Use explicit constraints for fixed elements in image editing
Clearly state what should not change when editing existing images to maintain consistency.
Constraints are especially useful when something needs to stay fixed. If you do not want extra text, logos, or visual changes, state that directly.
When editing an image, explicitly define elements that must remain unchanged. This prevents the AI from altering parts of the image that are already satisfactory.
A prompt like “Change only X. Keep everything else exactly the same” is often the clearest way to guide a precise edit.
When editing images, use explicit constraints to specify what should remain unchanged. Clearly stating what to keep the same ensures that only the intended elements are modified.
Explicit constraints act as guardrails for the AI, ensuring that desired elements are preserved during the editing process and preventing unwanted alterations.
When the goal is to completely reimagine the image with no elements needing to be preserved.
- Creating images with ChatGPT ↗OpenAI · OpenAI News · Apr 9, 2026 · quoted as shared
First seen on Subvolts Apr 9, 2026. Updated Sep 11, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
- Creating images with ChatGPTOpenAI · OpenAI News · Apr 9, 2026
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- HeuristicIterate on images with small, targeted revisionsRefine generated images by making small, specific changes one element at a time. · 3 min
- ChecklistChecklist for effective image generation promptsEnsure your image prompts are clear, specific, and include necessary details for best results. · 3 min
- HeuristicUse clear, specific language for image generation promptsPrioritize clarity and specific details over clever phrasing for effective image generation prompts. · 2 min
- HeuristicUse spatial language for combining image elementsEmploy clear spatial terms like 'left,' 'right,' 'foreground,' and 'background' when instructing AI to combine image elements. · 2 min
- HeuristicUse step-by-step revisions for consistent image refinementRefine images by making one adjustment at a time to maintain consistency and control. · 3 min
- HeuristicGenerate images with complex object relationships and traitsCreate images with up to 20 distinct objects, precisely bound to their traits and relations. · 5 min
Questions people ask
- Which AI tools does this work with?
- Any current model. It was seen with ChatGPT in the sources.
- Where did this come from?
- OpenAI (OpenAI News). Subvolts collected, normalized and credited it; the link above opens the original.