Images · guidance updated 4 Oct 2026
Leonardo.ai prompt guide
Leonardo is a multi-model hub: in-house Lucid Origin (flagship, good text and prompt adherence), Lucid Realism and Phoenix 1.0, plus partner models (Nano Banana 2/Pro, GPT Image, FLUX.2, Seedream, Ideogram). The chosen model sets which controls exist.
How to prompt Leonardo.ai
- Build the prompt from subject, medium, style, composition, then colour and lighting.
- Put the most important element first; earlier words get more weight.
- Start with a short core phrase and add descriptors (location, action, attributes) rather than writing one huge sentence.
- Name the medium explicitly (oil painting, 35mm photo, 3D render, tilt-shift photo).
- Separate distinct concepts with commas in longer prompts.
- Quote short text to render and pick Lucid Origin or Phoenix for typography.
- Use the negative-prompt field (on models that offer it) for unwanted artefacts such as extra limbs, watermark, blur; on models without it, phrase positively.
- Choose a preset style (e.g. Cinematic, Stock Photo, Portrait) in settings rather than piling style words into the prompt.
- For Omni/edit models, name subjects explicitly, quote text to replace, and state what to keep ('keep the exact camera angle and framing').
- Leave Prompt Enhance on Auto for short ideas; switch it off when exact wording matters.
The shape of a good prompt
[Medium] of [subject with key attributes] [action/pose], [setting], [composition/framing], [style], [colour palette], [lighting], text "[short words]" [position]. Settings: Model [Lucid Origin/Phoenix/etc.], Style preset [optional], Dimensions [aspect ratio], Negative prompt [comma list, if supported].
Avoid
- Long, convoluted sentences that dilute the main subject
- Leaving the key subject at the end of the prompt
- Inline parameters like --ar or --no
- Pronouns ('her', 'it') in edit instructions
- Asking for many edits in one go on Omni models
Example
Request a cozy coffee shop poster for autumn
Vintage screen-print poster illustration of a steaming spiced latte mug on a wooden window ledge, rainy autumn evening outside, maple leaves on wet pavement, warm amber café windows glowing, centered vertical composition with space at the top, burnt orange, mustard and deep teal palette, soft cozy lighting, visible paper grain, bold cream serif headline "AUTUMN BREWS" across the top