Prompt Engineering 101

GLM-Image Team15 min readAdvanced

If you've ever stared at a prompt box wondering why your AI images don't match your vision, you're not alone. Mastering prompt engineering is the difference between mediocre and stunning results.

Prompt structure diagram showing Subject, Text, Style, and Logic components

The Four Pillars of Great Prompts

GLM-Image excels when you provide four core elements: Subject, Text, Style, and Logic.

1. Subject – What to Show

Be specific and descriptive. Instead of "a logo," try "a circular logo featuring a mountain peak silhouette."

✅ Good:

A circular coffee shop logo with a steaming mug icon

❌ Bad:

A logo
Examples showing clear vs vague subject descriptions

2. Text – What to Display

GLM-Image is unique in its ability to accurately render text. Specify exact wording, font style, and placement.

3. Style – How It Looks

Style encompasses art style, color palette, mood, and visual treatment. Be explicit about the aesthetic.

4. Logic – Spatial Relationships

This is where GLM-Image shines. Use logical terms to define spatial relationships and composition rules.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Coffee Shop Logo

Subject: Circular coffee shop logo with steaming mug icon Text: "MORNING BREW" in sans-serif bold font Style: Minimalist, warm brown (#8B4513) and cream (#FFF8DC) Logic: Icon left 40%, text right 60%, vertically centered

Example 2: Cyberpunk Poster

Subject: Neon street sign in heavy rain Text: "NO FUTURE" in glowing pink neon Style: Cyberpunk, dark mood, high contrast Logic: Sign at top, reflected in puddle below, rain streaks across frame

Common Pitfalls & Solutions

Issue: Vague Descriptions

Fix: Add specific dimensions, colors, and positions.

Issue: Conflicting Instructions

Fix: Review your prompt for contradictory logic statements.

🎯 Your Next Step

Choose a simple project and apply these principles. Start with the templates, then modify them to fit your vision.