Try prompting an AI to make a clock and see what happens. Start by asking for a “clock” as simply as possible — for example, “Draw an analog clock showing 3:15” — then note how the AI interprets the task and what it produces. Image generators vary in how they handle clocks: some produce neat, legible faces and hands, while others struggle with numbers, proportions, or the relationship between hands and time, producing odd or unreadable results[2][5].
Why that happens is rooted in how these models were trained and how they represent visual details. Modern image generators like Gemini, GPT Image, Z-Image and others are trained on large collections of images and captions; they learn statistical patterns rather than rules about geometry or typography, so tasks that require exact spatial relationships or correct text are error prone[6][7][1].
Try small variations to probe the model’s strengths and weaknesses. Ask for a digital clock with specific digits, then for an analog face with labeled hours, then for a photo-real wristwatch or a stylized clock poster. Some services handle text inside images better than others; models such as Flux, Ideogram, and newer distilled variants emphasize speed and often produce clearer typographic results, but none are perfect with precise numbers or tiny details[5][3][4].
If the first result is wrong or odd, iterate. Change the prompt to add constraints the model can follow: specify “large bold numerals,” “thick black hour hand pointing exactly at 3,” or “high-contrast face with no shadows.” Ask for multiple variations or request that the AI place a ruler or grid in the scene so you can judge alignment. Iteration often improves clarity because it narrows the model’s plausible outputs and increases the chance it will reproduce the intended spatial relationships[3][5].
For experiments that require correctness, compare several generators. Benchmarks and comparisons show notable differences in speed, fidelity, and the ability to reproduce text and small details; for instance, distilled image models like Z-Image-Turbo trade parameter count and latency for faster, often crisper outputs, while larger models can produce richer scenes but may still fail on precise typography or hand placement[1][4]. Use the same prompt across models to see which one best follows instructions about time, numerals, and proportions.
When you need exactness beyond what image generation can reliably provide, combine tools. Generate a visually pleasing base image with an AI, then edit it in a vector or raster editor to correct numeral shapes, hand positions, or alignment. Some image generation platforms offer inpainting or mask-editing features so you can ask the AI to replace or fix specific parts without rebuilding the whole image[6][3].
A few practical prompt tips to improve clock outputs:
– Specify the exact time and whether hour and minute hands should be rounded, tapered, or straight.
– Ask for “no text distortion” or “clear, legible numerals” if you need readable numbers.
– Request high-resolution or vector-style rendering for cleaner edges and better scaling.
– Use comparative prompts: “Create three variations: realistic wristwatch, flat poster clock, and simple analog clock with bold numbers.”
Expect surprising creativity. Some models will reinterpret “make a clock” as a themed illustration, a surreal object, or a clock made of unusual materials. Those creative outputs can be useful if you want concept art rather than a strictly functional clock face. If you need a functional diagram or a schematic that shows correct hand placements, note that current image generators may still require manual correction or the use of specialized graphics tools to achieve precise results[2][6][7].
Sources
https://research.aimultiple.com/text-to-image-generators
https://wondertools.substack.com/p/the-ideogram-guide
https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/image-generation
https://www.bentoml.com/blog/a-guide-to-open-source-image-generation-models
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/image-generation-model-review
https://deepmind.google/models/gemini-image/pro/
https://openai.com/index/new-chatgpt-images-is-here/
