How to Create Images with Microsoft Copilot

The short version

Copilot makes images from a written description, and it can also change a photo you upload. The more specific your description, the closer the first result. Then you refine it by asking for changes in the same conversation.

Step by step

1. Open Copilot at copilot.microsoft.com or in the Copilot app, and sign in.
2. Describe the image. Include the subject, the style (photo, watercolor, flat illustration), the setting, the colors and the shape you need (square for Instagram, wide for a banner).
3. Send it and wait. Microsoft says creating an image takes “a couple of minutes.”
4. Ask for changes in the same chat: “make the background lighter,” “remove the text,” “same scene at night.”
5. Download the one you like and check it closely before using it.

To change a photo you have

1. Select the + button next to the chat box and choose Add images or files.
2. Pick your photo. It appears as an attachment.
3. Say what to change: “turn this into a pencil sketch” or “replace the gray sky with a sunset.”

Prompts to copy

A social post image:

Create a square image of a cozy neighborhood bakery counter in the morning,
fresh sourdough loaves, warm light, realistic photo style. No text in the image.

A flyer background:

Create a wide banner illustration of a summer farmers market, flat colorful style,
with empty space on the left for a headline.

A card:

Create a watercolor illustration of a golden retriever wearing a birthday hat, soft pastel colors, white background.

Edit an upload:

Make this product photo look like it was taken on a white marble table with soft daylight.
Keep the product exactly the same.

Example

You want: an image for a yoga studio’s “new evening classes” post.

First try: “yoga class” gives a generic gym photo. Better: “Small yoga studio at sunset, six people in a relaxed pose, warm orange light through big windows, wooden floor, calm mood, realistic photo, square.” Then: “Make it a bit darker and add plants by the windows.”

Mistakes to avoid

• Asking for text in the image. Words often come out misspelled. Add your text afterward in a design app.
• One-word prompts. You’ll get stock-photo results.
• Uploading photos you don’t own. Microsoft says you are “solely responsible for the images you upload.”
• Using images of real people without consent, or images that could mislead.
• Not checking details. Look at hands, faces, logos and backgrounds before you publish.

When not to use it

For your logo, product photos customers will rely on, or anything that must show the real thing (your actual shop, your real team), use real photos or a designer. AI images work best for moods, backgrounds and illustrations.

Related: use Copilot in PowerPoint and write better Copilot prompts.