AI Image Editing Prompt Guide

Modern AI Image Editors like Nano-Banana make it possible to transform, restyle and enhance images with simple natural language. Unlike basic image generation, instruction-based AI Image Editing lets you modify only what you want while preserving everything else. Whether you are using an AI Image Generator for product photos, portraits, or creative projects, writing effective prompts is essential for accurate and realistic results.

Core Principles for Better Prompts

Use Clear Action Verbs

  1. Guideline

    Start prompts with simple verbs like change, add, remove, replace, convert or move. Avoid long descriptive paragraphs. Be direct and specific.

  2. Examples

    change the car to red
    add sunglasses to the man
    remove the person in the background
    replace the chair with a wooden stool in the same position

Focus on One Edit at a Time

  1. Guideline

    Make one change, check the result, then build more. Short, focused prompts give the AI Image Editor better control.

  2. Example sequence

    1. replace the banana with a mango in the same position
    2. add the word FRUIT on the crates in uppercase white letters
    3. paint the crates green while preserving wood texture

Preserve Identity and Composition

  1. Guideline

    If you want to keep character appearance or object placement, be explicit. Avoid pronouns; describe subjects clearly.

  2. Examples

    change the background to a snowy mountain while keeping the woman with short black hair in the same pose and scale
    place the same dog in a modern living room while maintaining identical subject placement
    keep the man’s freckles hairstyle and glasses while swapping the background to a city skyline

Name a Specific Artistic Style

  1. Examples

    convert to watercolor painting with visible brushstrokes and soft edges
    transform into Bauhaus poster with flat shapes and bold geometry
    rebuild as a claymation scene with hand made texture

Quote Exact Text When Editing Labels

  1. Examples

    replace “SALE” with “SOLD” while keeping the same font style and color
    change “NightCafe” to “KONTEXT” and maintain the bubbly gradient lettering

Guard Unchanged Areas

  1. Examples

    change the table color to walnut wood while keeping the background and lighting unchanged
    replace the couch fabric with linen while keeping folds and seams identical

Large Example Library by Category

Color and Material

make the jacket denim while keeping design and fit
convert the mug to matte black while keeping the logo and reflections
change the table from glass to walnut with visible wood grain

Lighting and Time of Day

change the scene to golden hour while keeping the composition
convert to soft studio lighting with natural shadows
make it night with neon signs while preserving building details

Background Swap Without Moving Subjects

change the background to a beach while keeping the person’s position and scale
place the same cat in a cozy living room keeping pose and size unchanged

Add Remove Replace Objects

add sunglasses with realistic reflections
remove trash bins while keeping sidewalk details
replace red apple with green pear in same position

People and Portraits

brighten the eyes while keeping iris color the same
soften skin gently while preserving freckles
add subtle rim light on the left side while keeping natural skin tones
change shirt to navy sweater while keeping collar shape

Style Transfer and Illustration

convert to manga line art with clean inks and flat tones
transform into a children’s book illustration with soft pastel palette
rebuild in voxel art while maintaining character placement

Text and Logos

replace “OPEN” with “CLOSED” while keeping neon glow
update “SALE 50” to “SALE 60” keeping alignment and color
add a QR code at the bottom right corner while keeping margins

Products and E-Commerce

add logo to the center of the bottle label while maintaining curvature
change shoe to suede with visible nap texture
convert background to seamless white studio with soft shadows

Real Estate and Interiors

change wall color to warm white while keeping trim details
replace couch fabric with light linen keeping folds and seams
add floor lamp near left armrest while maintaining lighting

Outdoors and Travel

change weather to light snow keeping footprints and brightness
add a rainbow behind the waterfall while keeping mist
convert forest to autumn colors maintaining leaf detail

Handling Common Issues

If edits change too much, add everything else should remain unchanged.
If identity drifts, reinforce maintain the exact facial features hairstyle and expression.
If composition shifts, clarify keep the same position scale and camera angle.
If style loses detail, describe visible cross hatching pencil texture and shading.

Using Visual Placement Cues

You can indicate where edits should happen using simple cues.
add price tag on the front crate
place blue sticker on the top right of the laptop lid
put framed poster on the left wall

Iterative Workflows for Complex Scenes

Break edits into steps for better results with AI Image Editing.
1. replace the banana with a mango
2. add “FRUIT” on crates in bold white text
3. recolor crates green while keeping structure and lighting

Quick Checklist for Better Prompts

Start with clear action verbs
Keep sentences short and direct
Make one edit per step
Lock identity and composition
Use quotes for text
Describe style traits
Add preserve everything else phrases when needed

Conclusion

With the right prompt structure, AI Image Editors can achieve precise and realistic edits. Combining clear actions, explicit constraints, and detailed style descriptions gives you control and creative flexibility. These practices work across AI Image Editing tools like Nano-Banana and any modern AI Image Generator.