Understanding Modes: Text-to-Image vs Image Editing

Gemini Photo AI offers two powerful modes for creating and transforming images. Understanding when to use each mode will help you achieve the best results for your creative projects.

Overview of Modes

Text-to-Image Mode

Generate entirely new images from text descriptions. This mode creates images from scratch based solely on your prompt.

Image Editing Mode

Transform existing photos by applying AI-powered edits using text prompts. Upload your images and describe the changes you want.

Text-to-Image Mode

What It Does

Text-to-image generation creates new images from scratch using only your text description. The AI interprets your prompt and generates a completely original image.

When to Use Text-to-Image

• Creating original artwork or designs
• Generating images for concepts that don't exist yet
• Exploring creative ideas without source material
• Creating illustrations, graphics, or digital art
• Generating images for presentations or content

How It Works

1. Enter a descriptive text prompt
2. The AI model (Nano Banana) interprets your description
3. A new image is generated based on your prompt
4. Download or save your creation

Example Use Cases

Creative Projects

Prompt: "A futuristic cityscape at night, neon lights, cyberpunk style, detailed"

Marketing Materials

Prompt: "Modern office workspace, professional photography, bright and welcoming"

Artistic Expression

Prompt: "Abstract painting with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, expressionist style"

Image Editing Mode

What It Does

Image editing mode allows you to transform existing photos by describing the changes you want. Upload one or two images and use prompts to modify them.

When to Use Image Editing

• Enhancing existing photographs
• Removing or adding objects to photos
• Changing backgrounds or environments
• Adjusting lighting, colors, or style
• Combining elements from multiple images
• Retouching portraits or product photos

How It Works

1. Upload one or two images (file or URL)
2. Enter a prompt describing the edits you want
3. The AI applies your requested changes
4. Review and download the edited image

Example Use Cases

Background Replacement

Upload: Portrait photo
Prompt: "Replace the background with a beach sunset scene"

Object Removal

Upload: Photo with unwanted objects
Prompt: "Remove the person in the background, keep everything else natural"

Style Transfer

Upload: Regular photo
Prompt: "Transform into watercolor painting style, soft colors, artistic"

Dual Image Editing

Upload: Two images
Prompt: "Combine the style of the first image with the subject of the second"

Key Differences

Input Requirements

Output Characteristics

Technical Differences

Text-to-Image:

• Uses the full creative capacity of the AI model
• No constraints from existing imagery
• Can generate any style or subject
• Best for original concepts

Image Editing:

• Works within the framework of your source image
• Maintains elements you want to keep
• Applies targeted modifications
• Best for enhancing existing photos

Choosing the Right Mode

Use Text-to-Image When:

• ✅ You want to create something completely new
• ✅ You don't have source images
• ✅ You're exploring creative concepts
• ✅ You need original artwork or graphics
• ✅ You want full creative control

Use Image Editing When:

• ✅ You have existing photos to enhance
• ✅ You want to modify specific elements
• ✅ You need to maintain certain aspects of an image
• ✅ You're retouching or improving photos
• ✅ You want to combine multiple images

Mode Switching Guide

How to Switch Modes

1. In the image editor interface, locate the mode selector
2. Click "Text-to-Image" or "Image Editing"
3. The interface will update for the selected mode
4. Enter your prompt (and upload images if editing)

Tips for Mode Selection

• Start with Text-to-Image if you're unsure—it's simpler to begin
• Use Image Editing when you have specific photos to work with
• Experiment with both to understand their capabilities
• Combine workflows: Generate with text-to-image, then edit the result

Advanced Techniques

Hybrid Workflow

1. Generate a base image using text-to-image
2. Switch to image editing mode
3. Upload your generated image
4. Apply additional edits with prompts

Iterative Editing

1. Start with image editing
2. Save your result
3. Use the edited image as input for another edit
4. Build up your desired result through multiple passes

Common Questions

Can I use both modes in one session?

Yes! You can switch between modes at any time. Many users generate images with text-to-image, then refine them with image editing.

Which mode produces better results?

Both modes are powerful. The "better" mode depends on your goal:

• Text-to-image: Best for original creation
• Image editing: Best for enhancing existing photos

Can I edit a text-to-image result?

Absolutely! Generate an image with text-to-image, then switch to image editing mode and upload your generated image for further modifications.

Do I need different prompts for each mode?

Yes, slightly. Text-to-image prompts describe what to create. Image editing prompts describe what to change. For example:

• Text-to-image: "A red sports car on a mountain road"
• Image editing: "Change the car color to blue and add snow to the mountains"

Next Steps

Now that you understand the modes:

• Learn text-to-image techniques
• Master image editing
• Explore prompt writing tips

Experiment with both modes to discover which works best for your creative projects!