Image Generator

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Getting Started

The Image Generator is a powerful, multifaceted tool designed to create a wide array of visual assets for your game. It supports everything from initial concept art and gameplay mockups to specific assets and icons through distinct generation modes.

To start using the Image Generator:

1. Navigate to the Image Generator from the main menu on the left sidebar.
2. Select a Generation Mode: On the left, choose your primary workflow from the dropdown: Generate New, Edit Image, Generate from References, Generate with Style, Edit with Mask, Erase with Mask, or Remove Background. This choice determines which inputs (prompt, base image, additional reference, mask) the form will ask for.
3. Provide Your Input: Depending on the mode, you will enter a text prompt, upload a base image (Image 1), and optionally upload a second reference image (Image 2). When a mode requires a mask, use the Draw Mask button to paint over the area you want to affect. Be as descriptive as possible in your prompts for the best results.
4. Pick an Image Type and Apply Filters (Optional): When the mode supports it, choose an Image Type from the tile picker at the top of the prompt area (Scene Art, Gameplay, Asset Art, Sprite, etc.). Below the prompt, you can expand Filters to refine Art Style, Perspective, and Aspect Ratio.
5. Click "Generate": Ludo.ai will queue your request and generate three image results by default.
6. Refine, Save, or Download: From the results, click the pencil icon to refine an image further in the Image Editor, click the heart icon to save it to your Favorites, or use the context menu (three dots) to download it.

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Generation Modes Explained

The Image Generator's workflow is divided into seven modes, accessible from the Generation Mode dropdown on the left. The same seven modes are also available inside the Image Editor when refining an existing image.

Mode 1: Generate New

The most straightforward mode for creating a completely new image from a text prompt and optional filters.

1. Select "Generate New".
2. Choose the Image Type (Scene Art, Gameplay, Asset Art, Game Icon, Sprite, etc.).
3. In the prompt box, describe what you want to create. For example: 4x strategy with zombies.
4. Use the filters to guide the generation. For the example above, you might select Perspective: Top-Down and Art Style: Cel-Shaded.
5. Click Generate.

Mode 2: Edit Image

Modify an existing image using textual instructions. You describe the desired changes in the prompt.

1. Select "Edit Image".
2. Upload your Image 1 — the image that will be edited.
3. (Optional) Image 2: Upload an additional reference image. The AI will use this second image as context for the edits described in your prompt.
4. Provide a text instruction describing the change. For example: turn the astronaut into a zombie or change the background to a night sky.
5. Click Generate.

Mode 3: Generate from References

Create a new image using elements from up to two reference images.

1. Select "Generate from References".
2. Upload Image 1.
3. (Optional) Image 2: Upload a second reference image. The AI will utilize elements from both references when generating the new image.
4. Provide a text prompt to guide how the references should be used or combined.
5. Click Generate.

Mode 4: Generate with Style

Adopt the artistic style of your references for a brand-new image.

1. Select "Generate with Style".
2. Upload Image 1.
3. (Optional) Image 2: Upload a second reference image.
4. Provide a prompt describing the subject you want to create in the style of the provided references.
5. Click Generate.

Mode 5: Edit with Mask

Precise control by editing a specific, masked area of an image.

1. Select "Edit with Mask".
2. Upload your Image 1 — the image to be edited.
3. Click Draw Mask and paint over the area you wish to change.
4. (Optional) Image 2: Upload a second reference image. This can be used to insert a specific object or texture into the masked area, depending on your prompt.
5. Provide a prompt describing the new content for the masked area and click Generate.

Mode 6: Erase with Mask

Removes the masked object completely and intelligently fills in the space.

1. Select "Erase with Mask".
2. Upload your Image 1.
3. Mask the object you want to remove.
4. Click Generate. No text prompt is needed for this mode.

Mode 7: Remove Background

Automatically removes the background from your image. No prompt or mask is needed, and this mode does not consume generation credits.

1. Select "Remove Background".
2. Upload your Image 1.
3. Click Generate.

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Image Types

The Image Generator supports seventeen distinct image types, selectable from the tile picker shown above the prompt. Each type is tuned to produce a specific kind of asset, from broad concept art to sprites ready to drop into your game engine.

• Any type — Non-specified image type, useful when you don't want the model to bias toward any particular category.
• Scene Art — Concept art of scenes or themes. Ideal for visualizing characters, environments, mood boards, and overall art direction.
• Gameplay — In-game screenshot showing gameplay. Use it to visualize how your game will look in action, mock up levels, or test camera angles and perspectives.
• Asset Art — Concept art of a single asset (character, item, prop). Centered subject, no background, clear focus — easy to integrate into your game.
• Sprite — Character or object sprite ready to use in a game engine. Unlike Asset Art, Sprites are generated with flat lighting and shadows removed so they can be animated or composited cleanly.
• VFX Sprite — Isolated visual-effect sprites (muzzle flashes, magic impacts, explosions) captured at the peak of the effect on a neutral background. Suitable for particle systems or procedural animations.
• Game Icon — App-store icon for a game, fixed to a 1:1 format. Use it for store listings and marketing materials.
• UI Element — Buttons, status bars, frames, and other isolated UI elements on a neutral background.
• Background — Static full-screen background for game levels or menus. Focuses on atmosphere, setting, and mood, without distinct playable characters or UI.
• Repeating Background — Repeating background designed for side-scrolling games. Loops horizontally without visible seams.
• Texture — Seamless tileable surface for meshes or terrain. Repeats perfectly across a 3D surface without visible seams.
• Map Tile — Independent grid cell for use in tile-based maps (e.g. top-down or strategy games).
• Horizontal Tile — Horizontally tileable strip for ground, sky, or layered backgrounds.
• Item Icon — Small icon for inventory or shop items.
• Character Portrait — Character portrait for dialogue boxes, menus, or roster screens.
• Card Art — Artwork for a collectible card game.
• Splash Screen — Cinematic image for game loading or launch screens.

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Filters and Options

When the active generation mode supports it, you can refine your request with the Filters panel below the prompt:

• Art Style: Choose the art style you want in the generated image. The Image Generator offers a wide range of styles, including Cartoonish, Low Poly, Pixel Art, and many others. (Not available in the Generate with Style mode, since the style is taken from your reference image.)
• Perspective: Choose the player perspective or camera view (e.g. Top-Down, Side-View, Isometric). Particularly relevant for Gameplay images.
• Aspect Ratio: Choose the aspect ratio of the generated images:
  • Auto: Chosen automatically based on the image type.
  • Square: 1:1.
  • Landscape: 4:3, 16:9, or 19:9.
  • Portrait: 3:4, 9:16, or 9:19.
  • Note: Game Icons are always generated at 1:1, regardless of the aspect ratio selected.

In addition to the filters, the Image Type tile picker above the prompt lets you pick the kind of asset you're generating (Scene Art, Gameplay, Sprite, etc.) — see the Image Types section for the full list.

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The Image Editor: Iterative Refinement

Any image on the Ludo.ai platform can be refined using the powerful Image Editor, which opens in a modal window and contains all the advanced generation modes.

Accessing the Editor: Click the Edit image (pencil) icon on any image thumbnail.

Workflow:

1. The selected image appears in the center as your Base Image.
2. On the right sidebar, you can choose your Edit Mode (Edit Image, Edit with Mask, Generate from References, etc.).
3. Reference 2: Just like in the main generator, you can upload an Additional Reference (optional) in the sidebar to provide extra context or style information for your edit.
4. After you generate a change, the new version appears in the History panel on the right and replaces the image in the center. This image becomes the current/selected image.
5. You can build upon your changes step-by-step.
6. If the generation mode requires a mask, the mask should be drawn directly in the selected image in the center.
7. When finished, select your final desired image from the History and click the Save & Close (checkmark) icon.

This iterative process allows for complex, multi-step image editing, all driven by natural language, dual references, and simple masking.

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How to Write Effective Prompts

The Image Generator is designed to understand natural, descriptive language. There is no need for special keywords or complex syntax, and there is no hard limit on the length of your prompt. A longer, more detailed prompt gives you more fine-grained control over the final image.

Writing Prompts for New Images

When creating a new image, your goal is to describe the scene as if you were explaining it to an artist. While you can be creative, a good structure often includes:

• Subject: The main focus of the image (e.g., a mystical knight, a futuristic spaceship).
• Action: What the subject is doing (e.g., dueling a shadowy wraith, flying through a nebula).
• Setting & Context: The environment and other details (e.g., amid crumbling ruins, with stars and planets in the background).
• Style & Details: The art style, colors, and specific visual elements (e.g., health bars diminish, with glowing blue cybernetic implants).

Simple vs. Detailed Prompts:

• Simple: green viking
• Detailed: A strong female cyborg with glowing blue cybernetic implants is leaping away from a massive explosion on a busy road of a futuristic city.

Writing Prompts for Modifying Images

When using the Full Edit or Inpaint with Mask modes, your prompts should be instructional. Tell the AI what change you want to make.

• Adding New Elements: Be direct.
  • add a full moon to the sky
  • place a small, glowing lantern on the table
• Changing Existing Elements: Clearly state the element and the desired change.
  • change the car's color to bright red
  • turn the astronaut into a zombie
• Modifying the Overall Image: You can alter the entire scene's mood or style.
  • make the image more dramatic and add a meteor
  • change the style to a Vincent van Gogh painting
  • adjust the color scheme to be warmer with orange and yellow tones

You can also combine multiple instructions in a single prompt for efficiency, such as: add clouds to the sky and make the character's eyes glow red.

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Limitations and Troubleshooting

The Image Generator is a powerful tool, but it has limitations. Here are common issues and troubleshooting tips:

• Generated images are not relevant to prompts:
  • Be more specific: Add details about characters, setting, colors, and elements.
  • Use filters: Art Style, Perspective, and Aspect Ratio filters guide generation.
  • Pick the right Image Type: Choosing the type that matches your intent (e.g. Sprite vs Asset Art vs Scene Art) has a big impact on the result.
  • Rephrase prompts: Use different keywords to evoke the same concept.
  • Generate variations: Refine relevant results in the Image Editor to get closer to your target.
• AI unable to make requested edits:
  • Simplify instructions: Complex or contradictory edits may confuse the AI. Break them down into smaller steps using the Image Editor.
  • Rephrase editing prompts: Use clearer and more direct language when describing the change.
  • Switch modes: Try a different edit mode — for example, Edit with Mask for localized changes or Generate from References when you want to keep parts of the source image.
  • Start with a different base image: If edits are too complex, a cleaner starting image may yield better results.
• Generated images are not in desired resolution/size:
  • Adjust Aspect Ratio: Use the Aspect Ratio filter to control image dimensions.
  • Pick the matching Image Type: Some types (Game Icon, Background, Texture) imply specific framing or proportions.
• Generation process seems slow:
  • Usage peaks: Generation times may increase during peak hours. Performance should improve after a few minutes.
• Irrelevant or nonsensical results:
  • Rephrase your prompt: Ensure your prompt is clear, concise, and directly related to the image you want to generate.
  • Check for typos: Small errors can lead to unexpected outputs.
  • Start a new generation: Sometimes starting over with a fresh prompt resolves unexpected results.
• Object Removal with Masks not working perfectly:
  • Refine the mask: Ensure the mask fully covers the object and extends slightly into the background.
  • Regenerate: Try generating again after refining the mask.
  • Use Edit with Mask for fine-tuning: After erasing, switch to Edit with Mask with a specific prompt to clean up the area if needed.
• Credit depletion:
  • Check credit balance: Monitor your credit usage in your account settings.
  • Upgrade subscription: If you frequently run out of credits, consider upgrading your subscription plan.
  • Note: Remove Background does not consume generation credits.

If you encounter persistent issues, contact Ludo.ai support or join our Discord server: https://discord.gg/FmTPyugsrR

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Art Styles

The Art Style filter offers a wide range of distinct visual styles, grouped into categories. Pick Any style to let the model decide, or pick a specific style to steer the look of every generation.

You can also describe additional style instructions directly in your text prompt — for example, naming a specific artist, era, medium, or color palette ("in the style of Studio Ghibli", "1980s VHS look", "ink wash with red accents"). Prompt-level instructions stack on top of the selected Art Style filter, so use the filter to set the overall look and the prompt to layer on extra detail.

The Image Generator currently supports the following styles:

Cel-Shaded

• Cel-Shaded — Highly detailed line work with flat colors and flat shading, evocative of stylized anime and cel-shaded games.

Pixel Art

• Micro Pixel — Tiny, extra-blocky pixel graphics evoking the earliest NES / Game Boy era.
• 8-Bit — Classic blocky pixel graphics in the NES / Game Boy style.
• 16-Bit — Detailed, colorful pixel graphics in the SNES era style.
• 32-Bit — Modern high-resolution pixel art with a vintage look.

Drawn / Illustrated

• Anime/Manga — Expressive characters and vibrant colors in a Japanese animation style.
• Chibi — Cute, super-deformed characters with oversized heads and small bodies.
• Illustration — Black lines with flat color fills, like a polished children's-book illustration.
• Comic Book — Bold inked lines, halftone shading, and dynamic layouts.
• Sketch — Raw pencil or ink line work with crosshatching and an unfinished, hand-drawn feel.
• Block Print — Bold carved parallel lines, heavy contrast, rough stamped edges, and limited flat color.

3D

• Cartoonish — Exaggerated, whimsical 3D characters and bright colors.
• Stylized 3D — Distinct 3D style with exaggerated proportions and painterly textures.
• Low Poly — Stylized 3D with minimal polygons and flat-shaded facets.
• Photorealistic 3D — Lifelike 3D visuals with high detail and realistic lighting.
• Voxel Art — Blocky, 3D pixel-like visuals built from cubic voxels.
• Retro 3D — Early 3D gaming style with simple polygons and low-resolution textures.

Painterly

• Hand-Painted — Digital painting style with visible brushstrokes and rich colors.
• Watercolor — Soft, translucent washes of color with visible paper texture and bleeding edges.

Graphic / Design

• Flat Design — Simple, 2D elements with a limited color palette and no gradients.
• Vector Art — Crisp, scalable images with smooth lines and clean shapes.
• Minimalist — Simple and functional, with minimal detail and lots of negative space.
• Silhouette — Dark shapes without internal detail, set against contrasting backgrounds.

Atmospheric

• Noir — High-contrast moody black-and-white with dramatic lighting and dark tones.
• Neon — Glowing neon lines with vibrant gradients and a synthwave atmosphere.
• Glitch Art — 2D digital distortion with corrupted pixels, chromatic aberration, and color channel shifts.

Craft / Material

• Claymation — Handcrafted clay or plasticine look with sculpted textures and a stop-motion feel.
• Paper Craft — Layered paper cutouts with folded textures, visible edges, and cardboard depth.
• Textile — Fabric, yarn, or knitted textures with visible stitching and soft woven detail.

A handful of older styles (Retro 2D and the original Pixel Art 8-Bit / 16-Bit variants) are still selectable under a [Legacy] prefix for backward compatibility with previously generated content.