Learn how to use parentheses, curly braces, and underscores to control weights, priorities, and precision in your prompts.
Introduction: The Power of Symbols in Image Generation
In the universe of generative AI, every character in a prompt can determine the final outcome. Platforms like Tensor.Art use symbols like ( ), { }, and _ to adjust nuances such as emphasis, variation, and conceptual cohesion. This article explores advanced techniques to maximize precision in realistic and stylized creations (e.g., cartoon), ensuring your ideas are translated accurately into images.
Chapter 1: Parentheses '( )' – Controlling Emphasis and Hierarchy
What They Are and How They Work
Parentheses are tools to increase or decrease the weight of a term in the prompt. The more layers of ( ), the higher the priority given to the element.
Syntax and Examples
Weight increase:
(term): Boosts emphasis by 1.1x.
((term)): Increases to 1.21x.
(((term))): 1.33x (ideal for critical elements).
Weight decrease:
(term:0.8): Reduces influence to 80% of the original value.
Practical Applications
For Realistic Images
Use multiple parentheses for focal elements:
(((photorealistic portrait))), (detailed skin texture), (natural lighting)This prioritizes realism and anatomical details.
For Cartoon Styles
Highlight exaggerated features:
((cartoonish eyes)), (vibrant colors), (exaggerated proportions)
Golden Rule
Avoid overloading prompts with parentheses. More than three layers may cause distortions or element saturation.
Chapter 2: Curly Braces '{ }' – Variability and Custom Weights
Primary Functions
Curly braces serve to:
Switch between options (e.g., {A|B}).
Define custom weights (e.g., {term:1.5}).
Advanced Syntax
Switching:
{sunlight|moonlight}, {red|blue|green} dressTensor.Art will generate variations by combining these options.
Custom weights:
{realistic:1.3|cartoon:0.7}Here, "realistic" has 30% more influence than "cartoon".
Use Cases
Realism with Creative Touches
A {cinematic|documentary} scene of a ((ancient castle)), {stormy|calm} sky Combines opposing atmospheres to generate diversity.
Cartoon and Stylization
A {Disney-style|Anime-style} character with {sparkling_eyes|glowing_aura} Pro Tip
Use { } to explore beta versions of concepts without rewriting prompts repeatedly.
Chapter 3: Underscore '_' – Unifying Concepts
The Importance of Cohesion
The underscore (_) merges words to avoid fragmented interpretations. For example:
medieval_armor is treated as a single concept, whereas medieval armor might split "medieval" and "armor".
Applications in Different Styles
Realism
Technical precision:
futuristic_cityscape, high-tech_vehicle, neon_lighting
Cartoon
Coherent stylization:
magical_forest, talking_animals, candy-colored_houses
Limitations
Avoid long chains like super_detailed_character_design_with_armor – this may confuse the AI. Use concise terms instead.
Chapter 4: Priorities and Processing Order
Symbol Hierarchy
Parentheses ( ): Processed first, defining core hierarchy.
Curly braces { }: Resolved next, especially for switches.
Underscore _: Interpreted as text formatting, not affecting weights.
Processing Example
For the prompt:
(({realistic|painterly} portrait)) of a cyberpunk_samurai, {red|blue}_glowing_eyes Parentheses reinforce "portrait".
Curly braces toggle between "realistic" and "painterly".
Underscores ensure "cyberpunk_samurai" and "glowing_eyes" are unified concepts.
Chapter 5: Combining Codes for Maximum Control
Hybrid Strategies
Realistic Scenarios
A (((cinematic photo))) of a {warrior|explorer} in (ancient_ruins:1.4),
{volumetric lighting|soft shadows}, (hyper-detailed textures:1.3) ((cinematic photo)) ensures visual quality.
{warrior|explorer} adds variability.
ancient_ruins:1.4 boosts the ruins’ weight.
Cartoon Style
A ((children's book illustration)) of a {friendly|mischievous} dragon,
(flying over a candy_kingdom), ((vibrant color palette:1.5)) Curly braces define the dragon’s personality.
candy_kingdom ensures scene cohesion.
Golden Formula
Combine ( ) for emphasis, { } for variation, and _ for precision. Example:
(({realistic|watercolor} rendering)) of a {mountain|forest}_landscape at (sunset:1.2) Chapter 6: Tips to Maximize All Parameters
1. Start Simple
Begin with lean prompts and add symbols gradually. Example:
woman in a dress → (elegant woman) in a {silk|lace} dress 2. Use Fractional Weights
Fine-tune influences:
(realism:1.2), (cartoonish elements:0.8) 3. Test Combinations
Create quick variations with { }:
{portrait|full-body}, {realistic|anime}, {indoor|outdoor} 4. Avoid Conflicts
Don’t mix contradictory terms without adjusting weights:
❌ (realistic face), (cartoon body)
✅ (realistic face:1.3), (cartoon body:0.7)
Chapter 7: Common Mistakes and Fixes
Issue 1: Overusing Parentheses
Symptom: Dominant elements distort composition.
Fix: Limit to 3 layers and use fractional weights.
Issue 2: Misconfigured Curly Braces
Symptom: Inconsistent or chaotic images.
Fix: Limit switches to 2-3 options per brace.
Issue 3: Unnecessary Underscores
Symptom: Truncated terms (e.g., happy_dog vs. happy dog).
Fix: Use only for indivisible concepts (e.g., sci-fi_city).
Conclusion: The Art of Precision in Tensor.Art
Mastering ( ), { }, and _ is like acquiring a remote control for AI: you define priorities, variability, and cohesion. For precise results:
Use parentheses for hierarchy.
Leverage curly braces for controlled creativity.
Apply underscores for clarity.
With practice, these symbols will become extensions of your creative process, translating complex visions into stunning images, whether realistic or cartoon.
