Prompting image models on Replicate

Distilled from Replicate's blog posts on prompting image models (2024-2026). Techniques are model-agnostic and focus on transferable principles.

Choose a model with the API, not from memory

This skill describes general prompting techniques. To choose a model, use the find-models skill and query the Replicate API. The image model landscape changes weekly. Don't assume specific models exist or are still state-of-the-art based on names you've seen before. Always search the API for current options, then read the schema before running anything.

For pricing and feature comparison, see the compare-models skill.

Writing prompts

Use natural language, not keyword lists

Write full sentences describing what you want. Modern image models understand grammar and context far better than keyword-stuffed prompts.

Good: "A woman standing in a Tokyo alleyway at dusk, neon signs reflecting off wet pavement" Bad: "woman, Tokyo, alleyway, dusk, neon, wet pavement"