// ZDNET — INTELLIGENZA ARTIFICIALE
How to create flyers with AI that people won't hate: 8 tips (and prompts) that really work
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
AI flyers are interesting. I personally don't love them, and I can instantly spot one. Too much text. Clashing fonts. Imagery that's meant to look realistic but is somehow off. When one pops up on Facebook, where I see them most often, I usually send it to my husband so we can mourn another person or small business that needs to be freed from the grip of unchecked AI design.
Most people aren't graphic designers. They may lack experience with Photoshop or Illustrator, or even more user-friendly tools such as Canva, and hiring a professional is not always possible or within the budget for events such as a school fundraiser, community gathering, or high school reunion. Naturally, people are turning to AI to whip something up quickly and cheaply.
Also: How to spot an AI image: 6 telltale signs it's fake - and my go-to free detectors
For example, a friend recently shared a flyer for our high school reunion. I thought it looked surprisingly decent, but because I know she doesn't use design tools, I figured it was made by AI. Then I spotted the "AI-generated content" label in the corner.
Still, her flyer gets several things right. The imagery and black-and-green palette are consistent with our school colors and logo; the event is immediately recognizable; and the date and details are accurate. It has classic AI problems, though. It's far too busy with all the shamrocks, there are several competing typefaces, and the information is cramped, with hard-to-read script.
Also: How I bring my child's art to life with ChatGPT, Gemini, and Sora - and you can too
Even so, I don't hate it. It shows how AI has become better at handling text and layouts. I suspect prompting makes all the difference. So, as someone with design experience who also tests AI tools regularly for work, I decided to use AI to make my own flyer. After a bit of trial and error, here are my best tips and prompt suggestions for creating one that doesn't scream AI.
Sorry, but I have to start with my strongest advice: If possible, please talk to a graphic designer.
They truly know what they're doing and often aren't as expensive as people assume. At the very least, consider asking a designer friend for feedback on your initial concept, and offer to buy them coffee or lunch as a thank-you. They may suggest a starting point, review a draft, or identify problems that need to be fixed before you share the flyer everywhere.