Generate your first image

Updated April 22, 2026See Picture Lab app →

Picture Lab generates a batch of AI images from a single text prompt. The whole process takes under a minute — write what you want, set the ratio, and hit Generate.

Picture Lab — empty state ready for your first prompt
Picture Lab — empty state ready for your first prompt

Choose a model

Open the model selector in the top-left corner and pick a model. If you're not sure which to use, start with Z-Image — it's the default, works with any prompt, and doesn't require a reference image. See Image generation models for a full breakdown.

Write your prompt

Click the prompt area and describe the image you want. Be specific about the subject, setting, and mood — the more precise your description, the closer the result will be to what you have in mind. You have up to 1000 characters.

Prompt filled in with a description — Generate button ready
Prompt filled in with a description — Generate button ready
Describe one clear scene rather than a list of keywords. "A cozy coffee shop interior, warm golden light across wooden tables, soft bokeh background" works better than "coffee shop warm light bokeh."

Set the aspect ratio

Click the ratio button next to the prompt area (shows 1:1 by default) and pick the format that fits your use case.

Aspect ratio dropdown open in Picture Lab
Aspect ratio dropdown open in Picture Lab

Common choices: 1:1 for social posts, 16:9 for banners and thumbnails, 9:16 for Reels and Stories, 4:3 for presentations.

Generate and download

Click Generate. Picture Lab generates images in parallel — you'll see a progress ring on each one as they load.

Images generating in parallel with progress rings
Images generating in parallel with progress rings

Once done, hover over any image to reveal the action icons: Download saves it to your device, Favorite pins it for later, Upscale increases the resolution, Edit Camera Angle regenerates the image with a different viewpoint. The Create Video button sends the image to Cinema Motion as a start frame.