> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tryholo.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tryholo.ai/v2/getting-started/prompting-guide.md).

# Prompting Guide

Prompting is how you tell Holo what you want to see. A good prompt makes the output feel more intentional, more on-brand, and closer to what you’re aiming for. Just keep in mind: AI isn’t perfectly consistent, so the same prompt can produce slightly different results each time — that’s normal.

#### The mindset that gets the best results

* Aim for **direction**, not perfection.
* Generate a few options, **pick the strongest**, then adjust **one thing at a time**.
* Keep prompts **short and specific**. Long prompts often create visual noise.

### How to write a strong prompt

#### 1) Start with the scene, not the asset

Holo thinks visually. Describe the moment you want to see.

**Template**:\
“Create a visual showing \[scene in progress]. The viewer should immediately feel \[emotion].”

**Example**:\
“Create a visual showing a calm, professional workspace mid-flow. The viewer should immediately feel clarity and confidence.”

#### 2) Lock the perspective

Perspective is one of the fastest ways to go from “generic” to “designed.”

High-performing perspectives:

* Over-the-shoulder
* Flat lay
* Desk-level eye view
* Minimal studio shot

**Example**:\
“Over-the-shoulder perspective, realistic environment.”

#### 3) Control the aesthetic with 3–5 adjectives

More than that often becomes messy. Pick a tight set.

Reliable combos:

* Clean, modern, professional
* Soft, minimal, elevated
* Calm, intentional, structured

#### 4) Always direct lighting + mood

Lighting is a major quality lever.

Use phrases like:

* Soft natural window light
* Diffused daylight
* Warm neutral tones
* Subtle shadows, no harsh contrast

#### 5) Tell Holo what to avoid

Negative prompts save time.

**Example**:\
“Avoid clutter, loud colors, stock-photo poses, cartoon styles, busy backgrounds.”

#### 6) Ground abstract ideas with objects

AI responds better to objects than concepts.

**Instead of**: “Show productivity”\
**Try**: “A desk with a laptop, notebook, coffee mug, clean surface, negative space.”

#### 7) Use “Feels like” instead of brand names

This keeps outputs flexible and premium.

**Example**:\
“Feels like a high-end digital workspace for someone who values clarity and ease.”

#### 8) Ask for variations, not perfection

Don’t regenerate blindly — request controlled variety.

**Example**:\
“Give me a few options with slightly different composition and spacing.”

#### 9) Fix one thing at a time

When it’s close, micro-adjust.

**Examples**:

* “More negative space”
* “Softer background”
* “Lighter tones”
* “Reduce visual noise”

#### 10) The Holo sweet spot

Holo tends to shine with:

* Lifestyle-meets-digital visuals
* Brand visuals & mockups
* Clean, aesthetic layouts

It may require more direction for:

* Text-heavy designs
* Technical diagrams

You can still get strong results — just be extra specific (scene, perspective, objects, avoid list, lighting).

### Copy/paste: Master Prompt Template

Create a visual showing **\[scene or moment]**.\
Perspective: **\[over-the-shoulder / flat lay / studio / desk-level]**.\
Mood: **\[emotion]**.\
Aesthetic: **\[3–5 adjectives]**.\
Lighting: **soft natural light, subtle shadows**.\
Include: **\[key objects / product context]**.\
Avoid: **\[clutter, harsh colors, stock-photo look, cartoon styles]**.\
Feels like: **\[descriptive vibe]**.

### Quick examples you can reuse

#### Product ad (clean + premium)

Create a visual showing a product on a clean studio surface, ready to be featured in an ad.\
Perspective: minimal studio shot.\
Mood: confident, premium.\
Aesthetic: clean, minimal, elevated, modern.\
Lighting: diffused daylight, soft shadows.\
Include: product centered, subtle props, negative space.\
Avoid: clutter, loud colors, cheap stock-photo look.

#### Lifestyle scene (more human + relatable)

Create a visual showing someone using the product in a calm real-life moment.\
Perspective: over-the-shoulder, realistic environment.\
Mood: ease and trust.\
Aesthetic: warm, natural, modern, clean.\
Lighting: soft window light.\
Include: small everyday objects that make sense.\
Avoid: staged stock-photo poses, busy backgrounds.

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If something doesn’t work as expected, try the [troubleshooting steps](/v2/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-steps.md) — and if the issue continues, feel free to reach out to <support@tryholo.ai>, and we’ll help you out.