Getting started
Here's how to generate your AI images
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Open the AI Generator from the main navigation.
Reminder: you need to be signed in and have an active AI agreement with at least 1 generation available. -
Describe what you want to generate using the prompt box.
To get the best results, include a main subject, what's happening, and where the action is taking place. Example: doorway glowing in the desert. Note: the prompt fields have a limit of 250 words, so the more descriptive you can be the more accurate your results will be. -
When you're happy with your prompt, click "Generate."
You'll see four boxes with twinkling icons that indicate the AI Generator is working to create your images.
Try different AI generation strategies
- Create very different looks by switching between Photos and Illustrations to change your image style.
- Choose different aspect ratios to alter the dimensions of your generated imagery.
- Use the Camera controls function to choose from different lens types or adjust the depth of field to generate images with unique perspectives and effects.
- Use the Color & Mood filters to generate images with specific atmospheres or palettes.
- Click "Add image" to add a reference image or product photo that can then be used to create generated images with similar properties.
- Once satisfied with a generation result, consider swapping out words to create new concepts. For example, instead of sunglasses, the coconut could be wearing a floral button‑down shirt.
- You can also use a generation to iterate on a prompt or specific image by clicking the "Regenerate" button or selecting "Generate more” in your generation history.
- Hovering over an image reveals icons to "Refine" or "Extend" the image, generate 4 new "Variations," or "Download" it.
Building text‑to‑image prompts
Create a detailed description for the AI
- Start by describing a scene: a noun + a verb + a location. Example: a cat walking down a street
- Build on the scene by including additional details. Example: a wide‑angle eye‑level view of a tabby cat walking towards the viewer along a city street
- Once satisfied with a generation result, consider swapping out words to create new concepts. Example: a close up of a tabby cat walking towards the camera along an empty city street
- Use the negative prompt field to outline what you don’t want to see in your scene.
- Positive and negative prompt fields are limited to 250 words in total.
- Synonyms can help if you feel stuck while refining and improving your generation.
- Place the most important subjects of your prompt near the beginning of the prompt. This will receive more importance and weight than the words at the end of the prompt.
- Need some assistance to get started? Click the Prompt Builder icon, it will guide you through the process of writing a strong prompt.
Learn how to tailor your prompt to get images that match your vision
Place the most important subjects of your desired output near the beginning of the prompt.
They will receive more importance and weight than the words at the end of the prompt.
Build on the scene by including additional details and art direction.
Example: illuminated doorway in the desert, wide frame, natural light, dusk, cinematic, night, dunes in the background
For greater detail, add any of the following to your prompt:
high quality, high fidelity, detailed, intricate, sharp, proportional
Add an image
Apply the color or composition of an existing image to influence the next AI image you create.
Try out these new tips and start creating
- Choose your reference image and describe the image you would like to generate in the prompt box. Note: This photo can be user‑uploaded, a previous generation, or previously licensed.
- The "Color" button allows you to transfer the color palette and tone to a new set of generated images.
- The "Composition" button allows you to produce AI images patterned after your reference image—letting you explore different elements while maintaining an image's essential structure.
Try out these new tips and start creating
Modify your AI‑generated images
Refining an image
This tool lets you add, replace, or remove elements from an image or illustration that has been previously generated or from our creative library.
- First, choose the action you wish to take
- "Replace" generates a new element to go into a specific space indicated
- "Remove" automatically eliminates and fills in the indicated space using context cues from the background
- Under Brush settings, you can adjust the size of the brush, "Hide selection" to see what you've painted over, "Undo" your last stroke, or "Clear" the entire painted area.
- Use your cursor as a paintbrush to cover the area or object you want to make changes to.
- Type a description into the Prompt text box if you want a specific object generated when replacing an element or adding to an area, and click "Generate more" to bring it to life.
- In the tray below the image, you can track your modification history, to see and interact with previous iterations.
- Click the "Remove Background" button, represented by the pair of scissors. After clicking, the background will be removed, leaving only your subject(s) in view. Review the image to ensure it meets your expectations
Extending an image
- You can create additional sizes of an image to make more room for copy, reposition your subject, or to expand the scene to fit your needs.
- Use the "Freeform" tool to drag the image edges to a new size or simply choose a new aspect ratio from the options provided.
- The "Zoom out" slider allows you to manipulate the size of the original image within the frame.
- A prompt is optional, but you can add one if there is a specific element or look you want included. Then click "Generate" and Getty Images' AI image generator will automatically fill in new areas based on the original background.
- Extend also includes a modification history tray that allows you to select previous iterations.
Did you know? You can also use Refine and Extend to modify images from our creative library.
Want to know more about downloading and licensing?
Downloading your results
- When you're satisfied with your generation, download it. With your agreement, your downloads don't count against your generations and include licensing and legal protection.
- Download in Medium or Large—generation downloads look best in 4K resolution (Large).
- Want an authentic visual to match? Just click on a generated image and scroll down to find a selection of imagery from our creative library, provided for your consideration using our powerful reverse image search.
The Getty Images AI Generator can also be used to:
Enhance your prompts with these keywords to take your creativity even further
Mix in some suggested keywords and add a dash of flavor to your brilliant ideas.
Mood
Alluring
Alluring
Brave
Caring
Confident
DramaticElegant
Empowered
FuturisticGenuine
HumorousMysterious
PlayfulQuirky
Serene
Smiling
Whimsical
Camera and lighting
Tilt‑shift
Soft focus
Sepia
Fish‑eye
Time‑lapse
Panorama
Zoom blur
Distorted perspective
Mirror image
Studio lighting
Lens fog
Overexposure
Bokeh
Film burn
Hard shadows
Candlelight
Wide‑angle
Styles
Monochrome
Desaturated
Vintage
Pop art
Watercolor
Sketch
Sharpened
Vignette
Night vision
Color splash
1970s
Cinematic
Minimal
Underwater
Noir
Renaissance
Fantasy
More styles
Charcoal drawing
Pointillism
Doodle
Baroque
Steampunk
Horror
Film noir
Double exposure
Silhouette
Editorial
Candid
Headshot
RetroGrainy
Oil painting
Low key/high key
Portrait