PROMPT GUIDE

How to Use Quality Tags (masterpiece / best quality)

Quality tags placed at the start of a prompt are a standard technique for raising the overall finish of an image. But adding more of them doesn't keep making things better. Learn what they mean and how well they pair with your model, and use a set that suits it.

Last updated: 2026-07-10 approx. 1 min read

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What are quality tags, and why do they work?

In the training data, highly rated images carried quality-related tags, so writing these tags pulls the output toward the traits of highly rated images (careful coloring, well-formed faces, high detail density). In other words, quality tags are a switch that calls up the model's memory of skillful artwork.

Standard quality tags

Tag	Meaning	Note
`masterpiece`	Masterpiece-level quality	Standard on almost every model
`best quality`	Best quality	Usually paired with masterpiece
`high quality`	High quality	Milder than best quality
`ultra detailed`	Extremely dense detail	Can make the background too busy
`highly detailed`	Dense detail	Gentler than ultra
`absurdres`	Pushes toward very high-resolution images	Effective on Danbooru-based models
`highres`	Pushes toward high-resolution images	A milder version of absurdres
`newest`	Pushes toward recent art styles	Used as a year tag on Illustrious-based models
`very aesthetic`	Pushes toward high aesthetic scores	NovelAI-based and Illustrious-based models
`detailed background`	Draws the background properly	When backgrounds tend to get skipped Details

Example with detailed background: a richly drawn room — masterpiece, best quality, detailed background

Example with simple background: plain backdrop — masterpiece, best quality, detailed background

Illustration usage rules

Recommended quality sets by model

SDXL / Illustrious-based

masterpiece, best quality, very aesthetic, absurdres

Anime models in general (use this if unsure)

masterpiece, best quality, highly detailed

The downside of using too many

The more quality tags you add, the weaker your character and composition tags become in relative terms
Stacking ultra detailed-type tags clutters the background and buries the main subject
On some models, the art style tends to lock into that model's favorite face

Rinka's tips

3-4 quality tags are plenty. Beyond 5, the effects mostly overlap
If the art style feels too locked in, remove quality tags one at a time and compare
If the model's download page has a recommended prompt, following it first is the quickest route

With Illustrious and NoobAI, it's common to put quality tags at the end. For the order table and template: Illustrious and NoobAI Prompt Order →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't use quality tags?

The image won't fall apart, but the care in coloring and linework tends to be less consistent. Especially with anime models, just a few quality tags make a visible difference in how stable the finish is.

Should I use score tags (score_9, etc.)?

Score tags are a syntax specific to Pony-based models. On other models they either have no effect or act as noise, so check your model's recommended prompt before using them.

Do quality tags go in the negative prompt too?

The standard practice is to put low-quality tags such as worst quality and low quality in the negative prompt. See the negative prompt article for details.