AI Image Generation Complete Guide: From Zero to Mastering Text-to-Image

2026/08/01·4 min read·156 views

Want to generate stunning images with AI but don't know where to start? This guide walks you through AI text-to-image generation from scratch - from prompts to parameters.

What is AI Text-to-Image

AI text-to-image is a technology that generates images from text descriptions. Unlike traditional graphic design tools, it requires no artistic skills and produces professional-quality results in seconds.

Popular models include Midjourney, DALL-E 3, FLUX, and Stable Diffusion. Ciyuano's API provides unified access to multiple models through a single interface.

Where to Use AI Image Generation

Social media: Quick covers for blogs, Instagram, TikTok
Product design: Visual references before prototyping
Marketing: Posters, banners, ad creatives at scale
Personal creation: Avatars, wallpapers, illustrations, stickers
Story illustrations: Book covers, children's books, indie games

Step 1: Open the Tool

Visit www.ciyuano.com
Navigate to AI Image / Text-to-Image section
Select model: FLUX for realism, Midjourney for art, SDXL for speed
Enter editor: You'll see a prompt box, parameter panel, and generate button

Step 2: Write a Good Prompt

The prompt is the heart of AI image generation. A good prompt = a great image.

AI image prompt template

Four Core Elements

Element	Description	Example
Subject	What's in the image, who is the focus	A panda in a spacesuit
Style	Artistic genre and aesthetic	Cyberpunk illustration
Composition	Layout, camera angle, perspective	Close-up, side view
Parameters	Ratio, lighting, detail level	16:9, neon glow, rich detail

Prompt Writing Tips

Both Chinese and English work; English tends to support more detail
Specific beats vague: "a cat" vs. "an orange tabby cat on a windowsill watching the sunset"
Add mood: "warm afternoon" or "quiet night" shape the tone
Comma-separated keywords work well in most models
Negative prompts exclude unwanted elements like blur, low-res, watermarks

Step 3: Set Parameters

AI image generation parameters

1. Aspect Ratio

Ratio	Use Case
16:9 Landscape	Web banners, video covers, desktop wallpapers
4:3 Standard	Blog images, document illustrations
1:1 Square	Social avatars, Instagram posts
9:16 Portrait	Phone wallpapers, TikTok, Xiaohongshu

2. Quality Tier

Most platforms offer SD (Standard) and HD (High Definition). SD is fast and free/low-cost - use it for quick testing. HD delivers higher detail and resolution - use it for final output.

3. Model Selection

FLUX for realistic portraits, Midjourney for cyberpunk/fantasy, SDXL for speed and budget. Beginners should start with SDXL before upgrading to premium models.

Step 4: Generate and Refine

Click "Generate" and wait 5-10 seconds. Most platforms produce 4 images in one batch.

First generation: Use a short prompt to validate direction
Pick the best: Choose from the 4 results
Add details: Refine the prompt with more specifics
Use variations: Generate similar images or upscale
Final HD: Switch to HD mode for the final output

Advanced Features

Feature	Use Case
Reference Image	Upload a photo to mimic composition and style
Inpainting	Mask specific regions for targeted edits
Upscale	4x enlargement without blur
Batch Generation	Multiple prompts in one go
Style Templates	One-click style presets

Batch Generation via API

For large-scale image needs, use Ciyuano's OpenAI-compatible API:

curl -X POST https://www.ciyuano.com/v1/images/generations \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "dall-e-3",
    "prompt": "A panda in a spacesuit drinking tea on the Moon, cyberpunk style",
    "n": 1,
    "size": "1792x1024"
  }'

Supported models: dall-e-3, flux-realistic, midjourney-v6. Unified API, transparent pricing.

Summary

Start with the subject, then add style, composition, mood
Use SD tier first to test, then HD for final output
Generate 4 images at a time and pick the best
Use negative prompts to exclude blur, artifacts, and extra elements
Use reference images for style and composition guidance
Use API for batch generation instead of manual clicks

It usually takes 3-5 iterations to reach a satisfactory result. Don't expect perfection on the first try.

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