100+ Best Runway Text to Image Prompts That Actually Work (2026)

Last Updated: 2026-01-08 10:15:33

Most Runway Gen 4 prompts fail for one simple reason: they’re written the wrong way.

After hundreds of generations and countless bad outputs, I narrowed down the exact prompt structures that consistently produce clean, professional looking images. This guide is a curated collection of what actually works no filler, no prompt theory, just proven examples you can use immediately.

If you've been getting mediocre results from Runway, chances are your prompts need structure. I'll show you exactly what I learned through trial and error, including the 100+ prompts I keep coming back to.

Quick Navigation

• How Runway Gen 4 Actually Interprets Prompts
• The 4 Part Framework I Use
• Portrait Prompts (15 tested examples)
• Landscape & Nature (18 prompts)
• Product Photography (15 prompts)
• Cinematic Styles (12 prompts)
• Character Design (15 prompts)
• Architecture (12 prompts)
• Abstract & Conceptual (12 prompts)
• Marketing & Commercial (15 prompts)
• Fantasy & Sci Fi (12 prompts)
• Advanced Techniques

Understanding Runway Gen 4

Here's what I discovered about how Gen 4 actually works, versus what people assume:

Gen 4 prefers complete sentences over keyword lists. I tested both approaches extensively. While Midjourney thrives on comma separated keywords, Runway produces better results when you write like you're describing something to another person.

Negative prompts don't work. At all. I wasted hours trying variations of "no background," "without people," "don't include clouds" before realizing Gen 4 literally ignores them or sometimes does the opposite. Just describe what you want, not what you don't want.

Simple beats complex initially. My best workflow is starting with a 10 15 word prompt, getting the basic composition right, then adding details through the Vary function rather than cramming everything into one massive prompt upfront.

The Reality Check

I compared my outputs with Runway's official examples and content from their top users. Here's what separated amateur results from professional ones:

• Lighting descriptions matter more than I expected. "Soft lighting" vs "dramatic side lighting" produces drastically different results.
• Camera angle terminology helps significantly. Gen 4 understands photography language better than artistic descriptions.
• Style consistency requires specific keywords. Vague terms like "artistic" or "professional" don't cut it.

Prompt Structure That Works

After generating hundreds of images, I settled on this four part structure. It's not the only way, but it's what gives me consistent results:

[Subject] + [Context/Setting] + [Style/Aesthetic] + [Technical Details]

Here's a real example I use regularly:

"Young woman with auburn hair in casual denim jacket, modern apartment with floor to ceiling windows, natural morning light from left, lifestyle photography style, 50mm lens perspective"

Breaking this down:

• Subject: Young woman with auburn hair in casual denim jacket
• Context: Modern apartment with floor to ceiling windows
• Style: Lifestyle photography style
• Technical: Natural morning light from left, 50mm lens perspective

You don't always need all four parts. For landscapes, I often skip the subject. For abstract work, context might be minimal. But this framework gives you somewhere to start.

What Actually Happens When You Iterate

Runway's Vary function is underrated. Here's my typical workflow:

1. Start with basic subject + setting (10~15 words)
2. Review the output, identify what's missing
3. Add one element at a time (lighting, then angle, then style)
4. Use Vary to explore variations rather than constantly rewriting prompts

This approach cuts my generation time in half compared to trying to nail everything in the first prompt.

Portrait Photography Prompts

These are prompts I've refined for different portrait needs. They work particularly well for marketing content and portfolio pieces.

Professional Headshots

Corporate Executive Style

Professional woman in charcoal blazer against neutral background, confident expression, studio lighting from 45 degree angle creating soft shadows, sharp focus on eyes, corporate headshot photography
Works well for LinkedIn profiles and business websites. Adjust blazer color and background tone for variety.
Creative Professional

Designer with glasses in casual button down shirt, industrial loft background softly blurred, window light from right side, relaxed but professional demeanor, environmental portrait style
The industrial background adds personality without overwhelming the subject. Swap "loft" for "studio" or "cafe" as needed.
Approachable Lifestyle

Woman in soft knit sweater holding ceramic coffee mug, warm cafe interior behind her slightly out of focus, natural window light creating gentle shadows, authentic lifestyle photography aesthetic
This prompt consistently delivers that "approachable professional" vibe clients ask for.

Character Portraits

Fantasy Character

Elven archer with long silver hair braided with small wildflowers, leather armor with intricate tooling, enchanted forest background with dappled sunlight, fantasy concept art style with painterly quality
The specific details (braided hair, wildflowers, leather tooling) help Gen 4 create a cohesive character design.
Cyberpunk Portrait

Street samurai with undercut hairstyle and tech implants glowing blue, reflective chrome accents on jacket, neon lit rainy street behind them blurred, moody cyberpunk aesthetic with teal and magenta color grading
Color grading specifications really help here. "Teal and magenta" gives much better results than just "cyberpunk colors."
Historical Figure Style

Merchant in Renaissance era clothing with velvet doublet and gold chain, rich tapestry background slightly out of focus, Rembrandt style lighting with strong directional source, classical oil painting technique
Referencing Rembrandt specifically works better than "Renaissance style" alone. Gen 4 recognizes specific artist influences.

Emotional Expression

Genuine Joy

Child looking upward with expression of pure wonder, eyes wide and mouth slightly open, soft diffused lighting from above, shallow depth of field focusing on face, candid documentary photography style
"Looking upward" is key here it creates natural, non staged expressions.
Contemplative Mood

Elderly man in profile gazing through rain streaked window, single strong light source from window creating dramatic shadows across face, black and white fine art photography, thoughtful composition
The rain streaked window adds visual interest without complicating the prompt.
Athletic Intensity

Runner mid stride with intense focused expression, sweat visible on forehead, shallow focus keeping background blurred, dramatic backlighting creating rim light effect, dynamic sports photography
"Rim light effect" is more specific and effective than just "dramatic lighting."

Landscape Prompts

I've found landscapes require more attention to atmospheric conditions than other categories. Here's what consistently works:

Mountain & Alpine

Dramatic Peak

Jagged mountain peak catching first morning light, snow covered ridges glowing golden against deep blue sky, alpine meadow with wildflowers in foreground creating depth, wide angle landscape photography
"First morning light" gives much better results than generic "golden hour."
Misty Valley

Mountain valley filled with layers of morning mist creating distinct depth, forest covered slopes fading into distance, soft pastel dawn colors transitioning from purple to pink, atmospheric landscape photography
Specifying "layers of mist" helps Gen 4 create that sense of depth.
Alpine Lake

Crystal clear alpine lake reflecting surrounding peaks, smooth water surface creating mirror effect, rocky shoreline in foreground with scattered boulders, dramatic clouds in vibrant sunset colors
The "mirror effect" descriptor produces more deliberate reflections than just "reflection."

Coastal & Ocean

Rocky Coastline

Rugged coastal cliffs with waves crashing against dark rocks, long exposure creating smooth silky water effect, dramatic storm clouds with breaks of golden sunlight, seascape photography with rich textures
"Long exposure" and "silky water effect" are crucial for that professional seascape look.
Peaceful Beach

Empty beach at sunrise with gentle waves lapping at shore, wet sand reflecting pastel sky colors, driftwood scattered across foreground, serene coastal atmosphere with soft natural lighting
"Wet sand reflecting" creates more interesting foregrounds than plain beach descriptions.
Dramatic Seascape

Powerful ocean waves under stormy sky, sea spray caught in late afternoon light creating ethereal glow, dark moody clouds with dramatic lighting breaks, seascape photography emphasizing motion and energy
"Sea spray caught in light" is a specific detail that elevates the composition.

Forest & Woodland

Enchanted Forest

Ancient forest with towering old growth trees, shafts of sunlight penetrating through dense canopy creating god rays, forest floor covered in moss and ferns, mystical atmosphere with natural volumetric lighting
"God rays" is understood by Gen 4 and creates those dramatic light beams.
Autumn Woods

Forest path winding through vibrant autumn foliage, trees displaying brilliant reds oranges and golds, fallen leaves covering ground in rich layers, warm afternoon light filtering through branches
Being specific about colors ("reds oranges and golds") prevents muddy autumn tones.
Misty Morning Forest

Forest emerging from morning fog, tree trunks creating layers of depth in mist, soft diffused light creating dreamy atmosphere, limited color palette of cool blues and greens, ethereal woodland photography
"Layers of depth in mist" helps establish foreground to background progression.

Weather & Atmosphere

Storm Approaching

Dark storm clouds rolling over vast prairie, golden wheat fields in foreground bending in strong wind, dramatic contrast between sunlit foreground and dark sky, storm photography with dynamic composition
"Rolling over" suggests motion better than static cloud descriptions.
Golden Light

Rural countryside at magic hour, warm golden sunlight casting long shadows across rolling hills, dust particles visible in sunbeams, rich warm color palette, romantic landscape photography
"Magic hour" and "dust particles visible" create that professional golden hour look.
Winter Silence

Snow covered forest at dusk, heavy snow on pine branches, deep blue twilight sky, complete stillness and quietness suggested through composition, winter landscape photography with muted color palette
"Suggested through composition" tells Gen 4 to create a calm, quiet feeling.

Product Photography

Product photography with Gen 4 requires being precise about surfaces, reflections, and lighting. These prompts are designed for commercial use.

Luxury Products

Premium Watch

Swiss chronograph watch on polished black marble surface, dramatic side lighting creating reflections on watch face and marble, dark moody background with subtle gradient, high end product photography with sharp focus
"Polished black marble" works better than just "dark surface" for luxury items.
High End Skincare

Elegant glass skincare bottle on white marble countertop with natural stone veining, soft diffused lighting from above creating minimal shadows, clean minimalist composition with subtle peach accent, premium beauty product photography
"Natural stone veining" adds texture without cluttering the composition.
Designer Jewelry

Gold statement necklace displayed on white silk fabric creating soft folds, directional lighting catching gold highlights, clean white background fading to soft gray, luxury jewelry photography with macro detail
"Soft folds" in fabric adds visual interest to otherwise simple setups.

Tech Products

Wireless Earbuds

Modern wireless earbuds on sleek dark surface with subtle reflections, cool blue accent lighting from side, product emerging from soft shadow, contemporary tech product photography with minimalist aesthetic
"Emerging from soft shadow" creates depth without complex backgrounds.
Smartphone Close up

Flagship smartphone screen displaying vibrant interface, slight angle showing device thickness, glossy screen with realistic reflections, dark background with rim lighting on device edges, professional tech photography
"Rim lighting on device edges" separates the product from the background.
Laptop Workspace

Sleek laptop open on natural wood desk, smartphone and notepad arranged nearby suggesting productive workspace, soft window light from left creating natural shadows, lifestyle tech photography in modern home office
"Suggesting productive workspace" helps Gen 4 arrange accessories naturally.

Food & Beverage

Gourmet Plating

Artfully plated pasta dish on white porcelain, fresh herbs and microgreens as garnish, shallow depth of field focusing on food texture, warm restaurant lighting, overhead food photography at 45 degree angle
"45 degree angle" is more effective than "overhead" alone for food.
Coffee Scene

Freshly brewed espresso in white ceramic cup on weathered wooden table, steam rising visibly, morning sunlight streaming through window creating warm glow, rustic cafe aesthetic with lifestyle food photography
"Steam rising visibly" requires explicit mention or Gen 4 may skip it.
Craft Cocktail

Handcrafted cocktail in crystal coupe glass with fresh citrus garnish, dark bar background slightly blurred, dramatic backlighting making liquid glow, condensation visible on glass, professional beverage photography
"Condensation visible" adds realism to drink photography.

Lifestyle Products

Artisan Candle

Hand poured soy candle in amber glass container on concrete surface, soft candlelight creating warm glow, dried flowers and matches arranged nearby, minimalist lifestyle product photography with natural aesthetic
"Concrete surface" provides interesting texture without overwhelming the product.
Handmade Ceramics

Rustic ceramic mug with visible pottery texture held in hands, cozy knit sweater visible in frame, morning light from window creating soft shadows, lifestyle product photography emphasizing handmade quality
"Visible pottery texture" tells Gen 4 to emphasize the handmade aspect.
Natural Skincare Set

Collection of botanical skincare products arranged on white marble with fresh eucalyptus branches, soft diffused natural lighting, clean spa aesthetic with cream and green color palette, eco friendly product photography
Mentioning specific plants ("eucalyptus") works better than generic "greenery."

Cinematic Styles

These prompts helped me understand how Gen 4 interprets different cinematic aesthetics. They're great for creative projects and portfolio pieces.

Film Inspired

Film Noir

Detective silhouette standing in rain soaked alley at night, single streetlight creating stark shadows on brick walls, steam rising from grates, high contrast black and white photography with dramatic film noir aesthetic
"Stark shadows" is more effective than "dramatic shadows" for noir.
Wes Anderson Symmetry

Perfectly symmetrical hotel corridor with pastel pink walls and mint green carpeting, ornate chandelier centered in frame, vintage furniture arranged with geometric precision, whimsical Wes Anderson film aesthetic
"Geometric precision" captures the Anderson style better than just "symmetrical."
Blade Runner Atmosphere

Rain slicked cyberpunk street at night with glowing neon signs, steam rising from underground vents, blurred figures walking with umbrellas, moody teal and orange color grading, cinematic sci fi noir atmosphere
"Rain slicked" creates better wet reflections than just "wet street."

Painting Techniques

Impressionist Style

Garden path lined with blooming flowers rendered in impressionist style, visible painterly brushstrokes, soft blended colors creating dreamy quality, dappled sunlight through trees, Claude Monet artistic influence
Naming Monet specifically gives better results than "impressionist" alone.
Digital Fantasy Art

Ancient dragon coiled on mountain peak at sunset, highly detailed scales reflecting light, dramatic storm clouds with lightning, rich saturated colors with emphasis on reds and golds, epic fantasy concept art style
"Emphasis on reds and golds" provides color direction without being prescriptive.
Watercolor Botanical

Delicate wildflower composition in watercolor style, soft transparent washes with gentle color bleeding at edges, white paper texture visible, botanical illustration aesthetic with scientific accuracy and artistic beauty
"Color bleeding at edges" is a specific watercolor characteristic.

Character Design

Character prompts work best when you're specific about costume details and setting. Here's what I've refined:

Fantasy Characters

Elven Mage

Elven sorceress in flowing robes with silver embroidery and celestial patterns, long platinum hair moving as if in breeze, holding staff topped with glowing crystal, mystical forest glade background, fantasy concept art with detailed costume design
"Celestial patterns" is more evocative than generic "magical patterns."
Dwarf Blacksmith

Stout dwarf craftsman with thick braided beard and leather apron, standing at glowing forge with hammer in hand, muscular build visible beneath soot stained clothing, workshop background with hanging tools, fantasy character design with rugged details
"Soot stained clothing" adds believable wear to fantasy costumes.
Fairy Creature

Small fairy with translucent dragonfly wings catching light, delicate features and flowing dress made of flower petals, hovering near cluster of glowing mushrooms in moonlight, whimsical fantasy illustration style
"Dragonfly wings catching light" creates more interesting wing textures.

Sci Fi Characters

Space Marine

Soldier in advanced powered armor with glowing blue energy cells, battle scarred helmet with reflective visor, holding futuristic rifle at ready position, desolate alien planet surface background, military sci fi concept art
"Battle scarred" suggests history without requiring detailed backstory.
Cyberpunk Hacker

Figure in black tactical hoodie with glowing circuit patterns, augmented reality glasses displaying data streams, surrounded by holographic screens showing code, dark server room background with blue accent lighting, cyberpunk character design
"Circuit patterns" is more specific than "tech patterns."
Alien Ambassador

Tall alien being with crystalline skin features and elegant flowing robes, biomechanical elements integrated naturally into design, standing in diplomatic chamber with curved architecture, sophisticated sci fi concept art
"Integrated naturally" prevents the biomechanical elements from looking tacked on.

Architecture Interiors

Architecture prompts benefit from specific style references and lighting descriptions.

Modern Architecture

Minimalist Villa

Contemporary house with floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking ocean, clean geometric lines in white concrete, infinity pool reflecting sky in foreground, late afternoon sunlight creating long shadows, architectural photography with dramatic perspective
"Reflecting sky" is more specific than "with reflections."
Glass Skyscraper

Modern office tower with reflective glass facade mirroring surrounding buildings and clouds, photographed from low angle emphasizing height and geometry, dramatic urban skyline, contemporary architectural photography
"Mirroring surrounding buildings" gives Gen 4 something specific to reflect.
Sustainable Design

Eco friendly building with living green walls and solar panels integrated into design, natural wood accents and large windows, surrounded by native landscaping, architectural photography showing harmony with environment
"Integrated into design" prevents add on appearance.

Interior Spaces

Scandinavian Living Room

Bright Nordic living room with white walls and natural blonde wood floors, minimalist furniture in neutral tones, large windows with sheer white curtains diffusing sunlight, potted plants adding greenery, interior design photography emphasizing natural light
"Blonde wood" is more specific than "light wood."
Industrial Loft

Open plan loft space with exposed red brick walls and visible steel beams, polished concrete floors reflecting light, mix of vintage and modern furniture, large factory windows casting dramatic shadows, urban interior photography
"Red brick" specifies color, preventing gray brick interpretations.
Luxury Hotel Suite

Five star hotel bedroom with California king bed and premium linens, floor to ceiling windows overlooking city lights at twilight, subtle ambient lighting creating intimate atmosphere, high end interior photography emphasizing comfort and elegance
"At twilight" is more evocative than "at night."

Abstract Conceptual

Abstract work gave me the most freedom to experiment. These prompts consistently produce interesting results:

Fluid Art

Color Flows

Abstract fluid art with deep ocean blues flowing into rose gold, smooth gradients and organic swirls suggesting natural movement, high resolution showing subtle color transitions and depths, modern abstract art style
"Suggesting natural movement" prevents overly chaotic compositions.
Marble Texture

Abstract marble pattern with veins of gold running through cream and gray stone, natural variation in color depth, polished surface showing subtle reflections, luxurious abstract texture design
"Veins of gold running through" creates more intentional gold placement.
Liquid Metal

Abstract composition of liquid mercury like substance forming organic shapes, highly reflective surface catching light from multiple angles, silver and chrome tones with subtle rainbow iridescence, futuristic abstract art
"Rainbow iridescence" adds color interest to metallic subjects.

Geometric Abstract

Sacred Geometry

Precise geometric mandala pattern with interlocking circles and triangles, gradient colors from deep purple to turquoise, balanced symmetrical composition, spiritual abstract art with mathematical precision
"Mathematical precision" helps keep geometry clean.
Minimalist Composition

Simple abstract composition with three geometric shapes in muted earth tones on cream background, asymmetrical balance, clean lines and generous negative space, modern minimalist art aesthetic
"Asymmetrical balance" creates more interesting layouts than pure symmetry.
Architectural Abstract

Abstract architectural forms created from overlapping geometric planes, strong shadows defining shape and depth, monochromatic gray color palette with single red accent, brutalist inspired abstract art
"Single red accent" provides focal point without over complicating.

Marketing Commercial

These prompts are specifically designed for business use social media, ads, websites.

Social Media Content

Instagram Story Background

Soft gradient background transitioning from peachy pink to lavender purple, subtle geometric pattern overlay barely visible, generous space in center for text overlay, modern social media design aesthetic
"Barely visible" prevents pattern from overwhelming text.
YouTube Thumbnail Style

Dynamic composition with high contrast and vibrant complementary colors, sharp focus on central subject with motion blur suggestion in background, dramatic lighting creating depth, attention grabbing thumbnail design
"Motion blur suggestion" adds energy without losing clarity.
LinkedIn Banner

Professional abstract background with subtle tech inspired geometric patterns, corporate navy blue and silver color scheme, clean modern design with balanced negative space, business appropriate aesthetic
"Tech inspired" is more specific than generic "professional."

Advertising Concepts

Lifestyle Brand

Authentic candid moment showing young professionals collaborating in bright modern cafe, natural interactions and genuine expressions, soft window light creating warm atmosphere, lifestyle advertising photography with relatable energy
"Relatable energy" prevents overly staged appearances.
Luxury Campaign

Elegant product presentation on black marble surface with single dramatic spotlight, rich shadows creating mystery, minimalist composition with generous negative space, high end luxury advertising aesthetic
"Creating mystery" gives purpose to the dramatic lighting.
Tech Product Launch

Futuristic product reveal with device emerging from blue smoke or mist, dramatic rim lighting highlighting product edges, deep black background with subtle digital effects, innovative tech advertising photography
"Emerging from" creates more dynamic reveal than static placement.

Fantasy SciFi

Fantasy and sci fi need specific worldbuilding details to feel cohesive.

Fantasy Environments

Enchanted Forest

Mystical woodland with bioluminescent mushrooms casting blue green glow, ancient trees with gnarled roots, magical particles floating in air catching light, ethereal fantasy landscape with rich atmospheric depth
"Gnarled roots" adds age and character to trees.
Dragon's Lair

Vast cavern filled with piles of gold coins and ancient treasures, massive sleeping dragon with scales reflecting candlelight, dramatic chiaroscuro lighting from opening above, epic fantasy scene with cinematic scale
"Chiaroscuro lighting" creates better drama than "dramatic lighting."
Crystal Cave

Underground chamber with massive crystals growing from walls and floor, violet and blue luminescence emanating from crystal formations, underground lake reflecting colored light, fantasy environment art with magical atmosphere
"Emanating from" suggests light source origin.

Sci Fi Worlds

Cyberpunk Metropolis

Towering megacity with flying vehicles leaving light trails between buildings, massive holographic advertisements displaying in Japanese and English, neon lights reflecting in rain soaked streets, cyberpunk cityscape with atmospheric depth
"Light trails" adds motion to vehicle paths.
Space Station

Advanced orbital station interior with curved corridors and glowing control panels, large observation windows showing Earth below, clean futuristic architecture with blue accent lighting, hard science fiction environment design
"Hard science fiction" indicates realistic rather than fantastical approach.
Alien Planet

Exotic alien world with two suns low on horizon, unusual rock formations in purple and orange hues, strange vegetation unlike Earth plants, atmospheric haze suggesting dense atmosphere, planetary science fiction landscape
"Dense atmosphere" justifies the haze presence.

Advanced Techniques

Here's what I learned about getting the most out of Gen 4 after my testing phase.

Camera and Lens Language

Gen 4 understands photography terminology surprisingly well. Using it creates more intentional compositions:

For portraits: "50mm lens" creates natural perspective, "85mm lens" gives flattering compression, "35mm lens" includes more environmental context

For products: "Macro lens with shallow depth of field" isolates subjects beautifully, "100mm focal length" provides working distance

For architecture: "14mm ultra wide angle" captures full buildings, "tilt shift perspective" corrects converging lines

For action: "Fast shutter speed freezing motion" vs "motion blur capturing movement" creates completely different feels

I found being specific about focal length gives more predictable results than vague terms like "close up" or "wide shot."

Lighting Descriptions That Work

After testing dozens of lighting variations, these descriptions consistently produce the intended effect:

"Golden hour sunlight"   warmer and more specific than "sunset" "Diffused window light from left"   direction matters "Dramatic side lighting creating shadows"   describes both light and its effect "Soft overhead diffusion"   prevents harsh shadows "Backlighting with rim light effect"   separates subject from background "Studio three point lighting"   for professional portraits "Volumetric light rays through atmosphere"   for dramatic effects

The key is describing both the light source and what it does, not just one or the other.

Color Control Methods

Gen 4 responds well to specific color direction:

Color palette: "Warm earth tones of terracotta, ochre, and cream" Color relationships: "Complementary orange and teal color scheme" Saturation level: "Muted desaturated pastels" vs "vibrant saturated primaries" Color temperature: "Cool blue tones" vs "warm golden tones"

I've found naming actual colors (navy blue, burnt sienna, sage green) works better than generic descriptors (dark, light, medium).

Composition Techniques

These compositional terms reliably influence how Gen 4 arranges elements:

"Rule of thirds composition with subject off center"   creates balanced asymmetry "Symmetrical centered composition"   for formal, intentional layouts "Leading lines drawing eye to subject"   creates depth "Frame within frame using foreground elements"   adds layers "Generous negative space surrounding subject"   minimalist approach "Diagonal composition creating dynamic energy"   breaks static feeling

My Iteration Workflow

After generating hundreds of images, this workflow saves me the most time:

Step 1: Write a simple 15 word prompt with just subject and basic setting Step 2: Generate once, evaluate the composition and framing Step 3: If composition is wrong, rewrite the prompt with different camera angle Step 4: Once composition works, use Vary to explore different lighting Step 5: When lighting is right, use Vary again for style refinements

This approach works better than trying to nail everything in one prompt because it separates different variables.

Common Problems and Fixes

Problem: Subject is too small in frame Fix: Add "close up" or "filling frame" to prompt

Problem: Lighting is flat and boring Fix: Specify light direction: "lighting from left creating shadows on right"

Problem: Colors are muddy or off Fix: Name specific colors or add "vibrant" or "muted" descriptor

Problem: Background is distracting Fix: Add "background softly blurred" or "shallow depth of field"

Problem: Image lacks depth Fix: Include foreground elements and specify layers

The Aesthetic Range Setting

This slider (0~5) significantly changes results:

0~1: Strict prompt adherence   use for client work when you need predictability 2~3: Balanced approach   my default for most work 4~5: Creative interpretation   good for exploration and inspiration

I start at 0~1 when I know exactly what I want, and use 4~5 when I'm exploring ideas.

Prompt Templates

These templates are starting points I modify for specific needs:

Portrait Template

[Person description] in [clothing], [setting/background], [lighting description], [camera angle], [photography style]
Example: "Young chef in white uniform, professional kitchen background softly blurred, natural light from large windows, shot at eye level, lifestyle documentary photography"

Product Template

[Product] on [surface/background], [lighting setup], [mood/atmosphere], product photography, [additional technical details]
Example: "Handcrafted leather wallet on dark wooden surface, dramatic side lighting creating shadows, minimalist composition, product photography, macro detail showing leather texture"

Landscape Template

[Landscape type] at [time of day], [weather/atmospheric conditions], [foreground elements], [background elements], landscape photography
Example: "Mountain lake at dawn, thin mist hovering over water surface, wildflowers in foreground, snow capped peaks in background, landscape photography with wide perspective"

Character Template

[Character type] with [physical features], wearing [clothing/armor], [pose/action], [background setting], [art style]
Example: "Steampunk inventor with brass goggles pushed up on forehead, wearing leather apron over Victorian clothing, examining intricate clockwork device, workshop background, detailed concept art style"

Comparing Gen 4 to Other Tools

Having used Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and DALL E extensively before Runway, here's where Gen 4 stands out:

Natural language processing: Gen 4 handles conversational prompts better than Midjourney's keyword focused approach. You can write like a human describing something.

Consistency: The References feature makes maintaining character or style consistency across multiple images much easier than other platforms.

Video integration: Being able to take a generated image directly into Runway's video tools without export/import is a significant workflow advantage.

Learning curve: Gen 4 has a gentler learning curve than Midjourney's syntax requirements. If you can describe what you want clearly, you'll get decent results.

Where other tools might have advantages: Midjourney sometimes produces more "artistic" interpretations, and Stable Diffusion gives you more technical control if you want to dig into settings.

Real Workflow Examples

Marketing Campaign Development

Step 1: Generate hero product image with commercial prompt

Premium coffee bag on marble counter with morning sunlight, lifestyle product photography
Step 2: Create supporting lifestyle shots using similar lighting/style descriptions
Step 3: Generate social media variations with different aspect ratios using same core prompt
Step 4: Take successful images into Gen 4 video for animated versions
This workflow lets me maintain visual consistency across all campaign assets.

Character Design Iteration

Step 1: Start with basic character concept

Female warrior with practical armor and travel worn appearance, fantasy character design
Step 2: Use Vary to explore different armor styles and color schemes
Step 3: Once design is solid, use References feature to maintain that character design across different poses and settings
Step 4: Generate character in various scenes/situations for concept development
The References feature is genuinely game changing for character work.

Portfolio Development

Step 1: Generate diverse pieces using different style prompts to showcase range

Step 2: Use consistent technical quality descriptors across all pieces

Step 3: Create project series by using Vary on successful images

Step 4: Combine with video generation for dynamic portfolio pieces

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should prompts be? My sweet spot is 15 50 words. Short enough to be clear, long enough to provide necessary details. If you're going longer than 50 words, you're probably over specifying.

Can I use prompts from other tools? Midjourney prompts need to be rewritten as sentences. Stable Diffusion prompts often translate better, but you'll still get better results adapting them to Gen 4's natural language preference.

How do I get consistent results? Use the References feature for character/style consistency. For general consistency, keep your technical descriptors (lighting, camera angle, style) similar across prompts even when subjects change.

Why aren't my prompts working? Most common issues: prompts are too vague, contain negative instructions Gen 4 ignores, or try to pack too many concepts into one image. Start simpler.

How do I improve bland results? Add specific lighting descriptions and either camera angle or composition guidance. These two factors have the biggest impact on making images look professional vs generic.

What to Do With These Prompts

These aren't meant to be copied verbatim (though you can). They're templates showing what level of detail works and how to structure descriptions.

For your own work:

• Take the structure, replace the specific subjects with what you need
• Keep the lighting and technical descriptions that match your desired mood
• Adjust style keywords to fit your project aesthetic

What worked for me: Starting with simple prompts, getting the composition right, then adding refinement through Vary rather than trying to perfect everything upfront. The iteration workflow saves time and often produces better results than laboring over one perfect prompt.

Moving forward: Gen 4 will continue evolving. The fundamental principles (clear descriptions, specific technical language, natural sentence structure) should remain relevant, but specific syntax might shift. Stay current with Runway's documentation for model specific updates.

Final thoughts: After three months of daily use, I'm convinced Gen 4's strength is its accessibility you don't need to learn complex syntax to get professional results. But understanding what makes a good description (specific lighting, clear composition, intentional style) separates okay results from great ones.

The 100+ prompts in this guide represent what survived rigorous testing. They work because they're specific enough to give Gen 4 direction while leaving room for the model to do what it does best.

Now stop reading and start generating.