PROMPT GUIDE
Sword and Fantasy Weapon Prompts: Swords, Staffs and Bows
To make a character hold a sword, use holding sword; to carry it on the back, use sword on back. For fantasy weapons, the basic approach is to combine a weapon type tag with a tag for how it is held. This guide covers swords, staffs and bows for all-ages fantasy art.
Last updated: approx. 3 min read
The short answer
The prompt for holding a sword is holding sword, and for carrying it on the back it is sword on back. bow alone tends to become a ribbon, so always write bow (weapon). Weapons are long, so a wider framing such as cowboy shot or full body prevents swords that look broken.
What is the prompt for holding a sword? (holding sword)
A sword is sword, and holding one is holding sword. Danbooru lets you describe how the sword is held in detail: sheathed for a sword in its scabbard, unsheathed for a drawn sword, and planted sword for a sword stuck in the ground. Holding it with both hands tends to keep the hands stable, while swinging it with one hand breaks easily, so start with ready stances or carrying it on the back.
What are the prompts for magic staffs and bows?
A long staff is staff, a short wand is wand, and a bow is bow (weapon). Without (weapon), bow tends to become a ribbon.
How do I make a character with a weapon? (steps)
The basic flow is one weapon, one way of holding it, and a wider framing.
- Choose only one weapon (sword, staff, bow (weapon), etc.)
- Write one way of holding it (holding sword, sword on back, planted sword)
- Match the outfit to the weapon (armor, cape, robe, witch hat, etc.)
- Use cowboy shot or full body as the framing. Weapons are long, so close-ups cut them off and they look broken
- If the sword doubles or breaks, remove duplicate weapon tags and widen the framing
Combinations by character
What if the sword breaks or doubles?
The main causes are a close-up where the sword runs off the frame, or writing the sword tag twice.
Rinka's tips
- For long weapons, a wide framing is the rule. Close-ups cut off the hilt or blade and look unnatural
- bow works more strongly as "ribbon" than as "bow". Always write bow (weapon) for a bow
- If you are worried about hands, carrying the weapon on the back, at the waist or planted in the ground is more stable than holding it
For fantasy characters such as elves, angels and witches: Fantasy Tags Encyclopedia: Races, Body Parts, Gear and Worlds →
For the basics of holding items: Holding Prompts: Holding Objects, Both Hands and Hugging Items →
For magic light and sparkle effects: Effect and Particle Tags Encyclopedia →
For fixing broken hands: How to Fix Bad Hands in AI Art: The Complete Guide →
Copy-paste prompt templates
Just replace the parts in brackets. The first is a swordswoman, the second is a wizard, and the third is an archer.
1girl, solo, [hairstyle], armor, cape, holding sword, unsheathed, serious, standing, field, wind, cowboy shot, masterpiece, best quality1girl, solo, [hairstyle], witch hat, robe, holding staff, magic circle, glowing, smile, night, full body, masterpiece, best quality1girl, solo, [hairstyle], hood, cape, holding bow (weapon), quiver, forest, looking at viewer, cowboy shot, masterpiece, best qualityFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prompt for holding a sword?
Use holding sword. Add unsheathed for a drawn sword or sheathed for one in its scabbard. If hands break, also try sword on back.
When I draw a bow, it becomes a ribbon.
bow is a tag that tends to mean "ribbon". Write bow (weapon) for a bow. Adding hair bow to the negative makes it even more stable.
What are the tags for a magic staff?
A long staff is staff and a short wand is wand. Adding magic circle or glowing gives magical light.
The sword looks broken.
The sword is running off the frame. Widen to cowboy shot or full body so the whole sword fits in the picture.
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