How to Use AI Image Prompts:
A Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
If you've ever stared at an AI image generator and typed something like "a nice sunset" - only to get a blurry, lifeless result - this guide is for you. The difference between a stunning AI image and a mediocre one almost always comes down to the prompt.
And the good news is: you don't need to write prompts from scratch. At Prontly, we've done the hard work for you. This guide explains exactly how to take any prompt from our library and use it in your preferred AI image tool - in under 60 seconds.
Table of Contents
1. What Is an AI Image Prompt?
An AI image prompt is a text description that tells an AI model what image to generate. Think of it as giving instructions to an incredibly fast digital artist - the more specific and structured your instructions are, the better the result.
Modern AI image generators like Midjourney, DALL·E 3, Flux, and Gemini don't "see" the world the way humans do. They work by matching words and phrases to patterns learned from millions of images.
A well-crafted prompt uses specific keywords that align with those patterns:
If you want to go deeper into writing your own prompts from scratch, check out our guide to writing better AI prompts. For now, let's focus on using the pre-built prompts in our library - which is the fastest way to get professional results today.
2. How to Copy Prompts from Prontly
Every prompt in the Prontly library is ready to use instantly. Here's how to grab one in three steps:
Browse the Library
Head to the Prontly Search page or browse by category (Portraits, Cinematic, Wedding, Flux, Instagram, etc.). Use the search bar to find prompts matching your creative vision.
Open the Prompt Card
Click on any prompt card to view the full prompt text, recommended settings, and a sample output image. You can preview what the result looks like before committing.
Click "Copy Prompt"
Hit the Copy button. The full prompt - including all recommended modifiers - is now on your clipboard, ready to paste directly into any AI tool. No editing needed to get started.
3. How to Use Prompts in Midjourney
Midjourney runs inside Discord. Once you have your prompt copied, follow these steps:
1. Open Channel
Go to the Midjourney Discord server and navigate to any active channel.
2. /imagine
In the message box, type /imagine and press space to trigger the prompt field.
3. Paste Logic
Paste the copied prompt into the field and press Enter to start the render.
4. Upscale
Use U1-U4 to upscale your favorite variation to full resolution.
Pro Tip:
"Prontly prompts are pre-tested for Midjourney. You can add --ar 16:9 for widescreen or --ar 9:16 for portrait/mobile format."
4. How to Use Prompts in Flux
1. Open Your Flux Provider
Access Flux through platforms like Replicate, fal.ai, or a local installation via ComfyUI. Flux works best with Flux.1 Dev or Flux.1 Schnell models.
2. Paste Into the Main Prompt Field
Find the primary text input labeled "Prompt" or "Positive Prompt" and paste your copied prompt directly. Do not add extra formatting.
3. Adjust Resolution
Flux works at native resolutions. For portraits, use 768×1024. For landscapes, use 1024×768. For square, use 1024×1024.
5. How to Use Prompts in OpenAI DALL·E 3
DALL·E 3 is available inside ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. It excels at understanding conversational context.
Frame Your Request
Type: "Generate an image of: [paste your prompt here]" - this tells DALL·E to treat it as a direct image prompt.
Refine Conversationally
DALL·E 3 allows you to refine results. Type follow-ups like "Make the lighting more dramatic" or "Change the background to a forest."
6. How to Use Prompts in Google Gemini
1. Open Gemini on Web or Mobile
Go to Google Gemini or open the Gemini app on your device.
2. Ask Gemini to Create an Image
Type: "Create an image of: [paste your prompt]". You can also say: "Draw me..." or "Generate a photo of..."
3. Use Conversational Refinement
Gemini works best with multi-turn refinement. If the first output isn't perfect, just describe what you'd like to change in plain English.
7. Tips to Customize Prontly Prompts
Our prompts work great out of the box, but you can personalize them in seconds:
Change the Subject
Replace the main subject. "A young woman" → "An elderly fisherman". Style and lighting will persist.
Adjust Style
Replace "cinematic" with "watercolor painting" or "oil painting" to shift the entire medium.
Add Palette
Include mood words like "warm earth tones", "muted pastels", or "neon color grading".
Combine Nodes
Take lighting from one prompt and the subject from another to create a hybrid style.
Want to learn the full professional formula? Our guide to writing better AI prompts covers lighting, camera settings, and negative logic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid subscription?
No. All prompts in the Prontly library are completely free to copy and use in any AI image tool. We support ourselves through voluntary donations.
Will the same prompt give me the same image?
No. AI image generation includes randomness (seeds). You'll get similar but unique results every time you hit generate.
Can I use prompts commercially?
Yes, you can use prompts for personal or commercial projects, subject to the terms of the specific AI platform you use.
What are negative prompts?
Negative prompts tell the AI what NOT to include—like removing blurry backgrounds or distorted hands. Learn more in our negative prompts guide.
Ready to Create?
Access our library of thousands of tested prompts and start generating art today.