A template is a full Seedream prompt with the specific words pulled out and turned into [BRACKETS] you fill in. The descriptive skeleton — the part that actually steers the model — stays fixed, so you get the same reliable framing every time and only change the subject. Copy a skeleton, swap the brackets, render. Every template below targets Seedream 4.5, the current default from ByteDance, and runs the same on Seedream 5.0 Pro (released July 8, 2026) when you want harder reasoning on dense layouts.
These are complete natural-language prompts, not a settings list. For the roundup of ready-made prompts, start with the best Seedream prompts; keep the Seedream prompt cheat sheet open for the modifier tables while you build your own.
How these templates work
Seedream is a natural-language model: you brief it in descriptive sentences like a photographer, never comma-separated tag soup, and there are no --flags. Four rules make every template below work. Word order matters — elements earlier in the prompt get priority, so each skeleton leads with the main subject. State everything in words — the aspect ratio ("9:16 aspect ratio") and resolution ("2K" for screen, "4K" for print) live in the sentence, and the templates end with [ASPECT RATIO] and [2K/4K] for exactly that reason. Quote your text — any words that must appear in the image go in "double quotes", kept short with a named font. And when you supply references, label each one by role ("use image 1 for the product, image 2 for the background style"). Keep filled prompts to 30–100 words and you stay in Seedream's sweet spot.
Portraits & headshots
Portraits live on lens language and light. Lead with the person and one distinctive feature, then set the framing, lighting, and lens before the closing constraints.
1. Photorealistic portrait
A [PERSON + AGE + DISTINCT FEATURE] with [EXPRESSION], [SHOT TYPE] portrait looking [DIRECTION], in [SETTING], lit with [LIGHTING SETUP], photorealistic editorial style with natural skin texture and visible pores, shot on [LENS] with shallow depth of field. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: [PERSON…] is the subject and must lead; [LIGHTING SETUP] (e.g. soft Rembrandt lighting) and [LENS] (e.g. 85mm f/1.4) do the heavy lifting on mood.
2. Corporate headshot
A confident [PERSON] in [ATTIRE] with a warm, approachable expression, tight head-and-shoulders headshot looking directly at camera, against a [BACKGROUND] background, lit with a soft three-point studio setup and gentle fill, clean photorealistic corporate style. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: [BACKGROUND] is usually a softly blurred neutral (grey, navy); use 1:1 or 4:5 for LinkedIn and team pages.
3. Character / lifestyle portrait
A [PERSON] [ACTION] in [REAL-WORLD SETTING], candid three-quarter portrait caught mid-moment, [TIME OF DAY] light streaming through [LIGHT SOURCE], warm cinematic color grade with soft background bokeh, shot on [LENS]. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: [ACTION] keeps it alive (pouring coffee, laughing); pair a [TIME OF DAY] like late golden hour with a soft [LIGHT SOURCE] such as a large window.
Product & e-commerce
Commercial shots need a clean surface, controlled light, and a named material. Lead with the product so it stays the hero. For a full pack, see the best Seedream prompts roundup.
4. Product hero shot
A [PRODUCT] in [MATERIAL / FINISH], centered three-quarter hero view on [SURFACE], in a [MOOD] minimalist studio, lit with a three-point softbox setup and a subtle rim light, photorealistic product photography with crisp reflections and a seamless [COLOR] backdrop, macro detail on the texture. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: name the [MATERIAL / FINISH] (matte black ceramic, brushed aluminium) so the surface reads premium; use 4K for e-commerce zoom.
5. Flat-lay arrangement
A top-down flat lay of [PRODUCT + RELATED ITEMS], neatly arranged on [SURFACE] with generous negative space, a limited [COLOR PALETTE] of two or three tones, even soft daylight with gentle shadows, clean minimalist e-commerce styling. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: keep the [COLOR PALETTE] to two or three tones for a tidy grid; 1:1 suits social, 4:5 suits feed posts.
6. Lifestyle product-in-use
A [PERSON] using [PRODUCT] in [REAL-WORLD SETTING], candid natural moment with the product sharp and in focus, [TIME OF DAY] light, shallow depth of field with a softly blurred background, warm authentic lifestyle photography. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: keep the [PRODUCT] named early and sharp; the [SETTING] and blur sell the context without stealing focus.
Posters & text
Seedream renders words better than almost any image model, but only if you quote the exact text, keep it short, and name the font. Lead with the text so the model plans layout first. For a deeper dive, see Seedream prompts for posters and text.
7. Headline poster
A [STYLE] poster with the bold headline "[HEADLINE]" in [FONT STYLE] placed [PLACEMENT], and a smaller subtitle "[SUBTITLE]" below it. Behind the type, [SCENE / SUBJECT] lit with [LIGHTING], high-contrast [MOOD] editorial layout with clear visual hierarchy. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: keep "[HEADLINE]" to 3–5 words in double quotes, name the [FONT STYLE] (bold grotesk, elegant serif), and always ask for 4K so the type stays crisp.
8. Social ad / promo
A vibrant social media ad for [PRODUCT / BRAND], with the headline "[HEADLINE]" top-center in [FONT STYLE] and a bottom-right call-to-action button reading "[CTA]". The [PRODUCT] sits center-frame on a [COLOR] background, punchy studio lighting, clean modern marketing layout. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: both "[HEADLINE]" and "[CTA]" stay in quotes and short; state placement ("top-center", "bottom-right") so the layout resolves cleanly.
9. Quote / typographic card
A minimalist typographic card centered on the phrase "[QUOTE]" set in [FONT STYLE], on a [COLOR / TEXTURE] background with subtle [ACCENT MOTIF], balanced margins and generous negative space, calm modern editorial design. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: keep "[QUOTE]" to a short line — longer strings garble; the [ACCENT MOTIF] (a thin underline, a single leaf) adds polish without clutter.
Logos & brand marks
Logo work is about restraint: flat shapes, one or two colors, and a plain white ground. Treat every result as a concept a designer will redraw as vector art.
10. Minimalist symbol mark
A minimalist flat vector logo of [SUBJECT], built from [SHAPE STYLE] in a single [COLOR], centered on a solid white background with balanced negative space, clean simple mark with no gradients, no shadows, and no photorealism. 1:1 square aspect ratio, 2K.How to fill it: lead with the [SUBJECT] (a mountain, a fox); keep [SHAPE STYLE] geometric and the [COLOR] to one tone for a scalable mark.
11. Lettermark / monogram
A flat vector monogram of the letters "[INITIALS]" in a [STYLE: geometric / serif / interlocking] treatment, a single [COLOR] on a solid white background, balanced negative space, crisp clean lettering with no gradients or shadows. 1:1 square aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: quote the exact "[INITIALS]" and keep them to two or three letters; ask for 4K so the letterforms stay sharp.
12. Emblem / badge
A vintage circular emblem logo for a [BRAND TYPE], with a central [ICON], the curved text "[BRAND NAME]" around the top edge in a bold condensed serif, a two-color [PALETTE], flat symmetrical vector design on a white background, no gradients or 3D. 1:1 square aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: quote the "[BRAND NAME]", keep the [PALETTE] to two colors so it prints clean, and center the [ICON].
Scenes & environments
Environments reward specific setting detail and one strong lighting direction. Lead with the anchor subject, then widen out to the scene.
13. Cinematic environment
A [SUBJECT / FIGURE] in [ENVIRONMENT] at [TIME OF DAY], wide establishing shot from a [CAMERA ANGLE], lit by [LIGHT SOURCE / COLOR] with atmospheric haze, cinematic film-grade color and deep depth of field, moody and immersive. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: a 21:9 [ASPECT RATIO] and a strong [LIGHT SOURCE / COLOR] (neon magenta and cyan) do the cinematic work.
14. Interior render
A [ROOM TYPE] interior in [DESIGN STYLE], featuring [KEY FURNITURE / MATERIALS] and a [COLOR PALETTE], soft natural daylight from [WINDOW DIRECTION] with realistic soft shadows, photorealistic architectural rendering with accurate proportions. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: name the [DESIGN STYLE] (mid-century, Japandi) and a tight [COLOR PALETTE]; 3:2 or 16:9 reads best for rooms.
15. Aerial / landscape
A sweeping aerial drone view of [LANDSCAPE] at [TIME OF DAY], top-down composition emphasizing [PATTERN / TEXTURE], natural [WEATHER / LIGHT] conditions, rich photorealistic detail with crisp horizon and deep depth of field. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: lead with the [LANDSCAPE]; the [PATTERN / TEXTURE] (winding river, terraced fields) gives the aerial its graphic punch.
Photo editing (Edit mode)
Edit mode is Seedream's standout: feed a reference image and describe only the change. Every template follows Action + Object + Attributes — say what to change, and spell out what must stay identical so the model keeps the rest.
16. Single-change edit
Using the supplied image, change only [OBJECT] to [NEW ATTRIBUTE]. Keep the [POSE / FACE / COMPOSITION], lighting, and background exactly the same, and preserve all other details unchanged. Match the original perspective and color grade. [2K/4K].How to fill it: name one [OBJECT] and one [NEW ATTRIBUTE] per pass (jacket → red leather); list what must stay identical so nothing else drifts.
17. Background swap
Using the supplied photo, keep the subject, pose, and lighting on them exactly the same, and replace only the background with [NEW BACKGROUND]. Blend the edges naturally, match the subject's original lighting direction and color temperature to the new scene. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: describe the [NEW BACKGROUND] concretely and remind the model to match lighting so the composite reads real.
18. Cleanup / object removal
Using the supplied image, remove [UNWANTED OBJECT] and reconstruct the area behind it to match the surrounding [SURFACE / SCENE] seamlessly. Keep everything else — subject, lighting, shadows, and color — exactly as it is. [2K/4K].How to fill it: name the single [UNWANTED OBJECT] and the [SURFACE / SCENE] it sits against so the fill blends cleanly.
Multi-image fusion & consistent sets
Seedream accepts up to about six references. Label each by role and order them identity first, then style, then palette, then material or layout. Reusing the same reference face is the reliable way to keep a character on-model across a whole set.
19. Multi-image fusion
Combine the references into one image: use image 1 for [SUBJECT / IDENTITY], image 2 for the [STYLE / MOOD], and image 3 for the [BACKGROUND / SETTING]. Keep [SUBJECT] faithful to image 1, apply the palette and finish from image 2, and place it in the scene from image 3, blended with consistent lighting. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: assign each numbered image one job in role order; the identity reference (image 1) leads so it stays dominant.
20. Product on a supplied model
Use image 1 for the [PRODUCT] and image 2 for the model's face and body, and show the model naturally [WEARING / USING] the product in [SETTING]. Keep the product's shape, color, and logo faithful to image 1 and the model's face faithful to image 2, unified studio lighting. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, 4K.How to fill it: pin both the [PRODUCT] (image 1) and the face (image 2) as faithful; only the pose and [SETTING] are free to change.
21. Consistent character set
Using the reference face in image 1 for identity, generate the same character in [NEW SCENE / POSE / OUTFIT], keeping the face, hairstyle, and body proportions identical to the reference. Match the established [ART STYLE] and color palette so this frame stays consistent with the rest of the set. [ASPECT RATIO] aspect ratio, [2K/4K].How to fill it: reuse the same image 1 across every frame and change only [NEW SCENE / POSE / OUTFIT]; lock the [ART STYLE] so the batch stays on-model.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a Seedream prompt template?
Copy the template, replace every word in [BRACKETS] with your own subject and details, and delete the brackets so only your words remain. Leave the sentence order and the closing aspect-ratio and resolution intact, then paste the finished prompt into Dreamina, Doubao, or your platform of choice and generate.
Do Seedream templates use --flags like Midjourney?
No. Seedream reads plain descriptive language and has no --ar or --v flags, so every template states everything in words. You write the aspect ratio as "9:16 aspect ratio" and the resolution as "2K" or "4K" in the sentence itself, exactly like briefing a photographer.
Why does word order matter in these templates?
Seedream gives more weight to elements that appear earlier in the prompt, so each template leads with the most important subject or detail. Keep the main subject near the front when you fill the brackets, and leave secondary style and background notes toward the end where they belong.
How long should a filled Seedream prompt be?
Aim for 30 to 100 words. Under about 15 words leaves too much to interpretation and the model guesses; over roughly 150 words you start stacking conflicting instructions. Every template here already lands in that sweet spot once you swap the brackets for concise details.
How do I get text right in the poster templates?
Put the exact words in double quotes, keep each string to about 3 to 5 words, name a font style such as bold sans-serif or elegant serif, and describe placement like headline top-center. Ask for 4K so the typography renders crisp. Seedream 4.5 has best-in-class text rendering in English and Chinese when you follow those rules.
How do the editing templates work?
Edit-mode templates follow Action plus Object plus Attributes: say what to change, name the object, and spell out what must stay identical. For example, change only the jacket to red and keep the pose, lighting, and background the same. Supplying a reference photo keeps faces and clothing faithful across the edit.
How do the multi-image templates keep characters consistent?
Seedream accepts up to about six reference images, and the multi-image templates label each one by role so the model knows what to lift. Use identity first, then style, then palette, then material or layout, and reuse the same reference face across a batch to keep a character on-model through a whole set.
Which Seedream version should I run these on?
Seedream 4.5 is the current default and handles every template here well, up to 4K with strong text rendering and multi-image editing. Seedream 5.0 Pro, released July 8, 2026, is the newest and reasons harder about complex layouts, so reach for it on dense posters or multi-reference fusion when it is available on your platform.