Also written: golden hour, golden-hour light, sunset light
Warm, low sunlight from just after sunrise or just before sunset.
What the AI does
Adds soft orange-gold light, long shadows and a warm glow to the scene.
When to use it
For portraits, landscapes and lifestyle shots that should feel warm and calm.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/goldenhour' as the words 'golden hour'. Typing '/goldenhour' gives the same result as writing 'golden hour' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Using it for indoor scenes with no window or sky.
Also asking for 'harsh midday sun', which contradicts it.
Example
A cyclist riding along a coastal road, golden hour lighting, warm low sun, long soft shadows, gentle orange glow
/bluehour
Also written: blue hour, twilight
The cool, deep-blue light just before sunrise or just after sunset.
What the AI does
Makes the sky deep blue, softens shadows and lets city lights glow.
When to use it
For calm city, night-street and landscape scenes.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/bluehour' as the words 'blue hour'. Typing '/bluehour' gives the same result as writing 'blue hour' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Expecting bright daylight detail.
Mixing it with 'golden hour' in the same prompt.
Example
A quiet harbour town at dusk, blue hour twilight, deep blue sky, soft cool light, glowing street lights
/moody
Also written: moody, dramatic, dark mood
A dark, dramatic look with deep shadows and strong contrast.
What the AI does
Lowers brightness, deepens shadows and adds tension or mystery.
When to use it
For storytelling, thrillers, fashion and atmospheric portraits.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/moody' as the words 'moody, dramatic lighting'. Typing '/moody' gives the same result as writing 'moody, dramatic lighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Making the subject so dark it disappears.
Combining it with 'bright and cheerful'.
Example
A detective standing under a single street lamp in the rain, moody dramatic lighting, deep shadows, high contrast, muted colors, atmospheric
/neon
Also written: neon, neon lights, neon glow
Bright colored light from neon signs, usually pink, blue and purple.
What the AI does
Adds glowing colored highlights and reflections, often at night.
When to use it
For night streets, futuristic scenes, music and gaming visuals.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/neon' as the words 'neon lighting'. Typing '/neon' gives the same result as writing 'neon lighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Asking for readable neon sign text; letters are often misspelled.
Using it in daytime outdoor scenes.
Example
A noodle stand on a rainy city street at night, neon lighting, glowing pink and blue light, colorful reflections, night atmosphere
/studiolight
Also written: studio lighting, studio light, softbox
Controlled light from studio lamps and softboxes.
What the AI does
Gives even, clean light with soft shadows, like a professional photo shoot.
When to use it
For product shots, headshots and clean catalog images.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/studiolight' as the words 'studio lighting'. Typing '/studiolight' gives the same result as writing 'studio lighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Adding busy outdoor scenery, which fights the studio look.
Forgetting to name a background color.
Example
A pair of white sneakers, professional studio lighting, softbox key light, soft even shadows, clean seamless background
/softlight
Also written: soft light, soft natural light, diffused light
Gentle, diffused light with no harsh shadows.
What the AI does
Smooths skin and surfaces and gives a calm, natural look.
When to use it
For portraits, food, interiors and lifestyle images.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/softlight' as the words 'soft natural light'. Typing '/softlight' gives the same result as writing 'soft natural light' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Also asking for 'dramatic shadows'.
Expecting strong contrast or punchy colors.
Example
A woman reading a book by a window, soft natural light from a window, diffused, gentle shadows, calm natural look
/backlit
Also written: backlit, rim light, backlighting
Light coming from behind the subject.
What the AI does
Creates a glowing outline (rim light) and can turn the subject into a silhouette.
When to use it
For dreamy portraits, sunsets and dramatic outlines.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/backlit' as the words 'backlighting'. Typing '/backlit' gives the same result as writing 'backlighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Expecting the face to be fully lit.
Forgetting to say 'silhouette' if you want it dark.
Example
A dog running through tall grass at sunset, backlit, strong light behind the subject, glowing rim light around the edges
/highkey
Also written: high key, high-key, bright and airy
A very bright image with mostly light tones and few shadows.
What the AI does
Brightens the whole scene and keeps shadows light and soft.
When to use it
For clean, cheerful, minimal or medical-style looks.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/highkey' as the words 'high-key lighting'. Typing '/highkey' gives the same result as writing 'high-key lighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Using it with dark subjects on dark backgrounds.
Combining it with 'low-key'.
Example
A bowl of fresh strawberries on a white table, high-key lighting, bright white tones, minimal shadows, airy clean look
/lowkey
Also written: low key, low-key, dark lighting
A mostly dark image lit by a single, focused light.
What the AI does
Keeps the background dark and lights only part of the subject.
When to use it
For dramatic portraits, products and mysterious scenes.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/lowkey' as the words 'low-key lighting'. Typing '/lowkey' gives the same result as writing 'low-key lighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Making everything too dark to see.
Also asking for 'bright and airy'.
Example
A violin resting on a chair, low-key lighting, dark background, single focused light, deep shadows
/volumetric
Also written: volumetric light, god rays, light rays, light beams
Visible beams of light passing through mist, dust or smoke.
What the AI does
Adds rays of light cutting through the air for depth and atmosphere.
When to use it
For forests, churches, fantasy scenes and dramatic interiors.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/volumetric' as the words 'volumetric lighting'. Typing '/volumetric' gives the same result as writing 'volumetric lighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Forgetting fog, dust or haze, so the beams don't show.
Overusing it on every image.
Example
A deer standing in a misty forest, volumetric lighting, visible light rays through light mist, atmospheric depth
/candlelight
Also written: candle light, candlelit, firelight
Warm, flickering light from candles or a small flame.
What the AI does
Adds a small warm light source, orange tones and dark surroundings.
When to use it
For cozy, romantic, historical or mysterious scenes.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/candlelight' as the words 'candlelight'. Typing '/candlelight' gives the same result as writing 'candlelight' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Expecting the whole room to be bright.
Mixing it with cold blue lighting.
Example
An old desk with a quill and handwritten letters, warm candlelight, soft flickering glow, orange tones, dark cozy surroundings
/overcast
Also written: overcast, cloudy light, flat light
Soft daylight under a cloudy sky.
What the AI does
Removes harsh shadows and gives even, slightly muted colors.
When to use it
For calm landscapes, product shots outdoors and natural portraits.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/overcast' as the words 'overcast diffused light'. Typing '/overcast' gives the same result as writing 'overcast diffused light' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Expecting vivid sunsets or strong shadows.
Using it when you want bright saturated colors.
Example
A stone bridge over a quiet river, overcast sky, soft diffused daylight, even light, gentle muted colors
/cinematiclight
Also written: cinematic lighting, film lighting, movie lighting
Lighting that looks like a scene from a film.
What the AI does
Adds contrast, a clear key light, colored shadows and a story-like mood.
When to use it
For dramatic scenes, posters and story moments.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/cinematiclight' as the words 'cinematic lighting'. Typing '/cinematiclight' gives the same result as writing 'cinematic lighting' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Expecting a real movie still or a specific film's look.
Piling on many other lighting words.
Example
A woman standing at a train station at night, cinematic lighting, strong key light, soft contrast, teal and orange color grade, film still look
/pastel
Also written: pastel, pastel colors, soft colors
Soft, light colors like baby pink, mint and lavender.
What the AI does
Shifts the palette to gentle, light, low-saturation colors.
When to use it
For cute, calm, dreamy or feminine designs.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/pastel' as the words 'pastel colors'. Typing '/pastel' gives the same result as writing 'pastel colors' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Combining it with 'neon' or 'vibrant'.
Expecting dark, dramatic contrast.
Example
A small bakery storefront with cupcakes in the window, soft pastel color palette, mint, baby pink and lavender, light and gentle
/vibrant
Also written: vibrant, saturated, bold colors, colorful
Strong, bright, saturated colors.
What the AI does
Boosts color intensity and contrast so the image feels energetic.
When to use it
For posters, ads, kids' content and social media.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/vibrant' as the words 'vibrant colors'. Typing '/vibrant' gives the same result as writing 'vibrant colors' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Combining it with 'muted' or 'pastel'.
Using it for calm, serious subjects.
Example
A busy fruit market stall, vibrant saturated colors, bold bright palette, high energy
/monochrome
Also written: monochrome, black and white, single color
One color in different shades, or black and white.
What the AI does
Removes other colors and focuses on light, shape and texture.
When to use it
For artistic portraits, architecture and timeless looks.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/monochrome' as the words 'monochrome'. Typing '/monochrome' gives the same result as writing 'monochrome' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Also asking for 'colorful' details.
Not saying which color if you want a single-hue tint.
Example
An old man sitting on a park bench, monochrome, black and white, rich tonal range, strong contrast and texture
/warmtones
Also written: warm tones, warm colors, warm palette
Colors from the warm side: reds, oranges, yellows and browns.
What the AI does
Tints the image warm, making it feel cozy and inviting.
When to use it
For food, autumn, home and sunset scenes.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/warmtones' as the words 'warm tones'. Typing '/warmtones' gives the same result as writing 'warm tones' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Combining it with 'cool tones'.
Overdoing it so skin looks orange.
Example
A living room with a fireplace and a knitted blanket, warm color palette, soft reds, oranges and golden browns, cozy feel
/cooltones
Also written: cool tones, cool colors, cold palette
Colors from the cool side: blues, teals and purples.
What the AI does
Tints the image cool, making it feel calm, clean or cold.
When to use it
For winter, tech, water and calm night scenes.
Where it works
Not an official command: the model simply reads '/cooltones' as the words 'cool tones'. Typing '/cooltones' gives the same result as writing 'cool tones' in plain words. Works in GPT image, Gemini/Imagen, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and AI Compass's generator.
Common mistakes
Combining it with 'warm tones'.
Using it for cozy food photos.
Example
A frozen lake surrounded by pine trees, cool color palette, blues, teals and soft purples, calm clean feel
Every guide and dictionary card is also in the AI Compass app, with saved items, search and “Try it” buttons that open chat, image or video with the example filled in. Reading is free; creating uses credits, and the price is shown before you start.