> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://captions.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Prompt Guide

> Learn how to write effective prompts to get the best results in Captions.

<Frame>
  <img height="120" src="https://mintcdn.com/captions/VCa8plBUrdPEwfqj/src/img/mirage-studio/prompt-guide.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=VCa8plBUrdPEwfqj&q=85&s=3d4679f4b4a974e5330e7f9a796d522f" alt="Captions Mirage prompt guide illustration for writing effective actor and background descriptions" data-path="src/img/mirage-studio/prompt-guide.png" />
</Frame>

Captions uses a **single, unified prompt** to generate both your actor and background. Write your prompt as a complete scene description that naturally flows from describing the person to their environment.

## **Writing Effective Prompts**

Create comprehensive scene descriptions by combining these key elements into one cohesive prompt:

### **Actor Elements**

Include these details about your actor in a natural, flowing description:

| Element     | Examples                                     | Usage in Prompt                         |
| :---------- | :------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |
| Gender      | Male, female, non-binary                     | "A woman..." or "A man..."              |
| Ethnicity   | Black, East Asian, Caucasian, South Asian    | "...an East Asian woman..."             |
| Age         | 20s, 30s, 40s, teenager, elderly             | "...in her mid 30s..."                  |
| Hair        | Blonde, curly black, tight ponytail, bald    | "...with shoulder-length brown hair..." |
| Makeup      | Natural makeup, bold red lipstick, no makeup | "...wearing light makeup..."            |
| Clothing    | Business suit, casual t-shirt, wedding dress | "...dressed in a navy blazer..."        |
| Accessories | Glasses, earrings, watch, necklace           | "...wearing round glasses..."           |
| Objects     | Phone, laptop, coffee cup, product           | "...holding a smartphone..."            |

### **Expression & Movement**

Add life to your actor with these behavioral details:

| Element       | Examples                                 | Usage in Prompt                            |
| :------------ | :--------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- |
| Body Position | Standing, sitting, leaning forward       | "...sitting confidently at a desk..."      |
| Eye Contact   | Direct to camera, looking away, downward | "...looking directly at the camera..."     |
| Expression    | Smiling, serious, enthusiastic           | "...with an enthusiastic expression..."    |
| Gestures      | Hand movements, pointing, arms crossed   | "...gesturing naturally while speaking..." |
| Energy        | Calm, energetic, professional            | "...speaking with calm authority..."       |

### **Environment & Technical Details**

Complete your scene with setting and camera specifications:

| Element        | Examples                                 | Usage in Prompt                            |
| :------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- |
| Location       | Office, park, kitchen, studio, outdoors  | "...in a modern office space..."           |
| Background     | Bookshelves, windows, plain wall         | "...with floor-to-ceiling windows..."      |
| Time/Lighting  | Golden hour, bright daylight, soft light | "...with soft natural lighting..."         |
| Camera Shot    | Close-up, medium shot, wide angle        | "...framed in a medium close-up..."        |
| Depth of Field | Sharp focus, blurred background          | "...with a slightly blurred background..." |

## **Best Practices**

<Tip>
  **Write complete, flowing descriptions:** Combine all elements into a single, natural paragraph. For example:

  "A professional Black woman in her early 30s with natural curly hair, wearing a crisp white shirt and navy blazer, sitting confidently at a modern glass desk in a bright corporate office. She's looking directly at the camera with a warm, engaging smile while gesturing naturally as she speaks. Behind her, floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a city skyline. The shot is framed as a medium close-up with soft, natural lighting and a slightly blurred background."
</Tip>

<Warning>
  **Important considerations for best results:**

  * **Voice-visual matching:** Ensure your actor's appearance matches the voice you're using (e.g., female voice = female-presenting actor)
  * **Audio-environment consistency:** Match audio quality with the environment (clean audio for indoor settings, appropriate ambience for outdoor scenes)
  * **Keep it realistic:** Avoid overly complex or unrealistic combinations that don't exist in real life
  * **Be specific but concise:** Provide enough detail for clarity without overcomplicating
  * **Check your spelling:** Typos can affect generation quality
</Warning>

## **Example Prompts**

<iframe src="https://prompt-guide-dep.vercel.app/" className="prompt-guide-iframe" width="100%" height="720" style={{ border:"none",borderRadius:"12px",overflow:"hidden" }} scrolling="no" loading="lazy" />

## **Pro Tips for Better Results**

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start with the actor">
    Begin your prompt by describing the person - their appearance, clothing, and position
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add behavior and expression">
    Describe how they're interacting with the camera and their emotional state
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the scene">
    Naturally transition to describing the environment and setting
  </Step>

  <Step title="Specify technical details">
    End with camera framing, lighting, and any atmospheric details
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Remember: Captions processes your entire prompt as one unified instruction. The more naturally your description flows, the better your results will be. Think of it as describing a scene to someone who will recreate it exactly as you envision.
</Note>