impact.

Now that you're familiar with the basics, here are some great next steps to deepen your skills:

* Experiment with [Magic Prompt](/using-ideogram/generation-settings/magic-prompt.md) to see how Ideogram can enhance your prompts automatically
* Explore the full range of **styles, models, and color palettes** available
* Try [reference features](/using-ideogram/features-and-tools/reference-features/style-reference.md) to guide the AI using existing images
* Dive into more advanced prompting techniques through experimentation and interacting with the community at [discord.gg/ideogram](https://discord.gg/ideogram).

The next section will go over even more specific details of prompting the Ideogram models. The tips will come straight from our developers so you can be sure you're making the most out of the model. However, if you feel comfortable at this point or want to do your own unguided exploration, feel free to get started! **The best way to improve is simply to keep experimenting** — every generation teaches you something new!


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.ideogram.ai/using-ideogram/getting-started/the-basics-step-by-step.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.