> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opencanva.co/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Best Practices for Image Generation > Tips and techniques for effective image generation in Open Canva, covering prompt writing, model selection, and workflow optimization. ## Prompt writing best practices ### Be specific and detailed **Good prompt:** ``` A serene mountain landscape at sunset, snow-capped peaks in the background, a calm alpine lake in the foreground reflecting orange and pink sky, dramatic clouds, golden hour lighting, photorealistic, high detail, 4K quality ``` **Weak prompt:** ``` A mountain ``` Include subject, style, composition, lighting, colors, and quality modifiers for best results. ### Use style descriptors Add style information to guide the aesthetic: * **Artistic styles**: "watercolor", "digital art", "photorealistic", "sketch" * **Era/period**: "medieval", "futuristic", "vintage 1950s" * **Mood**: "serene", "dramatic", "playful", "mysterious" ### Describe composition Tell the AI how to frame the image: * **Shot type**: "close-up", "wide shot", "portrait", "landscape view" * **Angle**: "bird's eye view", "low angle", "eye level" * **Focus**: "shallow depth of field", "everything in focus" ## Model selection tips ### Match model to use case * **Photorealistic images**: Use Flux * **Text in images**: Use Ideogram * **Artistic illustrations**: Experiment with different models * **Specific styles**: Try models known for that style Don't always use the same model. Different models excel at different things. ### Experiment with models * **Try multiple models**: Use the same prompt with different models * **Compare results**: See which model produces the best outcome * **Learn preferences**: Discover which models work best for your needs ## Settings optimization ### Start with defaults * **Begin simple**: Use default settings for your first attempts * **Adjust gradually**: Change one setting at a time to understand effects * **Document what works**: Keep notes on successful setting combinations ### Quality vs speed * **Balance**: Find the right balance between quality and generation time * **Higher quality**: Use when detail is important * **Faster settings**: Use for quick iterations and experiments ## Reference image techniques ### Choosing good references * **High quality**: Use clear, well-lit reference images * **Relevant content**: Choose references that match your goal * **Simple compositions**: Uncluttered references work best ### Combining references and prompts * **Be specific**: Describe what to keep from reference and what to change * **Add details**: Use prompt to add elements not in reference * **Mention the reference**: Explicitly reference elements to preserve ## Workflow optimization ### Session organization * **Create sessions early**: Set up session structure before generating * **Use descriptive names**: Name sessions clearly for easy finding * **Organize with folders**: Group related sessions together * **Regular cleanup**: Archive or delete old sessions periodically ### Iteration strategy * **Start broad**: Begin with general concepts * **Refine gradually**: Add detail in subsequent generations * **Document successes**: Keep notes on what works * **Learn from failures**: Understand why some attempts don't work ## Cost management ### Optimize for efficiency * **Use appropriate models**: Choose cost-effective models when quality allows * **Balance settings**: Don't always use highest quality if not needed * **Plan usage**: Estimate costs for projects * **Monitor spending**: Check dashboard regularly ### Budget planning * **Set limits**: Establish spending limits * **Track usage**: Monitor costs frequently * **Adjust as needed**: Modify usage if costs are high ## Quality improvement ### Prompt refinement * **Iterate on prompts**: Refine prompts based on results * **Learn from examples**: Study successful prompts * **Use Prompt Assistant**: Get AI-powered suggestions * **Combine techniques**: Merge different prompt writing approaches ### Settings fine-tuning * **Experiment systematically**: Change one setting at a time * **Test combinations**: Try different setting combinations * **Document results**: Keep notes on what works * **Reuse successful settings**: Apply what worked before ## Common mistakes to avoid **Too vague**: Vague prompts produce poor results. Be specific. **Contradictory terms**: Avoid mixing conflicting styles or concepts. **Ignoring composition**: Without composition guidance, results may not match your vision. **Not experimenting**: Always using the same approach limits discovery. ## Advanced techniques ### Multi-model generation * **Compare results**: Generate with multiple models simultaneously * **Discover preferences**: See which models work best for different needs * **Save time**: Get multiple options in one generation cycle ### Prompt templates Create templates for common use cases: * **Portrait template**: `[Subject] portrait, [style], [lighting], [mood], [background]` * **Landscape template**: `[Location] landscape, [time], [weather], [composition], [colors]` * **Product template**: `[Product] on [surface], [lighting], [background], [style]` ## Learning and improvement ### Track what works * **Keep notes**: Document successful prompts and settings * **Review history**: Learn from past generations * **Identify patterns**: Notice what consistently works well * **Build knowledge**: Accumulate experience over time ### Continuous improvement * **Experiment regularly**: Try new approaches and techniques * **Stay updated**: Learn about new features and models * **Share knowledge**: Learn from community and examples * **Practice**: Regular use improves results ## Related guides Detailed prompt writing guide. Learn about choosing models. Understand all available settings. Solutions to common issues.