Design a pro-looking book cover faster with AI. Learn prompts, editing, and fonts using Envato tools to create genre-perfect covers without the long design process.
Making a book cover used to be a long process. It would mean spending hours of work (or hiring another designer to do it for you). Now, you can create a book cover with AI to quickly produce unique visuals that match a specific mood or genre. Combine that with good design principles, like the ones in Tips on How to Design Fiction Book Covers, and you can get a cover that looks professional and genre-appropriate.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a book cover using AI step-by-step. You’ll learn how to write prompts for different genres, clean up and adjust the images, and add well-chosen fonts from Envato. We’ll work mainly with Envato ImageGen for most genres and Envato GraphicsGen for children’s covers, using tips on how to design a book cover to bring AI-generated art up to a professional standard.
Start with your story: define your concept and genre
Before touching any AI book cover generator, just stop and jot a few things down. What’s the main image in your head? Are there certain colours you want? A style you’ve seen somewhere that feels right? Even a quick list on scrap paper will help you avoid random results later.
Knowing your audience helps you avoid a cover that feels “off” for the genre. For example, a horror novel with a bright cartoon style will confuse readers before they even turn the first page. Ask yourself some questions, such as:
- Who will be picking this book up?
- What mood do you want them to feel?
- Is it aimed at children, young adults, or adults?
Understand how genre shapes design
Every genre has its own “look” that readers expect. If your cover doesn’t line up with those expectations, people might not even realise your book is for them. Here’s a quick reference:
| Genre | Common Look & Feel | Typical Colour Choices | Style Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crime | Gritty, tense, urban | Dark blues, greys, muted reds | Strong shadows, moody lighting, high contrast |
| Horror | Creepy, unsettling, mysterious | Black, deep reds, neon greens | One striking detail, gothic or surreal elements |
| Children’s | Playful, bright, friendly | Pastels, vibrant primaries | Rounded shapes, hand-drawn or painted textures |
| Non-fiction | Clean, bold, professional | Simple palettes, high contrast | Minimal imagery, clear typography |
| Sci-fi | Futuristic, imaginative | Neons, metallics, purples, pinks | Glowing accents, tech-inspired layouts |
If you’re unsure, grab a few existing covers from your genre and look for patterns. The Tips on How to Design Fiction Book Covers guide is also a great place to see how these rules play out in real-world designs.
Write a “visual brief” before you prompt
Before you start typing into the AI book cover generator, just note a few details you don’t want to forget (e.g., main subject or where it’s set). Even a rough note can keep you from going off track. You don’t need to overthink it; even a rough version of this will save you time later. And if you’re working in a genre for the first time, this list helps you keep everything consistent:
Bring your vision to life: generate base artwork with AI
Before we continue, you might want to check out our article on How to Design a Book Cover, which takes you through how to make your design from scratch! Understanding these fundamentals will give you a strong foundation for learning how to create a book cover using AI that looks truly professional.
Got your idea? Good! Now just open an AI book cover generator like ImageGen and see what happens. The first few tries might not turn out the way you want them to, but that’s all part of the process. Change a word here, try a new style there. Sometimes it’s three prompts in, sometimes it’s ten, before you hit something that makes you go “yep, that’s close.” And if it’s still not quite there, no big deal, as you can tidy it up later with tools like ImageEdit.
Choosing your tool
For most genres, an AI book cover maker like Envato ImageGen works really well. It’s good at handling different art styles and gives you enough control to experiment with the overall design.
If you’re creating a children’s book cover, we recommend Envato GraphicsGen instead. It’s better at illustrated hand-drawn looks, which is exactly what you want for a younger audience.
How to create a good prompt
When you’re asking an AI to make an image, start by picturing it in your head first. If you’re too loose with the description, you’ll get something bland. Cram in every single idea at once, and the result can turn out messy. Here’s a basic formula you can use:
Main subject + Setting + Mood or tone + Style keywords + Colour palette
When I create a book cover with AI, I usually keep my prompts simple and cover the basics, but if you’re looking for a more in-depth guide to creating prompts for AI artwork, check out The complete guide to AI art prompts for some inspiration.
What does it all mean?
Now that we know the simple framework, let’s examine the prompts’ elements to understand what each means exactly. The better we understand, the easier it will be to edit our prompts later.
| Element | What it Means | Example (Crime) |
|---|---|---|
| Main subject | The focus of your cover image | Lone detective walking |
| Setting | The location or backdrop | Rain-soaked alleyway |
| Mood | The emotional tone or feeling you want to convey | Suspenseful, tense |
| Style | The artistic approach or look | Cinematic, photorealistic |
| Colours | Key palette or accents (optional) | Muted blues and greys |
Genre inspiration: prompts and styles to try
In this section, we’ll look at a few examples from some popular genres. Each one comes with a prompt for the AI book cover generator, which you can use or tweak to suit your own story. Think of these as starting points and then you can mix elements and swap details to match your vision. Make sure to choose Square or Portrait when generating these images, so that they can be cropped to the right dimensions easily.
Crime covers
Covers in this genre often lean into darker scenes and a feeling that something isn’t right. You might see a backstreet lit by a single sign, a figure moving quickly through the frame, or just an empty place that feels tense. Colors are often limited, and the light tends to be sharp and deliberate, guiding your focus to one part of the image. The idea is to hint at trouble without giving too much away.
Example 1 – Rear-view mirror scene
“Close-up of a cracked rear-view mirror showing intense eyes staring forward, blurred road and police lights behind, cinematic composition with shallow depth of field, cool blue tones with red and pink highlights, dramatic lighting.”
Example 2 – Neon alley chase
“Silhouette of a person running towards the viewer in a rain-soaked alley, neon motel signs glowing blue and pink, cinematic perspective with motion blur, tense atmosphere, high contrast, dark shadows.”
Example 3 – High-speed car scene
“Black sports car speeding through wet city streets at night, headlights and reflections on the road, cinematic action perspective, dynamic motion blur, photorealistic detail, deep blacks with bright reds and cool highlights.”
Horror covers
Horror book covers usually try to make you feel uneasy straight away. It might be something ordinary shown in a way that feels off, a shadow that suggests someone’s there, or a setting you wouldn’t want to step into. For lighting, it often feels strange, with parts of the image hidden in darkness. The aim of the cover is to leave enough mystery for the reader’s imagination to take over.
Example 1 – Doll in the forest
“Cracked porcelain doll lying on fallen autumn leaves, misty forest in the background with shadowy figure barely visible, cinematic composition, shallow depth of field, muted browns and greys with cold blue mist.”
Example 2 – Open doorway
“Silhouette of a person standing in a doorway, light spilling into a run-down hallway with peeling paint, cinematic horror lighting, tense atmosphere, sickly green glow with deep shadows.”
Example 3 – Bathroom scene
“Smiling figure leaning over a blood-stained sink in a small grimy bathroom, cinematic close-up with claustrophobic framing, cracked tiles on the wall, dark teal and green tones with bright red blood accents.”
Children’s book covers
Children’s book covers usually jump out with bright colours and clear, friendly characters. The scenes are kept simple so you can still make sense of them even when the cover is small. Warm tones or pastel shades show up a lot, and the art often has softer lines that feel safe and welcoming. Everything about it is designed to make the book look fun to open and explore.
Example 1 – Bear with boots
“Cute brown bear wearing yellow boots jumping into a puddle, cheerful outdoor scene with trees in the background, storybook illustration style, warm browns and yellows with soft blue water splash.”
Example 2 – Fox and rabbit walk
“Friendly fox and rabbit walking side by side on a forest path, surrounded by flowers and mushrooms, hand-drawn storybook style with soft textures, warm oranges and browns with muted greens.”
Example 3 – Bear on a raft
“Smiling bear wearing a woolly hat, standing on a wooden raft and looking through a telescope, blue water with small island in the background, storybook illustration style, warm browns and reds with soft blues.”
Non-fiction covers
Non-fiction covers are usually simple and clear. Many use one strong image that links to the subject. Colours might be muted for a serious topic or brighter for something modern. The layout is kept tidy so the focus stays on the subject.
Example 1 – Aerial beach view
“Aerial view of a long sandy beach with people walking along the shoreline, coastal city in the background at sunset, warm golden light mixing with cool blue ocean tones, high-detail photography.”
Example 2 – Rock climbing view
“Rock climber scaling a steep cliff, mountain range and winding river in the background, realistic outdoor photography with dramatic perspective, cool blues, greys, and greens with soft atmospheric mist.”
Example 3 – Desert profile double exposure
“Profile of a man blended with a golden desert landscape, winding path leading to a distant city skyline, high-detail double exposure effect, warm golds with deep shadows and soft highlights.”
Sci-fi covers
Sci-fi covers usually grab attention with bold, otherworldly scenes! Could be deep space. Could be a strange machine. Sometimes it’s a city that feels like it’s hundreds of years in the future. Lighting might be cold and sharp or full of colour. Neon accents and glowing effects are common. The point is to make you believe you’re looking at another world.
Example 1 – Astronaut in danger
“Astronaut reaching out in outer space as debris and fire erupt behind, cinematic dynamic action scene, high detail, deep blacks with bright orange and metallic highlights.”
Example 2 – Futuristic corridor
“Empty futuristic corridor inside a spaceship, leading to a glowing hexagonal doorway, cinematic perspective with reflective surfaces, high detail, neon pink and purple lighting with dark metallic tones.”
Example 3 – Space battle
“Fleet of spacecraft engaged in a battle in outer space, explosions and laser fire lighting up the scene, cinematic wide shot, photorealistic detail, deep black space with fiery orange blasts and cool blue engine lights.”
Polish like a pro: edit and refine your AI artwork
When using an AI book cover maker, your images usually won’t be ready to use straight away. Some need cropping. Others have weird shapes or colours that don’t fit. A few have small mistakes you only notice when you zoom in. This stage is just about opening it in Envato ImageEdit and sorting those things out so the picture works for your cover.
Step 1: Upload your image
Head to ImageEdit and click the Upload Image button to choose your image file. It supports common formats like JPG and PNG.
Step 2: Brush over the elements you want to remove
Use the Erase tool to highlight the unwanted elements in the image you want to remove. You can choose from a variety of different brush sizes, but you don’t need to be super precise — all you need to do is make sure the area is covered in green. Zoom in for more control if you need to.
You can also describe what you want to erase in the Edit description box. This can sometimes lead to better results. When you’re finished, hit the Erase button.
You’ll then be given some options to choose from. Select your favourite variation from the bottom and then click on the Keep button.
Step 3: Brush over the elements you want to replace/change
Alternatively, use the Replace tool to highlight the elements you want changed. It works the same way as the Erase tool, so just make sure that the area you want changed is covered in green. Then type in what you want in the Edit Description box. When you’re finished, hit the Replace button.
Then select your favourite variation from the bottom and then click on the Keep button.
Step 4: Generate similar image
Using Generate Similar takes your current image as a reference, keeping the overall composition and then creates a set of new variations with small changes (things like slightly different lighting, colour shifts, alternate angles, or minor object adjustments).
This is handy for when you’re almost happy with an AI image but something’s a little off or if you want to try slightly different variations of the same image. Just hit the Generate button when you’re ready. And then choose the variation you would like to keep by clicking on the Keep button.
Step 5: Crop for a cover
Set a tall portrait crop and make sure to leave some space for the title and author line. When you’re ready, hit the Crop button.
Step 6: Download your edited image
Once you’re happy with the result, just click the green Download button on the top right. And that’s it! Your book cover image is ready for some text.
Make it official: add title and author text
When learning how to create a book cover using AI, the final crucial step is adding the text. Open your cover in your layout tool (Affinity Publisher, Photoshop, or Canva all work fine). Make sure there’s enough space where the title will go. If it feels busy, you can blur or darken that area a bit. Check out our tutorial on How to Design a Book Cover in Affinity Publisher, if you’re unfamiliar with the program.
Pick a font that fits your genre. You can browse Envato for options. Keep the text big enough to read even when the cover is a small thumbnail and position the author name so it’s clear but doesn’t fight the title for attention. When it all feels balanced, export it and check it again at both print size and small digital size.
Crime fonts
Crime covers often use bold, simple fonts that stand out on dark or detailed backgrounds. Sans serif styles are common, sometimes with slight texture to suggest grit or danger. Check out some of these from Envato:
Horror fonts
Horror covers often feature fonts with sharp edges, irregular shapes, or distressed textures to create unease. Or they can feature heavy serif lettering with sharp edges, thick strokes that feel imposing and evoke a feeling of dread.
Children’s book fonts
Children’s book fonts are bold, clear, and fun. Some are round and bouncy, others neat and simple. Colours can also be bright or match the art so the titles feel friendly and easy to read. The aim is to keep the text clear and welcoming for young readers.
Non-fiction fonts
Non-fiction covers often use plain, bold lettering that’s clear at any size. The fonts are tidy and direct, making the title easy to read while matching the serious tone of the subject.
Sci-fi fonts
Sci-fi titles often use bold, modern lettering that feels futuristic. They’re bold and clean and need to stand out against high-tech backdrops. Neon colours also work quite well, especially when going for a retro- futuristic or cyberpunk look.
AI book covers: your top questions answered
What’s the best AI book cover generator for different genres?
It depends on your style. If you want cinematic or photorealistic looks for crime, horror, or sci-fi, then an AI book cover maker like ImageGen is a strong choice. If you’re going for something hand-drawn, colorful, or storybook-inspired, GraphicsGen is better. The trick is matching the right tool to your audience and genre so the final cover feels natural and professional.
Can I use AI art for a book cover?
A common question from authors and designers is, “Can I use AI art for a book cover?” The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to think about first:
- Copyright concerns: Avoid prompts or results that closely copy existing characters, logos, or well-known art styles.
- Originality: Customise or edit the AI output so it feels unique to your book.
- Print quality: Make sure the resolution is high enough for professional printing (300 DPI).
Many publishers have now used AI artwork successfully. The key is to treat it like any other design asset. You need to customise it and edit it make sure that it’s original enough and that it fits the genre.
If you’re creating AI generated book covers and want to present them professionally, head over to Envato. You’ll find thousands of high quality book cover mockup templates to showcase your designs. These are perfect for things like portfolios and presentations.
Can I sell my book with an AI-designed cover?
Yes — but here’s the deal (and no, it’s not scary). If you’re creating with Envato’s AI tools like ImageGen, you can absolutely sell your book commercially. The catch? You need to make the cover design yours.
That means the AI output can’t be left alone. It needs to be part of a bigger, original design — like adding typography, combining it with other graphics, or turning it into a full book cover.
Simply resizing, recoloring, or tweaking in ImageEdit doesn’t count as a “new work.” You’ve got to build on it creatively. The good news? Once you’ve done that, you hold a worldwide, royalty-free license to sell it forever.
What makes an AI book cover look professional?
Professional AI book covers aren’t just about the image — they’re about balance. You need strong typography, thoughtful color choices, and careful editing to make the artwork look cohesive. Use the “visual brief” method: subject + setting + mood + style + colors. That structure helps avoid messy results. Then, refine your AI output until the small details look intentional (weird hands and broken perspective? Fix them before anyone sees it)
Is it better to create a book cover with AI or hire a designer?
Both options work — it comes down to your goals. If you need something fast, affordable, and experimental, an AI book cover generator is amazing for getting ideas on the page. But professional designers bring experience in typography, layout, and branding that AI alone can’t match. A hybrid approach is ideal: generate with AI, then refine with design skills (or collaborate with a designer) to get a polished result that really stands out.
Cover completed! What’s next?
So now that you’re familiar with how to create a book cover using AI, check out the in-depth guide to How to Design a Book Cover in Affinity Publisher. It will take you through all the details and measurements you would need to take your design to print.
When creating a book cover with AI, don’t limit yourself to just the genres showcased in this tutorial! There are so many different styles out there for you to experiment with. For example, our article on How to Design a Vintage Book Cover, focuses on creating a classic, vintage-style book cover for fairy tales. Remember to try combining your AI-generated art with a font style that complements the genre. With practice, you’ll find that perfect balance between the artwork and the typography, giving your book cover the impact it needs to stand out.
