How to Write a Clear Prompt for Editing Text in an Image

When words are part of a flattened photo or graphic, an image model has to interpret the visible lettering and redraw the requested area. A useful prompt makes the requested change easy to identify and gives you a clear way to review the result.

A simple prompt structure

Include four pieces of information:

1. Where the text appears, such as the label on the front of a jar or the top line on a storefront sign.
2. What the current text says, when it is readable.
3. The exact replacement, including capitalization, punctuation, and line breaks.
4. What context matters, such as keeping the surrounding product, layout, or background as close to the source as the model allows.

You can start with this pattern:

In the [location], replace “[current wording]” with “[exact replacement]”. Keep the rest of the image as close to the source as possible. Check the result for spelling and nearby changes.

The instruction is a starting point, not a guarantee. Image models can redraw pixels outside the named area, so inspect the complete output.

Keep one edit specific

If an image has several labels, change one at a time. Naming every label in a long paragraph can make it harder to see which change caused an error. For a busy menu, package, or poster, mention the panel or line and copy the replacement exactly.

For example, a product-photo request might say: “On the white label on the front of the bottle, replace ‘Citrus Cleanser’ with ‘Citrus Hand Wash’. Keep the bottle, cap, and background close to the original.” Then check both the new words and the smaller details around them.

For translation, provide copy that has already been reviewed by a fluent speaker. A longer translation may not fit the same line, and writing systems differ in direction, spacing, and character shapes. See the guide to translating text in images.

Review the result before sharing

Check the spelling one character at a time. Look at the baseline, letter spacing, contrast, perspective, and nearby textures. Compare the full image with the original, not only a close crop. For high-stakes information, dense labels, or exact brand typography, use the editable source file and have a person verify the final design.

Start an edit in the image editor, or browse the image text editing use cases for instructions tailored to photos, signs, screenshots, and other image types.