Generation or Editing: Choosing the Workflow

For the Gemini image workflow described as Nano Banana in this guide, choose between creating a new image and changing an existing one before refining prompts.

#Generate when there is no starting asset

Use a short description, inspect the result, add relevant detail and select a direction. This suits concept exploration and clearly identified fictional scenes. Pure generation can be less precise about identity, logos and series consistency.

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Round 1: A technology-style smartwatch poster in blue.
Round 2: Float the watch over a dark-blue background with subtle data lines;
keep the product above center and the layout minimal.
Round 3: Keep the composition, warm the lower glow and add small light points.

#Edit when preservation matters

Upload the source, identify the exact change, inspect it, refine locally and approve a final version.

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Keep the product unchanged. Replace the white background with a modern office.
Then soften the background to emphasize the product.
Finally add a subtle contact shadow below it.

Explicit preservation instructions improve direction but do not guarantee that no other pixels change. Inspect the actual result, especially faces, products and edges.

#Combine the modes

Explore three to five directions, select one and edit it. Alternatively, prepare a core subject before creating its environment, or use a reference to establish the visual direction of new content.

#A decision sequence

With an existing asset and a small change, begin with editing. For a substantially different result, use generation with the asset as a clearly defined reference if supported. Without an asset, use a detailed brief for an established target or a short exploratory brief when the direction is still open.

#Example: social cover

Generation can create a blue/purple AI concept cover with a central abstract network and left title space. Editing can add the network to an already approved background while preserving the empty left third. The first offers exploration; the second offers a controlled starting background.

#Troubleshooting

If editing changes protected areas, specify the exact element and position, and use supported annotations/masks where available. If generation varies, fix palette/style/composition and use an approved reference. Save outputs so either mode can become the input to the next stage.

#Next steps

• Multiple references
• Prompt framework