When it comes to generating images with DALL-E 3, creativity knows no bounds. While the platform is well-known for its ability to create intricate and high-quality images in a square format, you might be wondering how to generate pictures in landscape orientation.Â
In this post, we'll guide you through the process of creating beautiful landscape-sized images using DALL-E 3.
Understanding DALL-E 3's Capabilities
DALL-E 3 is the latest iteration of OpenAI's image generation models, designed to transform textual descriptions into vivid images.Â
It has a default setting of generating square images, but with a few tricks, you can tailor it to create landscape-oriented pictures.
Using Aspect Ratio to Guide Image Dimensions
While DALL-E 3 inherently generates images in a square format, understanding and utilizing aspect ratios can significantly influence the output to better suit landscape dimensions.Â
An aspect ratio represents the width's relationship to the height of an image and is usually denoted as two numbers separated by a colon, like 16:9. Here's how you can use aspect ratios to guide DALL-E 3:
When crafting your prompt for DALL-E 3, explicitly include the aspect ratio you desire for your image. For instance: add the following text to your prompt to generate a landscape image aspect ratio 16:9

Example Image Ratio 16:9
By specifying "aspect ratio 16:9," you are guiding DALL-E 3 to generate an image that naturally fits into a widescreen or landscape format.
Popular Aspect Ratios
Below is a list of popular aspect ratios photographers and artists frequently use to create compelling and aesthetically pleasing landscape images.Â
Whether you are capturing a vast mountain range or a serene beach sunset, selecting the appropriate aspect ratio can make all the difference in showcasing the scene's beauty.
Here is a list of popular aspect ratios commonly used for landscape images:
- 16:9: This is a widely used aspect ratio for television and computer monitors. It provides a wide view, making it perfect for landscape images, panoramic shots, and cinematic photography.
- 3:2: Commonly used by DSLR cameras, this aspect ratio is slightly less wide than 16:9. It offers a balanced view that is preferred by many photographers.
- 4:3: Traditionally used in television and computer screens, 4:3 offers a slightly more squared view than 3:2, but it can still be used effectively for landscape images.
- 5:4: This aspect ratio is closer to a square, but it still provides a slightly wider view. It's often used for medium-format photography.
- 7:5: Commonly used in 5x7 prints, this aspect ratio provides a balanced, aesthetically pleasing frame for landscape images.
- 21:9:Â This aspect ratio is known for its ultra-wide panoramic views; this aspect ratio has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the realm of computer monitors and televisions.
- 16:10: Slightly less wide than 16:9, this aspect ratio is commonly used in computer displays and can work well for landscape images that need a little more height.
Remember that the best aspect ratio for your landscape image depends on the composition, the platform on which the image will be displayed, and personal preference.
Experimenting with different aspect ratios can help you find the one that best suits your image and artistic vision.

Example Image Ratio 21:9
"A panoramic landscape of a mountain range during sunset, aspect ratio 21:9"
Tips for Working with Aspect Ratios
Working with aspect ratios is both an art and a science. It requires a good eye for composition and an understanding of the technical aspects.
Here are some expanded tips with examples to help you master the use of aspect ratios in landscape photography and image generation:
Start with Standard Ratios
Example: If you're capturing a scenic sunset over the ocean, a 16:9 aspect ratio can provide a wide view that encompasses the expanse of the water and the sky, creating a captivating and immersive scene.
Be Consistent
Example: When creating a series of images for a photo book or gallery exhibit, maintaining a consistent aspect ratio, such as 3:2, ensures a cohesive look throughout the series, providing a more harmonious and professional presentation.
Test and Iterate
Example: If you're working on a landscape image of a city skyline, you might start with a 16:9 aspect ratio. However, if you find that the buildings appear too spread out, you might experiment with a 4:3 aspect ratio to bring the elements closer together and focus on specific architectural details.
Consider the Display Medium
Example: If the final image is meant to be displayed on a widescreen monitor or TV, using a 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that the image will fill the screen without any black bars on the top or bottom.
Use Guidelines for Composition
Example: When composing a landscape image in a 3:2 aspect ratio, you can use the Rule of Thirds guideline to place the horizon line along the lower or upper third of the frame, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition.
Pay Attention to Cropping
Example: If you need to crop a square image (1:1) to a more panoramic format like 16:9, make sure that key elements of the composition are not cut off, and that the main subject still retains its visual impact.
Understand the Emotional Impact
Example: Wider aspect ratios, such as 2.35:1, can create a dramatic, cinematic feel, making them great for grand, sweeping landscapes. On the other hand, a 4:3 aspect ratio might provide a more intimate, focused view, suitable for a quiet countryside scene.
By following these tips and considering the examples provided, you can more effectively utilize aspect ratios to enhance your landscape images, ensuring they have the desired visual impact and composition.

Example Image Ratio 3:2
"A panoramic landscape of a mountain range during sunset, aspect ratio 3:2"
Navigating the world of aspect ratios might initially seem daunting, but it unlocks a new realm of creative possibilities for your landscape images. By understanding and applying different aspect ratios, you can guide DALL-E 3 to produce images that are not only visually stunning but also tailored to your specific compositional needs.