Generating Images
Use the prompt bar at the bottom of your canvas to create AI-generated images.
Using the prompt bar
Step 1: Open the Image tab
The prompt bar sits at the bottom center of your canvas. Click the Image tab.
Step 2: Write your prompt
Type a description of the image you want to create:
- Be specific about the subject, style, and mood
- Include details about lighting, colors, and composition
- Mention camera angles or framing if relevant
Step 3: Configure options
Before generating, you can adjust:
- Model — Choose which AI image model to use from the model selector
- Image count — Generate 1 to 10 variations at once
- Aspect ratio — Choose from 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 5:4, 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, or 21:9
- Resolution — Select 1K, 2K, or 4K (available under the options menu)
Step 4: Generate
Click the generate button. The cost in credits is displayed on the button before you submit. Your images appear on the canvas once ready.
Referencing existing assets
Make your generations more accurate by referencing assets already on your canvas:
- Type
@in the prompt to open the autocomplete — it searches across all assets in your project - Or click a thumbnail below the prompt bar to add it as a reference
- Or drag an asset from the canvas into the prompt area
- Referenced assets appear as thumbnails labeled @1, @2, @3, etc. (up to 6 references)
- Drag thumbnails to reorder them, or click one to remove it
Referenced assets help the AI understand the style, subject, or context you want.
Some models don't support asset references. When you select one of these models, mentions are automatically disabled.
Using /tools
Type / in the prompt to open the tools menu. Tools give you quick access to creative parameters:
- Inspiration — Browse curated visual styles and themes
- Camera controls — Lens, shot type, angle, depth of field
- Lighting — Lighting style and light source direction
- Film — Film stock and color grade presets
- Motion — Camera movement direction
Select a tool option to insert it into your prompt automatically.
Prompt modes
The prompt bar supports two modes:
- Fine-tune (default) — Your prompt is enhanced by the AI to produce better results
- Raw — Your prompt is sent exactly as written, with no modifications
Toggle between modes using the prompt mode selector. Your preference is saved across sessions.
Cost display
The generate button shows the credit cost before you submit:
- Image cost = model cost per image × number of images
- If you don't have enough credits, the button turns red and links to the billing page
High demand
When a model is experiencing high traffic, an orange banner appears below the prompt bar showing the estimated wait time.
Starting from an empty canvas
When your canvas is empty, the prompt bar is front and center with:
- Suggested prompts organized by category
- Example prompts for inspiration
- A drag-and-drop area for uploading files
Click any suggestion to use it as your starting prompt, or write your own.
Tips for better results
Be descriptive
Instead of "a city," try "a cyberpunk city at night with neon signs reflecting on wet streets, cinematic lighting, wide angle shot."
Specify style
Include artistic direction: "oil painting style," "photorealistic," "anime aesthetic," "film noir mood."
Use references
When you have assets that capture the look you want, reference them with @. The AI uses them to guide generation.
Use /tools for precision
Instead of guessing terms, use / tools to insert professional camera, lighting, and style parameters.
Iterate
Start with a basic prompt, see the results, then refine. Each generation teaches you what works.
Troubleshooting
Generation takes too long
AI image generation can take a few moments. The interface shows a loading state while processing. If a model shows high demand, consider trying a different one.
Results don't match expectations
- Add more specific details to your prompt
- Reference assets that capture your desired style
- Try a different model — each has its own strengths
- Switch to Raw mode if prompt enhancement is altering your intent
- Generate multiple variations
Prompt bar not visible
The prompt bar is at the bottom center of the canvas. Make sure you're in Pre-Production (Canvas) mode.
Learn more
- Mito Director overview
- Generating videos — Create AI videos on canvas
- Using the chat