Text, Graphic, or Both? Choosing the Right AI Design Type for Your Tee.
When using the SimplyCreate.ai designer, after you've described your vision in the prompt box, you'll notice an important option: selecting the 'Design Type'. You can choose between Text only, Graphic only, or Both. This choice significantly influences how the AI interprets your prompt and generates your design. Let's break down when to use each type for the best results on your custom T-shirt.
1. Text Only
Choose this if: Your core idea is purely text-based.
This option tells the AI to focus exclusively on rendering the words in your prompt as the design itself. It's perfect for:
- Catchy slogans or phrases ("Coffee First, Talk Later")
- Important names or dates ("Sarah & Tom, Est. 2024")
- Simple messages ("Happy Birthday!")
- Team names or inside jokes
Example Prompt + Type: Prompt: "World's Okayest Brother" + Type: Text only.
The AI will generate these words in a creative font or layout, ready to be printed.
2. Graphic Only
Choose this if: You want a purely visual design without any words generated by the AI.
Select 'Graphic only' when your prompt describes an image, scene, or concept. Even if your prompt *uses words* to describe the image (like "a cat wearing sunglasses"), this setting tells the AI not to include those *words* in the final visual output, focusing instead on creating the picture you described.
Ideal for:
- Illustrations (e.g., "A cartoon astronaut riding a pizza slice through space")
- Abstract patterns (e.g., "Geometric shapes in cool blue tones")
- Logos or symbols (e.g., "Stylized mountain peak")
- Character designs
Example Prompt + Type: Prompt: "A friendly cartoon robot waving hello" + Type: Graphic only.
3. Both (Text + Graphic)
Choose this if: You want the AI to create a design that intentionally combines visual elements *and* text based on your prompt.
This is the most versatile option but requires careful prompting. The AI will attempt to integrate the textual and graphical ideas from your prompt into a single cohesive design.
Use this for:
- Designs incorporating a name or title with an image (e.g., "Captain Dad" with an anchor graphic)
- Event T-shirts with text and theme (e.g., "Smith Family Reunion 2025" with a tree graphic)
- Combining a visual concept with a related phrase
Example Prompt + Type: Prompt: "'Adventure Awaits' text below a mountain range graphic" + Type: Both.
Making the Right Choice
Consider the core of your T-shirt idea. Is it about the words, the picture, or the combination? Selecting the appropriate Design Type helps steer the AI towards generating a result that aligns perfectly with your vision. Don't be afraid to try the same prompt with different types to see what the AI comes up with!