Nano Banana 2.1 Prompt Guide: 8 Prompts and the Rules Behind Them

Nano Banana 2.1 follows instructions closely, so a clear prompt gets you most of the way. These rules and examples work in the nano banana 2.1 generator; copy any prompt and adjust it.

1. Lead with the subject

Say what the picture is about before anything else, then add setting, light and style. Long lists of adjectives help less than one concrete scene.

Editorial portrait of a young woman with freckles in golden hour light, natural skin texture, shallow depth of field, shot on 85mm

2. Describe light like a photographer

Name the light source and its quality: window light, rim light, overcast, neon reflections. Nano Banana 2.1 is strong at realistic lighting when you are specific.

Luxury perfume bottle standing on wet black volcanic rocks, lime green rim light, water droplets, studio product photography

3. Quote the exact text

Text rendering is one of the biggest upgrades in 2.1. Put the wording in quotes and say where it belongs.

A small coffee shop window at dusk with a hand-painted sign that reads "OPEN LATE" in cream letters, warm interior light

4. Pick the ratio for the destination

Choose the aspect ratio in the generator rather than describing it in the prompt: 9:16 for stories, 4:5 for feed posts, 16:9 or 21:9 for banners and key visuals.

5. Name your references by order

With several uploads, refer to them as image 1, image 2 and so on, and give each one a role.

The model from image 1 wearing the jacket from image 2, standing in the street from image 3, overcast afternoon light

6. Keep products true

For product shots, say what must not change, then describe the new scene.

Keep the bottle shape, label and color exactly the same. Place it on a marble kitchen counter with soft morning light and a sprig of rosemary

7. Edit one thing at a time

Change a single element per request, then click Edit this on the result and continue. Small steps keep faces, products and layouts stable.

Repaint the back wall sage green. Keep the sofa, lighting and camera angle unchanged

8. Use 1K to explore, 4K to finish

Draft ideas at 1K (25 credits), then regenerate the winner at 2K or 4K for print or zoom. The prompt stays the same; only the resolution changes.

Want more ideas? Browse the prompt gallery on the homepage, or email support@nanobanana-21.com with a use case you would like us to cover.