How to Use Image Prompting

Ever described something to AI, but words just aren't cutting it? You’re not alone! We’ve all found ourselves saying things like "you know, kind of like that but more... professional?” and somehow it still doesn't land.

Well, here's the thing: with AI, you don't always have to find the words. Sometimes you can just show it with images. That's exactly what we’ll show you in this article. We’ll walk you through all you need to know about AI image-to-image prompting, including what it is, how to do it in ShortPoint AI Designer, and why it’s useful.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the Prerequisites?
What Is an AI Image-to-Image Prompt?
How to Use Image Prompts in ShortPoint AI Designer
Why Are Image-to-Image Prompts Useful?
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Prerequisites?

What Is an AI Image-to-Image Prompt?

An AI image-to-image prompt is when you attach or upload an image alongside your text message to an AI tool, and ask it to use that image as context, reference, or inspiration for its response.

For ShortPoint AI Designer, the image you attach actually becomes part of your prompt. It's not just decoration. The AI actually reads it, interprets the colors, shapes, composition, mood, and content, and uses all of that as context when designing your SharePoint page for you.

Selecting the paperclip attachment icon to upload reference visuals within image to image prompting

How to Use Image Prompts in ShortPoint AI Designer

Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to use images in ShortPoint AI Designer.

TIPYou can also paste images from your clipboard and add them to the AI Designer. To learn how, check out How to Paste from Clipboard.

Step 1: Edit the ShortPoint Web Part

Go to the SharePoint page you want to use and click Edit.
Close the Toolbox.

image-to-image-prompt-close-toolbox-icon

Edit the ShortPoint web part.

Edit web part icon used to access AI Designer for image-to-image prompting

Step 2: Open AI Designer in Page Builder

Select AI Designer:

Opening AI Designer inside SharePoint Page Builder to start an image-to-image prompt

Step 3: Tell the AI What You Need

Select the attach image icon.

Attach image icon in the AI Designer prompt input where reference images are uploaded

TIPYou can also paste images from your clipboard and add them to the AI Designer. To learn how, check out How to Use the Paste from Clipboard Feature of ShortPoint AI Designer.

You can upload image(s) directly from your device or select one from SharePoint using the file picker. For best results, use JPG/JPEG, PNG, or WEBP formats. Doing so will allow the AI Designer to clearly read and interpret your reference image. Take note that you can only upload up to 5 images per prompt.

Uploading a JPG, PNG, or WEBP reference image for an image-to-image prompt

Then, in the text box, add further instructions. You can specify which elements to replicate (typography, color palette, card styles, spacing, iconography, navigation patterns, etc.) and clarify what NOT to copy (branding marks, logos, proprietary content, etc).

Text box for adding instructions alongside the reference image

Once done, click Enter.

Submitting the image-to-image prompt with the Enter button in AI Designer

Step 4: Refine

Once you’ve given your image-to-image prompt, the AI Designer will start designing your page. If you want to make any changes to the design output, simply write down what you want to modify:

Refining the AI-generated SharePoint design after the initial image-to-image prompt

Then, click Enter:

Submitting a follow-up refinement to adjust the prompt output

Step 5: Edit as Usual

Once you’re done using the AI Designer, you can now start editing your page like usual. Simply close the AI Designer panel and make your changes:

Closing the AI Designer panel to continue editing the page manually

Step 6: Save

Done editing? Make sure to Save your changes:

Saving SharePoint page changes after the image-to-image prompt workflow

And Publish your page:

Publishing the finished SharePoint page built with an image-to-image prompt

Congratulations! You now know how to use image-to-image prompts in ShortPoint AI Designer.

Why Are Image-to-Image Prompts Useful?

Honestly, image prompting might be one of the most underrated features in AI tools right now. Here's why people who discover it tend to never go back to text-only prompting for certain tasks.

Removes the translation problem

Language is imprecise. "Modern minimalist" means different things to different people. "Warm tones" is subjective. When you attach an image, the AI has a concrete visual anchor.

Saves Time

Instead of sending five messages trying to describe your vision and getting five increasingly frustrated follow-ups, you drop one image, and suddenly everyone (you and the AI) is on the same page.

Maintains Visual Consistency

Designers, marketers, and content creators use this to maintain visual consistency across projects. But it's just as useful for someone who has no design background and simply wants help pulling a look together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of images work best as references?

Clear images tend to work better than blurry or cluttered ones. For style references, a single focused example is usually more effective than a collage with a lot going on.

Can I upload multiple images at once?

Yes, uploading up to 5 image references is allowed in ShortPoint AI Designer. Adding multiple images can be useful when you want to capture a different element from each and want to combine them. Just be clear in your text about what you're pulling from each one, or the AI might try to blend everything together in ways you didn't intend.

What if the AI misinterprets my image?

It happens, and it's usually easy to fix. Just clarify in your next message what it got wrong and what you actually meant. You can also try re-uploading the image with a more specific prompt, or cropping the image to highlight the part you actually want it to focus on. AI tools get better with guidance, so don't hesitate to redirect.