Best practices for effective image generation

Learn how to create effective AI-generated images in Adobe Captivate for eLearning with strategic planning, well-crafted prompts, and visual consistency best practices.

Overview

AI-generated visuals can make eLearning courses more engaging, memorable, and aligned with instructional goals. However, the value of these images depends on how strategically you plan, craft prompts, and maintain visual consistency across your content. Good images do more than decorate slides—they clarify complex ideas, reinforce learning objectives, and create a cohesive experience for learners.

To help you get the best results with the Generate Image feature, here’s a checklist of best practices you can apply when planning and creating visuals for your projects:

Best practices checklist

To get the most out of the image generation feature for your eLearning projects, follow these guidelines:

• Plan strategically: Use custom images where they add the most impact, and keep the visual style consistent across slides.
• Write effective prompts: Be specific about context, environment, people, and tone to align with learning goals.
• Maintain consistency: Use reference images to match composition and style across modules.
• Balance text and visuals: Use visuals to complement (not repeat) text and explain complex ideas more clearly.
• Ensure accessibility: Add alt text, maintain contrast with overlays, and avoid relying on images alone for key information.
• Respect ethics: Avoid sensitive or biased visuals, ensure diversity and inclusion, and follow organizational guidelines.

Write better prompts for eLearning visuals 

When using Generate image in Adobe Captivate, the quality of your prompt directly impacts the relevance and clarity of the image. A vague prompt may yield a generic image, but adding context, composition, and style creates visuals that better support your instructional goals.

The following examples show authors how to level up their prompts: 

• Start with a subject. 
• Add action, role, and setting. 
• Layer in instructional context, style, and composition. 

Example 1: Soft skills/Leadership training 

Problem statement: An introductory image for a Leadership Communication course used a simple, generic illustration. It did not reflect collaboration or a realistic training environment, making it less effective for scenario-based learning.

Bad prompt: “Leadership skills”

• Generated output: Produces a generic, symbolic image with abstract icons.
• Why it doesn’t work: It is too broad and lacks context, and it does not reflect a professional training scenario.

Better prompt: “Professional training visual of a manager facilitating a brainstorming session with a diverse team, collaborative environment, sticky notes on the wall, dynamic leadership scenario, realistic photo style.”

• Generated output: Creates a realistic, scenario-driven image of a leadership session in action.
• Why it works: Clear and detailed; aligns with training goals, adds instructional relevance, and enhances learner engagement.

Example 2: Customer Service Training

Problem statement: The original introductory image for a Customer Service Training module was a stock-style photo of an office. While loosely related, it lacked the realism, teamwork, and customer interaction necessary to illustrate modern support practices.

Bad prompt: “Call center agent”

• Generated output: Produces a generic photo of a person with a headset.
• Why it doesn’t work: Too generic; no teamwork, diversity, or interactive customer service context.

Better prompt: “Realistic office scene showing two call center agents collaborating, diverse team, one agent assisting a customer on a video call, modern workplace design, professional training material style.”

• Generated output: Generates a polished, scenario-rich image highlighting teamwork, inclusivity, and customer engagement.
• Why it works: Detailed and contextual; supports learning objectives by visualizing real-world service interactions in a modern workplace.

Summary

Following best practices for image generation in Adobe Captivate ensures that your visuals are impactful, consistent, and aligned with your eLearning goals. By writing clear and specific prompts, planning strategically, and maintaining a cohesive style, you can create images that enhance learning experiences and simplify complex ideas. Use these guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of your visuals and deliver engaging, accessible content to your audience.

More like this

• Generate images using text prompts
• Choose image content type - Photo or Art
• Provide feedback to improve image generation results