How can you use AI to localize images?

With caution.

It’s not a mission impossible, but a playful adventure. A game of subtleties.

It’s a fascinating process, where you combine cultural awareness, with a healthy dose of AI. Localization expertise comes in handy too.

One way to use AI to for image localization is to follow the strategy explained below.

10 key steps

Creating success in a new market requires more than just ambition. It demands a deep understanding of your target markets, consumer preferences, and local regulations. It’s like crafting a recipe; the right ingredients are essential, and each one must be carefully selected.

In my recipe for culturally relevant images, I use the following ingredients:

1. Find the tool that meets your needs

Not all AI image generators are created equal. If you decide to start your AI-based image localization adventure, you’ll need to find your go-to tool. Test several platforms and choose the one that meets your expectations and fits your budget.

2. Know your target audience

Do your research. Before you start playing around with AI image generators, make sure you understand your target audience. This will help you avoid harmful stereotypes and craft visuals that truly matter to your consumers.

3. Define your purpose

Why do you need a localized image? Are you sure your viewers will appreciate the subtle local touch, or maybe they prefer content with an “international flair”?

4. Use descriptive prompts

Be accurate. Avoid generic prompts and don’t ask your tool to create something “typical”. That’s the quickest way to biases. Use simple, natural language and include a reasonable amount of details.

5. Tweak the results

First results are rarely perfect. Chances are, you’ll need to spend some time on fine-tuning your image, by adapting the prompt, playing around with the tool options, or modifying the settings. Remember, however, to set reasonable limits to avoid getting lost in the endless edit loop.

6. Mind the aspect ratio

Make sure your image displays well. That’s especially important if you plan to share your localized images on social media: each platform has specific size requirements that you’ll need to meet to ensure the right format.

7. Cross-compare with other tools

Your go-to tool might not be perfect. Compare your results with visuals generated in other tools to explore other possibilities. The same prompt used on another platform may sometimes create a totally different image.

8. Gather feedback

Bring in cultural experts to your localization process or show your images to people from the culture you’re trying to represent. This is a key step if you’re new to the image localization game.

9. Understand the copyrights

Read the fine print to make sure you can use the generated visuals for commercial purposes. In most cases, if you pay for the tool license, you can use the images without limits.

10. Publish and repeat

If your consumers respond positively, repeat the process to create more stunning visuals for your global audience.

With a creative approach and a healthy dose of AI, you can create images that respect the cultural nuances of your target audience. Such localized images will work better than generic content that speaks to everyone, but in fact, speaks to no one.

How to implement these steps?

If you want to find out how to execute the 10 steps above, have a look at my new e-book: “A quick guide to AI-based image localization”

Click here and 22 pages with +30 image samples and +10 prompt examples will be all yours.

Whether you’re a localization professional, marketer, or simply curious about the latest AI tools, this guide will help you produce culturally attuned visuals—quickly and efficiently.

Grab your copy and start localizing like a pro!

Dorota Pawlak

Dorota helps digital brands infuse their content with a local touch. She is a localization consultant, translator specialized in IT, prompt engineer, and a book author. Dorota teaches online courses on localization, writes for her blog and a Medium publication. She also runs a Small Biz AI, a Substack newsletter for freelancers and small business owners ready to discover handy AI tools.