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AI Image Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the AI image terms you'll meet in img.now — each linked to the tool or guide that uses it.

Prompt
A prompt is the text description you write to tell an AI image generator what to create. The more specific you are about subject, style, lighting, and composition, the closer the result matches what you have in mind. Open →
Negative prompt
A negative prompt lists things you want the model to avoid, such as blur, extra fingers, or text. It steers the AI away from unwanted elements without changing the main description. Open →
Text-to-image
Text-to-image is the process of turning a written prompt directly into a new picture, with no source image required. It is the core way most AI image generators work. Open →
Image-to-image
Image-to-image uses an existing picture plus a prompt as the starting point, so the AI transforms or restyles your photo instead of building from scratch. It is useful for reimagining a composition while keeping its overall layout. Open →
Diffusion model
A diffusion model is the type of AI behind most image generators. It learns to start from random noise and gradually refine it into a clear image that matches your prompt. Open →
Seed
A seed is the starting random number that determines an image's specific look. Reusing the same seed and prompt produces a near-identical result, which makes outputs repeatable and easier to fine-tune.
Upscaling
Upscaling increases an image's resolution while adding detail, so a small picture becomes large and sharp instead of blurry. The img.now upscaler supports 2x to 8x enlargement. Open →
Inpainting
Inpainting regenerates a selected area inside an image while leaving the rest untouched. It is used to remove objects, fix flaws, or replace part of a scene seamlessly. Open →
Outpainting (expand)
Outpainting, also called expanding, generates new content beyond an image's original edges to widen the scene or change its aspect ratio. The AI invents surroundings that blend naturally with the existing picture. Open →
Background removal
Background removal isolates the main subject and deletes everything behind it, leaving a transparent or solid backdrop. It is handy for product shots, profile pictures, and clean composites. Open →
Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between an image's width and height, such as 1:1 (square), 16:9 (widescreen), or 9:16 (portrait). Choosing the right ratio fits your image to its destination, like a social post or banner. Open →
Alpha channel
The alpha channel is the extra layer in an image that stores transparency, telling each pixel how see-through it is. Formats like PNG and WebP support it, which is why they keep transparent backgrounds. Open →
WebP
WebP is a modern image format that delivers smaller file sizes than PNG or JPG at similar quality, and it supports both transparency and animation. It is a strong default for fast-loading web pages. Open →
AVIF
AVIF is a newer image format offering excellent compression and quality, often producing even smaller files than WebP. It is well suited to high-detail photos where bandwidth matters. Open →

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