# Prompt Construction

## Prompt File Format

Each prompt file uses YAML frontmatter + content:

```yaml
---
illustration_id: 01
type: infographic
style: blueprint
references:                    # ⚠️ ONLY if files EXIST in references/ directory
  - ref_id: 01
    filename: 01-ref-diagram.png
    usage: direct              # direct | style | palette
---

[Type-specific template content below...]
```

**⚠️ CRITICAL - When to include `references` field**:

| Situation | Action |
|-----------|--------|
| Reference file saved to `references/` | Include in frontmatter ✓ |
| Style extracted verbally (no file) | DO NOT include in frontmatter, append to prompt body instead |
| File path in frontmatter but file doesn't exist | ERROR - remove references field |

**Reference Usage Types** (only when file exists):

| Usage | Description | Generation Action |
|-------|-------------|-------------------|
| `direct` | Primary visual reference | Pass to `--ref` parameter |
| `style` | Style characteristics only | Describe style in prompt text |
| `palette` | Color palette extraction | Include colors in prompt |

**If no reference file but style/palette extracted verbally**, append directly to prompt body:
```
COLORS (from reference):
- Primary: #E8756D coral
- Secondary: #7ECFC0 mint
...

STYLE (from reference):
- Clean lines, minimal shadows
- Gradient backgrounds
...
```

---

## Principles

Good prompts must include:

1. **Layout Structure First**: Describe composition, zones, flow direction
2. **Specific Data/Labels**: Use actual numbers, terms from article
3. **Visual Relationships**: How elements connect
4. **Semantic Colors**: Meaning-based color choices (red=warning, green=efficient)
5. **Style Characteristics**: Line treatment, texture, mood
6. **Aspect Ratio**: End with ratio and complexity level

## Type-Specific Templates

### Infographic

```
[Title] - Data Visualization

Layout: [grid/radial/hierarchical]

ZONES:
- Zone 1: [data point with specific values]
- Zone 2: [comparison with metrics]
- Zone 3: [summary/conclusion]

LABELS: [specific numbers, percentages, terms from article]
COLORS: [semantic color mapping]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9
```

### Scene

```
[Title] - Atmospheric Scene

FOCAL POINT: [main subject]
ATMOSPHERE: [lighting, mood, environment]
MOOD: [emotion to convey]
COLOR TEMPERATURE: [warm/cool/neutral]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9
```

### Flowchart

```
[Title] - Process Flow

Layout: [left-right/top-down/circular]

STEPS:
1. [Step name] - [brief description]
2. [Step name] - [brief description]
...

CONNECTIONS: [arrow types, decision points]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9
```

### Comparison

```
[Title] - Comparison View

LEFT SIDE - [Option A]:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]

RIGHT SIDE - [Option B]:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]

DIVIDER: [visual separator]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9
```

### Framework

```
[Title] - Conceptual Framework

STRUCTURE: [hierarchical/network/matrix]

NODES:
- [Concept 1] - [role]
- [Concept 2] - [role]

RELATIONSHIPS: [how nodes connect]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9
```

### Timeline

```
[Title] - Chronological View

DIRECTION: [horizontal/vertical]

EVENTS:
- [Date/Period 1]: [milestone]
- [Date/Period 2]: [milestone]

MARKERS: [visual indicators]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9
```

## What to Avoid

- Vague descriptions ("a nice image")
- Literal metaphor illustrations
- Missing concrete labels/annotations
- Generic decorative elements

## Watermark Integration

If watermark enabled in preferences, append:

```
Include a subtle watermark "[content]" positioned at [position] with approximately [opacity*100]% visibility.
```