Why Format Matters
Proper formatting makes your prompts clearer, more effective, and easier to iterate on. It's the difference between getting okay results and consistently great results.
The Standard Format
A well-formatted prompt follows this structure:
[Main Subject], [Action/Pose], [Setting], [Style], [Lighting], [Mood], [Quality]
Example:
A majestic dragon, flying through clouds, mountain peaks in background, fantasy art style, golden hour lighting, epic and powerful, highly detailed, 8k
Formatting Rules
1. Use Commas to Separate Concepts
✓ Good:
"A sunset, warm colors, peaceful mood"
✗ Avoid:
"A sunset with warm colors that makes you feel peaceful"
2. Start with the Most Important Element
The model pays more attention to words at the beginning.
✓ Better:
"A cyberpunk city, neon lights, rainy night"
3. Group Related Concepts
Keep similar ideas together for clarity.
"Portrait of a warrior [Subject], holding a sword, battle-worn armor [Details], dramatic lighting, stormy sky [Atmosphere], oil painting style [Style]"
4. Be Consistent with Naming
Use the same terms throughout your prompt.
✓ Good:
"A cat, tabby cat sitting, orange cat fur"
✗ Avoid:
"A cat, feline sitting, kitty with orange fur"
Advanced Formatting Techniques
Using Parentheses for Emphasis
Wrap important elements in parentheses to increase their weight:
"A forest, ((glowing mushrooms)), moonlight, mystical"
Pipe Symbol for Alternatives
Use | to suggest variations:
"A landscape, sunset|sunrise, peaceful mood"
Square Brackets for Modifiers
Use brackets to organize style modifiers:
"A portrait [Style: oil painting] [Quality: masterpiece]"
Template Examples
Character Portrait Template:
"[Character], [Expression], [Clothing], [Background], [Style], [Lighting], [Quality]"
Landscape Template:
"[Location], [Time of day], [Weather], [Focal point], [Style], [Mood], [Quality]"
Abstract Art Template:
"[Concept], [Colors], [Shapes], [Texture], [Style], [Mood]"
Quick Tip
Create a personal style guide with your favorite formatting patterns. This speeds up prompt creation and ensures consistency across your work!