---
title: "What Is Instruction-Based Image Editing? | ImageQuarry"
url: https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/what-is-instruction-based-image-editing/
last_updated: 2026-10-20
---

# What is instruction-based image editing?

Instruction-based image editing means changing an image by writing the change, such as "replace the background with a beach", instead of using editing tools. The model reads the image and the instruction together and returns an edited image.

It differs from classic inpainting, where you paint a mask over the area to change. Google describes defining that area in conversation instead, aiming to leave the rest of the image as it is.

OpenAI's image API supports edits from a prompt and edits guided by a mask, and it notes that masking with its model is prompt-based: the mask is guidance, not an exact boundary.

The trade-off: it is less exact than manual work for fine pixel changes, and areas you did not mention can shift, so compare the result with the original.

ImageQuarry is an instruction-based workspace: create an image, edit it with words, keep refining.

_Sources: Google's developer documentation, Gemini image generation; OpenAI image generation guide (masks); checked October 20, 2026._

Next step: [Can you edit a photo by describing the change in words?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-you-edit-a-photo-by-describing-the-change/)

## Related questions

- [Can you edit a photo by describing the change in words?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-you-edit-a-photo-by-describing-the-change/): Yes. Write the change and the model applies it.
- [What is inpainting?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/what-is-inpainting/): Filling or replacing a chosen area of an image.
- [What is a mask in AI image editing?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/what-is-a-mask-in-ai-image-editing/): A marked area that tells the model where to edit.
- [What is the difference between an AI image generator and an AI image editor?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/ai-image-generator-vs-ai-image-editor/): One makes new images, the other changes existing ones.

Last reviewed 2026-10-20 by ImageQuarry.

## Edit with words

Create an image, describe the next change, and keep refining.